5 Types of Alternative Fuels as Replacements for Gasoline

A vehicle cannot move without Engine Fuel or commonly abbreviated as fuel. However, the high usage of fuel in Indonesia has become a major problem as this fuel will eventually run out over time. Therefore, alternative fuels are now emerging as substitutes for gasoline.

1. Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)

Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) is one of the alternative fuels to gasoline. Essentially, this gas is formed from methane that has been stored at very high pressure.

Its cleaner combustion makes CNG claimed to be very suitable as the best alternative fuel. In addition, this gas is also safer to transport and handle.

CNG can also help extend the lifespan of engine oil, as it mixes more easily with air.

Moreover, CNG can produce very low levels of carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides, carbon monoxide, and particulates. Unfortunately, this gas requires more space compared to conventional tanks.

2. Ethanol

The next alternative fuel is ethanol. Looking at its name, ethanol is indeed one of the types of alcohol found in alcoholic beverages. However, the difference is that ethanol has been mixed with gasoline.

However, pure ethanol cannot be used for passenger cars. It is usually used for trucks, motorcycles, agricultural machines, and mopeds.

Its energy comes from the natural fermentation process of sugar that occurs in plants using yeast, followed by distillation and drying. Because gasoline mixed with ethanol can oxidize the fuel, it makes it burn more, effectively, and reduces emissions. If these emissions can be minimized, environmental pollution will not occur.

3. Synthetic Gasoline

Synthetic gasoline or synthetic fuel is no longer a new thing, as it has been produced for over 100 years, specifically since 1919. This alternative fuel was also used for war machines during World War II. What makes it special is that it is made from carbon dioxide gas at high temperatures and then converted into liquid fuel through an electrical process.

When its production uses electricity from the latest sources, its prospects will be very promising. Although this technology has started to be used to make gasoline and diesel, unfortunately, it can only produce fuel in small quantities. The results are not proportional to the very long process and the relatively high costs involved.

4. Biomass Methane

Biomass methane is the next alternative fuel that can be found around oil sources. It can also be obtained from the fermentation of biomass such as food waste processing, garbage, sewage sludge, and coffee or tea grounds.

However, the quantity of methane produced is not large enough, so its use is limited to household heater fuel.

5. Hydrogen

Did you know that cars can now run with the help of hydrogen? It is included in the chemical elements that are highly flammable. Moreover, if its combustion uses an internal combustion engine.

When this alternative fuel is mixed with air, it produces better combustion and can improve engine efficiency.

Fuel is one of the most important needs among other basic necessities. Why is that? Because without fuel, people cannot travel comfortably using vehicles.