The growing environmental awareness and the constant efforts of the authorities in the fight against environmental pollution make us think about alternative types of fuel for our cars. Whether you’re looking for an environmentally friendly solution or want to save on fuel costs, alternatives such as ethanol (E85), biodiesel and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) may be options for you. However, before choosing, you should understand their advantages and disadvantages.
Ethanol (E85):
Advantages:
Environmental cleanliness: Ethanol reduces CO2 emissions compared to gasoline.
Use of waste: Can be made from agricultural waste, helping to reduce dependence on oil.
Improves octane rating: This can have a positive effect on engine performance.
Disadvantages:
Increased fuel consumption: Ethanol has a lower energy density than gasoline, which can lead to increased fuel use.
Not all cars are suitable: Some cars need modifications or special equipment to run on E85.
Insufficient infrastructure: The infrastructure for supplying E85 is not as developed as for regular gasoline.
Biodiesel:
Advantages:
Reduced emissions: Biodiesel helps reduce emissions of harmful gases such as SOx and PM.
Use of secondary resources: Can be made from used vegetable oils or animal fats.
Compatibility with diesel: Can be mixed with petroleum diesel fuel.
Disadvantages:
Problems in cold conditions: Biodiesel can freeze at low temperatures.
Lower energy density: This can lead to increased fuel consumption.
Impact on food prices: Biodiesel production may compete with food crops.
Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG):
Advantages:
Environmental efficiency: Has lower emissions of CO2 and other harmful gases compared to gasoline or diesel.
Economy: Usually cheaper compared to other types of fuel.
Noise reduction: Cars that run on LPG have less noise and no smoke.
Disadvantages:
Special Equipment Required: Special tanks and equipment are required to convert petroleum gas into a liquid state.
Limited infrastructure: The infrastructure for refueling LPG is not as widespread as for petrol or diesel.
Lower energy density: This can affect the range of trips on a single fill-up.
Each of these alternative types of fuel has its advantages and disadvantages. The right choice depends on your needs, climatic conditions, technical characteristics of your car and environmental requirements. Before making a decision, carefully weigh all the pros and cons,