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Different Alternative Fuels Of Automobile Except Petrol And Diesel

Different Alternative Fuels Of Automobile Except for Petrol And Diesel

Have you ever thought what are the other fuels which can be used in place of petrol or diesel to run the vehicle? 
An automobile engine can be run by many other fuels. There are many alternatives to petrol and diesel. Here, you will get to know about the best alternatives for petrol and diesel which can be used as a fuel.

Alternative Fuels Of Automobile (Petrol & Diesel)

Currently, there are 4 alternatives to petrol and 1 alternative to diesel. However, all are fuels used to run vehicles. They have unique properties few are clean and green and few are very costlier. They are mentioned below:
  1. Alcohol
  2. CNG - Compressed Natural Gas
  3. LPG - Liquified Petroleum Gas
  4. LNG - Liquified Natural Gas
  5. Biodiesel - It is the only alternative to diesel fuel. Which is rarely used in the industry. Just for testing purposes only.

Alcohol as a petrol alternative

Both ethanol and methanol can be used as petrol fuel alternatives in automobiles. It has a high anti-knock rating. So, it is (especially methanol) used in racing cars.

Advantages

It is safer than petrol in the event of accidental fire. Also, it burns cooler.

Disadvantage

  • Methanol contains half the energy of petrol per liter. 
  • Corrosion of rubber, and aluminum parts, occur at a higher alcohol percentage. 
  • Ethanol is electrically conductive whereas petroleum is like an insulator.

CNG as a petroleum Alternative

CNG - CNG is compressed natural gas. You must be knowing it, as it is the most famous one. It is one of the clean and green fuels available now. It contains methane (95%), propane, butane, and ethane (5%). 

Advantage

  • Very low emission.
  • The exhaust gas is colorless, odorless, and contains no particles. 
  • It requires no additives. 
  • It has very high knock resistance. 
  • Lowest running cost.

Disadvantages

  • The volumetric efficiency is less than the other liquid fuels. 
  • Engine wear and tear are more.
  • Lesser availability.

LPG as a Petroleum Alternative for Automobile

LPG is liquified petroleum gas. It consists of butane propane. It is stored in liquid form inside a special cylinder at a pressure of 100 psi or 700 KPA.

Advantages

  • It has better mixing with air.
  • LPG fuel emits fewer emissions.
  • It is cheaper than petroleum.
  • No carbon deposits.
  • No need for a fuel pump.
  • It has high octane rating.
  • Less engine wear.

Disadvantages

  • The heavy pressure inside the cylinder increases the weight of the vehicle. 
  • Hard to start the vehicle in winter.
  • A special fuel system has to be installed in the vehicle.
  • Less availability.

LNG as a Fuel

LNG is a natural gas and can be used as fuel for automotive vehicles. Basically, it is natural gas stored in liquid form. It is made by refrigerating natural gas at -160°c. It looks like a colorless, odorless liquid.

Advantage

  • It is much denser.
  • CNG so provides better mileage. 
  • Low emission

Disadvantages

  • Low availability.

Biodiesel as a diesel alternative

Biodiesel is the only alternative to standard diesel fuels. It is made from biological sources like animal fat, and plant oils. It is usually mixed with the standard diesel. The most common blend is B20, in which 20% of biodiesel is mixed with 80% of diesel. Pure biodiesel is referred to as B100.

Advantage

  • Lesser Emission
  • It is biodegradable.
  • It assists in the process of lubrication.
  • It is safer and non-toxic.

Disadvantages

Suggestion: Read about Mahindra exuv400, Which is electric and required no fuel to run.
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