Fuels – different fuel types (driving licence theory)

Petrol

• Petrol is the most common fuel used in cars today.
• It is a fossil fuel that contributes to the greenhouse effect and climate change.
• The petrol sold in Sweden is of environmental class 1, which contains less harmful substances.
• The octane rating indicates the flammability of the petrol. In Sweden, you can buy petrol with the octane ratings 95, 98 and 99. 95 octane petrol is recommended for most cars.

Diesel

• Is a fossil fuel that contributes to the greenhouse effect and climate change.
• The only diesel sold in Sweden is of environmental class 1, which contains less harmful substances.
• Diesel vehicles generally produce more dangerous particles than petrol.

The emissions of a diesel engine compared to a petrol engine with a catalytic converter

• 2–3 times more hydrocarbons.
• 10–15 times more particles.
• Higher nitric oxide levels.

A diesel car with a particle filter and a high environmental classification emits a significantly smaller amount of harmful particles.

Alternative fuels

There are two great downsides to fossil fuels:

• They harm the environment.
• They are running out.

For this reason, new fuels are needed to replace petrol and diesel. The ideal situation would be a fuel that is environmentally friendly, cheap and possible to produce in great volumes. There are currently several alternative fuels, but no clear “winner” that can take over.

Electricity

Electric cars have been on the rise in the early 2010s. They do not release any harmful substances, and the engine noise is more or less non-existent. Electricity is also significantly cheaper than petrol.

The downside of electric cars today is partly the price, and partly that they have a shorter range than the corresponding model of petrol car. Another factor is that the electric car is only as clean as its energy source. If the electricity is produced by hydro power, it is clean. If it comes from coal, however, then it is not good for the environment.

Ethanol (E85)

Ethanol is a type of alcohol that is extracted from plants such as wheat and sugar cane (renewable sources). The shift from petrol to ethanol is relatively minor (similar technology is used).

Ethanol is better for the environment than the fossil fuels, but there are a few problems. The process of manufacturing ethanol is not environmentally friendly and when it is made with wheat, it means that crops which could be used for food are used as fuel instead. Another downside is that the fuel cost is often the same as for petrol.

Natural gas

The type of gas most commonly used for vehicles is CNG, which is made either of fossil or organic fuel. How environmentally friendly the gas is depends on its source.

Hybrid

Hybrid cars have two different energy systems. This is often both environmentally friendly and practical. If, for example, the hybrid car has an electrical engine and a petrol engine, the electric engine can be used for shorter distances in built-up areas. When a longer range and more power is required, the petrol engine takes over.

Environmental classifications

All new cars that are sold within the EU have to fulfil certain environmental requirements. For private cars, the following classifications apply:

• The Euro norm – common environmental classification for the EU. Is followed by a number. The requirements in Euro 5 are more lenient than those of Euro 6, for example.
• Environmental class Electric – cars running on electricity only.
• Environmental class Hybrid – combination of electric and combustion engine.

Last updated 2018-03-17.