Fueling Internal Combustion Engines
![Hamilton Street Railway bus in downtown Hamilton, Ontario © Adam E. Moreira [CC BY-SA 3.0], Wikimedia Commons](/sites/default/files/2019-08/Hamilton%20Street%20Railway%20bus%20in%20downtown%20Hamilton%2C%20Ontario%20%C2%A9%20Adam%20E.%20Moreira.jpg)
Hamilton Street Railway bus in downtown Hamilton, Ontario (Adam E. Moreira [CC BY-SA 3.0], Wikimedia Commons)
Hamilton Street Railway bus in downtown Hamilton, Ontario (Adam E. Moreira [CC BY-SA 3.0], Wikimedia Commons)
How does this align with my curriculum?
Learn about the wide variety of fuels used in vehicles.
How many forms of transportation can you name? Probably quite a few!
Different forms of transportation need different kinds of fuel for their engines. Fuel is a material that stores potential energy . Most fuels store potential energy in the bonds between their molecules. We call this chemical potential energy.
So how does chemical potential energy become energy that can power an engine? Usually, through a chemical reaction we call combustion.
Combustion is when fuel reacts with oxygen to produce heat. Chemical reactions that produce heat we call exothermic reactions. Most vehicles use an engine to convert heat energy into mechanical energy. Mechanical energy gets transferred to the vehicle’s moving parts, like wheels or propellers. When parts are moving they have a type of energy we call kinetic energy.
Most fuels are hydrocarbons, or a mix of hydrocarbons. Hydrocarbons are molecules that are made only of hydrogen and carbon. When hydrocarbons react with oxygen, they produce carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O).
Fuels can be solids, liquids or gases.
- Wood and coal are examples of solid fuels.
- Gasoline, diesel and ethanol are examples of liquid fuels.
- Propane, natural gas and hydrogen are examples of gaseous fuels.
Fuels can be solids, liquids or gases (©2019 Let’s Talk Science).
Image - Text Version
Shown is a colour infographic about the form of fuels.
At the top, against a white background, is the title text "Fuels can be solids, liquids or gases".
In the centre of the image are three coloured rectangles of equal size and shape. They are green, glue and yellow. Below the green rectangle is the word “SOLIDS” in a chunky font. Below the blue rectangle is the word “Liquids” in a script-like font. Below the yellow rectangle is the word “Gases” in a narrow font.
On the green rectangle, at the upper left, is a simple drawing of two logs of wood. Below this is the word "Wood". At the lower right is a simple drawing of a grey, two-wheeled cart containing two lumpy black objects. To the left of this is the word “Coal”.
On the blue rectangle are three simple drawings of fuel pumps like at a gas station. The pump on the left is mainly grey. Below this pump is the word “Gasoline”. The pump in the centre is a lighter red on the left and darker red on the right. Below this pump is the word “Diesel”. The pump on the right is brown. It has a green leaf on it. Below this pump is the word “Ethanol”.
On the left side of the yellow rectangle is a simple drawing of a cylindrical-shaped grey tank. Below this is the word “Propane”. Beside this is a grey gas burner with orange flames above it. Below is the phrase “Natural Gas”.
In the past, coal and wood were used to heat water and create steam. Steam engines turned wheels and propellers in cars, trains and ships.
Today, most vehicles use liquid and gaseous fuels. There are two main types:
- Petroleum-based fuels
- Biofuels
Let’s look at these fuels in more detail.
Fossil Fuels
Petroleum-based fuels are also called fossil fuels. The word petroleum can mean either unprocessed crude oil, or products made from refined crude oil. Gasoline, diesel, aviation gasoline, aviation jet fuel and marine fuel oil all come from petroleum. Natural gas and propane are also fossil fuels. They are gaseous petroleum-based fuels. Typically, propane gas is stored in liquid form.
Gasoline is the most common type of vehicle fuel. In some countries, people call it “petrol”. Gasoline is a clear, flammable liquid. It is a blend of hydrocarbons made by refining crude oil. Gasoline in Canada also contains a small amount of ethanol, which is a biofuel.
Did you know?
Mogas is made up of hydrocarbon chains that have 7-11 carbon atoms.
Gasoline engines are spark-ignition engines. They use spark plugs to trigger the combustion reaction between the fuel and air.
Gasoline is used to fuel cars, trucks, vans, SUVs, boats, snowmobiles, scooters and motorcycles.
Automotive Gasoline (Mogas)
Gasoline is the most common type of vehicle fuel. In some countries, people call it “petrol”. Gasoline is a clear, flammable liquid. It is a blend of hydrocarbons made by refining crude oil. Gasoline in Canada also contains a small amount of ethanol, which is a biofuel.
Did you know?
Mogas is made up of hydrocarbon chains that have 7-11 carbon atoms.
Gasoline engines are spark-ignition engines. They use spark plugs to trigger the combustion reaction between the fuel and air.
Gasoline is used to fuel cars, trucks, vans, SUVs, boats, snowmobiles, scooters and motorcycles.
Diesel is the second most common type of vehicle fuel. Like gasoline, diesel is a liquid hydrocarbon refined from crude oil.
Did you know?
Diesel is made up of hydrocarbon chains that have 15-18 carbon atoms.
Diesel engines are named after the German inventor Rudolf Diesel. They use compressed air instead of spark plugs to ignite the fuel. We call these compression-ignition engines. Diesel fuel is used in cars, trucks, vans, SUVs, buses, trains, boats and ferries.
Petroleum Diesel (Diesel, Petrodiesel)
Diesel is the second most common type of vehicle fuel. Like gasoline, diesel is a liquid hydrocarbon refined from crude oil.
Did you know?
Diesel is made up of hydrocarbon chains that have 15-18 carbon atoms.
Diesel engines are named after the German inventor Rudolf Diesel. They use compressed air instead of spark plugs to ignite the fuel. We call these compression-ignition engines. Diesel fuel is used in cars, trucks, vans, SUVs, buses, trains, boats and ferries.
Small aircraft being refuelled with avgas (Source: Ahunt [public domain] via Wikimedia Commons).
Image - Text Version
Shown is a colour photograph of a person refuelling a small aircraft
The front of the aircraft including the open cockpit and one wing are visible.The aircraft is mainly silver in colour. The wing tip is painted red and there is a blue circle with a white interior and a red maple leaf painted on the wing.
A young adult is holding a nozzle that is inserted into the aircraft wing. The nozzle is connected to a long black hose that trails off to the bottom left of the image. The person is wearing a blue t-shirt and jeans. The aircraft is sitting on a concrete surface. Ahead and to the left of the aircraft are two short gasoline pumps. Beyond the pumps is a field of green grass, a road and a line of trees.
Did you know?
Avgas is made of hydrocarbon chains that have 4-12 carbon atoms.
Manufacturers often add dye to avgas. This makes the fuel easy to see if there’s a spill. Avgas is used in small, private planes and vintage aircraft with piston engines. Like many cars, these aircraft are powered by spark-ignition engines.
Aviation Gasoline (Avgas)
Small aircraft being refuelled with avgas (Source: Ahunt [public domain] via Wikimedia Commons).
Image - Text Version
Shown is a colour photograph of a person refuelling a small aircraft
The front of the aircraft including the open cockpit and one wing are visible.The aircraft is mainly silver in colour. The wing tip is painted red and there is a blue circle with a white interior and a red maple leaf painted on the wing.
A young adult is holding a nozzle that is inserted into the aircraft wing. The nozzle is connected to a long black hose that trails off to the bottom left of the image. The person is wearing a blue t-shirt and jeans. The aircraft is sitting on a concrete surface. Ahead and to the left of the aircraft are two short gasoline pumps. Beyond the pumps is a field of green grass, a road and a line of trees.
Did you know?
Avgas is made of hydrocarbon chains that have 4-12 carbon atoms.
Manufacturers often add dye to avgas. This makes the fuel easy to see if there’s a spill. Avgas is used in small, private planes and vintage aircraft with piston engines. Like many cars, these aircraft are powered by spark-ignition engines.
Jet Engine, How it works? (2015) by Lesics (5:20 min.)
There are two types of aviation jet fuel:
- Unleaded kerosene (Jet A, JP-5, JP-8)
- Blended naphtha-kerosene (Jet B, JP-4)
Both of these contain short hydrocarbons refined from crude oil. Short hydrocarbons have 12-16 carbon atoms. However, the second type is only used in very cold temperatures.
Researchers are working on developing plant-based jet biofuel. It would be made from sources like algae and Camelina.
Turboprop aircraft, jet aircraft, and helicopters all use aviation jet fuel.
Aviation Jet Fuel (Aviation Turbine Fuel)
Jet Engine, How it works? (2015) by Lesics (5:20 min.)
There are two types of aviation jet fuel:
- Unleaded kerosene (Jet A, JP-5, JP-8)
- Blended naphtha-kerosene (Jet B, JP-4)
Both of these contain short hydrocarbons refined from crude oil. Short hydrocarbons have 12-16 carbon atoms. However, the second type is only used in very cold temperatures.
Researchers are working on developing plant-based jet biofuel. It would be made from sources like algae and Camelina.
Turboprop aircraft, jet aircraft, and helicopters all use aviation jet fuel.
Heavy fuel oil is a thick, dark liquid made up of long hydrocarbon chains. It can be used to make two types of fuel. Distillate fuel is made of hydrocarbons that get boiled and condensed during fractional distillation. Residual fuel is made of hydrocarbons that are too heavy to be distilled. Residual fuel is very thick. At least some distillate fuel must be added to it to lower its viscosity so that it can flow.
A sample of bunker fuel. Notice how thick and black it is (Source: Glasbruch2007 [CC BY-SA 3.0] via Wikimedia Commons).
Image - Text Version
Shown is a colour photograph of bunker fuel being poured into a glass jar.
The jar is slightly wider at the base than at its mouth. It is sitting on a brown table. A thick, black liquid fills the bottom third of the jar. More of the same thick black liquid pours down from the mouth of the jar.
Heavy Fuel Oil (Bunker Fuel)
Heavy fuel oil is a thick, dark liquid made up of long hydrocarbon chains. It can be used to make two types of fuel. Distillate fuel is made of hydrocarbons that get boiled and condensed during fractional distillation. Residual fuel is made of hydrocarbons that are too heavy to be distilled. Residual fuel is very thick. At least some distillate fuel must be added to it to lower its viscosity so that it can flow.
A sample of bunker fuel. Notice how thick and black it is (Source: Glasbruch2007 [CC BY-SA 3.0] via Wikimedia Commons).
Image - Text Version
Shown is a colour photograph of bunker fuel being poured into a glass jar.
The jar is slightly wider at the base than at its mouth. It is sitting on a brown table. A thick, black liquid fills the bottom third of the jar. More of the same thick black liquid pours down from the mouth of the jar.
Natural gas is a naturally occurring mixture of hydrocarbons. It’s found in underground deposits called natural gas fields. It’s also found near oil fields.
Did you know?
Natural gas mostly consists of methane (CH4). Methane is a hydrocarbon with one carbon atom and four hydrogen atoms.
Cylinders of CNG on a transport truck (Source: Tramino via iStockphoto).
Image - Text Version
Shown is a colour photograph of CNG tanks on a transport truck chassis.
Three CNG tanks take up most of the image. The tanks are shiny and red in colour. They lie side by side on the frame, or chassis, of the truck. Grey metal straps secure the tanks to the chassis. The chassis is also a grey metal colour. In the lower right, the ends of the tanks are connected to winding metal tubes that join and connect to a tap.
Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)
Natural gas is a naturally occurring mixture of hydrocarbons. It’s found in underground deposits called natural gas fields. It’s also found near oil fields.
Did you know?
Natural gas mostly consists of methane (CH4). Methane is a hydrocarbon with one carbon atom and four hydrogen atoms.
Cylinders of CNG on a transport truck (Source: Tramino via iStockphoto).
Image - Text Version
Shown is a colour photograph of CNG tanks on a transport truck chassis.
Three CNG tanks take up most of the image. The tanks are shiny and red in colour. They lie side by side on the frame, or chassis, of the truck. Grey metal straps secure the tanks to the chassis. The chassis is also a grey metal colour. In the lower right, the ends of the tanks are connected to winding metal tubes that join and connect to a tap.
Propane is a short gaseous hydrocarbon (C3H8). It is a by-product of natural gas processing and crude oil refining. When stored under pressure in a tank, propane turns into a colourless, odourless liquid.
Did you know?
For safety reasons, a bad-smelling additive is put into propane. Otherwise, you wouldn’t be able to smell a leak!
When the pressure is released, liquid propane changes back into a gas. Like gasoline engines, propane engines use a spark to ignite the fuel.
A truck carrying propane (Source: kozmoat98 via iStockphoto).
Image - Text Version
Shown is a colour photograph of a truck carrying propane.
The truck takes up most of the image. It is driving on a paved road with gravel shoulders. The sky beyond the truck is clear and blue. The truck cab and propane tank are both white. The tank is large and extends the length of the truck bed. At the back of the truck is a rectangular metal panel. It is painted white and displays the word “FLAMMABLE” in large red lettering. Around the edges of the panel are circular red reflectors and red reflective tape.
Propane (Liquified Natural Gas, Auto Propane)
Propane is a short gaseous hydrocarbon (C3H8). It is a by-product of natural gas processing and crude oil refining. When stored under pressure in a tank, propane turns into a colourless, odourless liquid.
Did you know?
For safety reasons, a bad-smelling additive is put into propane. Otherwise, you wouldn’t be able to smell a leak!
When the pressure is released, liquid propane changes back into a gas. Like gasoline engines, propane engines use a spark to ignite the fuel.
A truck carrying propane (Source: kozmoat98 via iStockphoto).
Image - Text Version
Shown is a colour photograph of a truck carrying propane.
The truck takes up most of the image. It is driving on a paved road with gravel shoulders. The sky beyond the truck is clear and blue. The truck cab and propane tank are both white. The tank is large and extends the length of the truck bed. At the back of the truck is a rectangular metal panel. It is painted white and displays the word “FLAMMABLE” in large red lettering. Around the edges of the panel are circular red reflectors and red reflective tape.
Gasoline is the most common type of vehicle fuel. In some countries, people call it “petrol”. Gasoline is a clear, flammable liquid. It is a blend of hydrocarbons made by refining crude oil. Gasoline in Canada also contains a small amount of ethanol, which is a biofuel.
Did you know?
Mogas is made up of hydrocarbon chains that have 7-11 carbon atoms.
Gasoline engines are spark-ignition engines. They use spark plugs to trigger the combustion reaction between the fuel and air.
Gasoline is used to fuel cars, trucks, vans, SUVs, boats, snowmobiles, scooters and motorcycles.
Automotive Gasoline (Mogas)
Gasoline is the most common type of vehicle fuel. In some countries, people call it “petrol”. Gasoline is a clear, flammable liquid. It is a blend of hydrocarbons made by refining crude oil. Gasoline in Canada also contains a small amount of ethanol, which is a biofuel.
Did you know?
Mogas is made up of hydrocarbon chains that have 7-11 carbon atoms.
Gasoline engines are spark-ignition engines. They use spark plugs to trigger the combustion reaction between the fuel and air.
Gasoline is used to fuel cars, trucks, vans, SUVs, boats, snowmobiles, scooters and motorcycles.
Diesel is the second most common type of vehicle fuel. Like gasoline, diesel is a liquid hydrocarbon refined from crude oil.
Did you know?
Diesel is made up of hydrocarbon chains that have 15-18 carbon atoms.
Diesel engines are named after the German inventor Rudolf Diesel. They use compressed air instead of spark plugs to ignite the fuel. We call these compression-ignition engines. Diesel fuel is used in cars, trucks, vans, SUVs, buses, trains, boats and ferries.
Petroleum Diesel (Diesel, Petrodiesel)
Diesel is the second most common type of vehicle fuel. Like gasoline, diesel is a liquid hydrocarbon refined from crude oil.
Did you know?
Diesel is made up of hydrocarbon chains that have 15-18 carbon atoms.
Diesel engines are named after the German inventor Rudolf Diesel. They use compressed air instead of spark plugs to ignite the fuel. We call these compression-ignition engines. Diesel fuel is used in cars, trucks, vans, SUVs, buses, trains, boats and ferries.
Small aircraft being refuelled with avgas (Source: Ahunt [public domain] via Wikimedia Commons).
Image - Text Version
Shown is a colour photograph of a person refuelling a small aircraft
The front of the aircraft including the open cockpit and one wing are visible.The aircraft is mainly silver in colour. The wing tip is painted red and there is a blue circle with a white interior and a red maple leaf painted on the wing.
A young adult is holding a nozzle that is inserted into the aircraft wing. The nozzle is connected to a long black hose that trails off to the bottom left of the image. The person is wearing a blue t-shirt and jeans. The aircraft is sitting on a concrete surface. Ahead and to the left of the aircraft are two short gasoline pumps. Beyond the pumps is a field of green grass, a road and a line of trees.
Did you know?
Avgas is made of hydrocarbon chains that have 4-12 carbon atoms.
Manufacturers often add dye to avgas. This makes the fuel easy to see if there’s a spill. Avgas is used in small, private planes and vintage aircraft with piston engines. Like many cars, these aircraft are powered by spark-ignition engines.
Aviation Gasoline (Avgas)
Small aircraft being refuelled with avgas (Source: Ahunt [public domain] via Wikimedia Commons).
Image - Text Version
Shown is a colour photograph of a person refuelling a small aircraft
The front of the aircraft including the open cockpit and one wing are visible.The aircraft is mainly silver in colour. The wing tip is painted red and there is a blue circle with a white interior and a red maple leaf painted on the wing.
A young adult is holding a nozzle that is inserted into the aircraft wing. The nozzle is connected to a long black hose that trails off to the bottom left of the image. The person is wearing a blue t-shirt and jeans. The aircraft is sitting on a concrete surface. Ahead and to the left of the aircraft are two short gasoline pumps. Beyond the pumps is a field of green grass, a road and a line of trees.
Did you know?
Avgas is made of hydrocarbon chains that have 4-12 carbon atoms.
Manufacturers often add dye to avgas. This makes the fuel easy to see if there’s a spill. Avgas is used in small, private planes and vintage aircraft with piston engines. Like many cars, these aircraft are powered by spark-ignition engines.
Jet Engine, How it works? (2015) by Lesics (5:20 min.)
There are two types of aviation jet fuel:
- Unleaded kerosene (Jet A, JP-5, JP-8)
- Blended naphtha-kerosene (Jet B, JP-4)
Both of these contain short hydrocarbons refined from crude oil. Short hydrocarbons have 12-16 carbon atoms. However, the second type is only used in very cold temperatures.
Researchers are working on developing plant-based jet biofuel. It would be made from sources like algae and Camelina.
Turboprop aircraft, jet aircraft, and helicopters all use aviation jet fuel.
Aviation Jet Fuel (Aviation Turbine Fuel)
Jet Engine, How it works? (2015) by Lesics (5:20 min.)
There are two types of aviation jet fuel:
- Unleaded kerosene (Jet A, JP-5, JP-8)
- Blended naphtha-kerosene (Jet B, JP-4)
Both of these contain short hydrocarbons refined from crude oil. Short hydrocarbons have 12-16 carbon atoms. However, the second type is only used in very cold temperatures.
Researchers are working on developing plant-based jet biofuel. It would be made from sources like algae and Camelina.
Turboprop aircraft, jet aircraft, and helicopters all use aviation jet fuel.
Heavy fuel oil is a thick, dark liquid made up of long hydrocarbon chains. It can be used to make two types of fuel. Distillate fuel is made of hydrocarbons that get boiled and condensed during fractional distillation. Residual fuel is made of hydrocarbons that are too heavy to be distilled. Residual fuel is very thick. At least some distillate fuel must be added to it to lower its viscosity so that it can flow.
A sample of bunker fuel. Notice how thick and black it is (Source: Glasbruch2007 [CC BY-SA 3.0] via Wikimedia Commons).
Image - Text Version
Shown is a colour photograph of bunker fuel being poured into a glass jar.
The jar is slightly wider at the base than at its mouth. It is sitting on a brown table. A thick, black liquid fills the bottom third of the jar. More of the same thick black liquid pours down from the mouth of the jar.
Heavy Fuel Oil (Bunker Fuel)
Heavy fuel oil is a thick, dark liquid made up of long hydrocarbon chains. It can be used to make two types of fuel. Distillate fuel is made of hydrocarbons that get boiled and condensed during fractional distillation. Residual fuel is made of hydrocarbons that are too heavy to be distilled. Residual fuel is very thick. At least some distillate fuel must be added to it to lower its viscosity so that it can flow.
A sample of bunker fuel. Notice how thick and black it is (Source: Glasbruch2007 [CC BY-SA 3.0] via Wikimedia Commons).
Image - Text Version
Shown is a colour photograph of bunker fuel being poured into a glass jar.
The jar is slightly wider at the base than at its mouth. It is sitting on a brown table. A thick, black liquid fills the bottom third of the jar. More of the same thick black liquid pours down from the mouth of the jar.
Natural gas is a naturally occurring mixture of hydrocarbons. It’s found in underground deposits called natural gas fields. It’s also found near oil fields.
Did you know?
Natural gas mostly consists of methane (CH4). Methane is a hydrocarbon with one carbon atom and four hydrogen atoms.
Cylinders of CNG on a transport truck (Source: Tramino via iStockphoto).
Image - Text Version
Shown is a colour photograph of CNG tanks on a transport truck chassis.
Three CNG tanks take up most of the image. The tanks are shiny and red in colour. They lie side by side on the frame, or chassis, of the truck. Grey metal straps secure the tanks to the chassis. The chassis is also a grey metal colour. In the lower right, the ends of the tanks are connected to winding metal tubes that join and connect to a tap.
Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)
Natural gas is a naturally occurring mixture of hydrocarbons. It’s found in underground deposits called natural gas fields. It’s also found near oil fields.
Did you know?
Natural gas mostly consists of methane (CH4). Methane is a hydrocarbon with one carbon atom and four hydrogen atoms.
Cylinders of CNG on a transport truck (Source: Tramino via iStockphoto).
Image - Text Version
Shown is a colour photograph of CNG tanks on a transport truck chassis.
Three CNG tanks take up most of the image. The tanks are shiny and red in colour. They lie side by side on the frame, or chassis, of the truck. Grey metal straps secure the tanks to the chassis. The chassis is also a grey metal colour. In the lower right, the ends of the tanks are connected to winding metal tubes that join and connect to a tap.
Propane is a short gaseous hydrocarbon (C3H8). It is a by-product of natural gas processing and crude oil refining. When stored under pressure in a tank, propane turns into a colourless, odourless liquid.
Did you know?
For safety reasons, a bad-smelling additive is put into propane. Otherwise, you wouldn’t be able to smell a leak!
When the pressure is released, liquid propane changes back into a gas. Like gasoline engines, propane engines use a spark to ignite the fuel.
A truck carrying propane (Source: kozmoat98 via iStockphoto).
Image - Text Version
Shown is a colour photograph of a truck carrying propane.
The truck takes up most of the image. It is driving on a paved road with gravel shoulders. The sky beyond the truck is clear and blue. The truck cab and propane tank are both white. The tank is large and extends the length of the truck bed. At the back of the truck is a rectangular metal panel. It is painted white and displays the word “FLAMMABLE” in large red lettering. Around the edges of the panel are circular red reflectors and red reflective tape.
Propane (Liquified Natural Gas, Auto Propane)
Propane is a short gaseous hydrocarbon (C3H8). It is a by-product of natural gas processing and crude oil refining. When stored under pressure in a tank, propane turns into a colourless, odourless liquid.
Did you know?
For safety reasons, a bad-smelling additive is put into propane. Otherwise, you wouldn’t be able to smell a leak!
When the pressure is released, liquid propane changes back into a gas. Like gasoline engines, propane engines use a spark to ignite the fuel.
A truck carrying propane (Source: kozmoat98 via iStockphoto).
Image - Text Version
Shown is a colour photograph of a truck carrying propane.
The truck takes up most of the image. It is driving on a paved road with gravel shoulders. The sky beyond the truck is clear and blue. The truck cab and propane tank are both white. The tank is large and extends the length of the truck bed. At the back of the truck is a rectangular metal panel. It is painted white and displays the word “FLAMMABLE” in large red lettering. Around the edges of the panel are circular red reflectors and red reflective tape.
BIOFUELS
Ethanol is a biofuel. It is a type of fuel made from plants.
Did you know?
Ethanol is an alcohol that contains two carbon atoms, six hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom (C2H5OH).
In Canada, ethanol is made mainly from corn and wheat. Researchers are also looking at using cellulose from plant waste. Ethanol and other alcohols are often added to gasoline. Burning alcohol produces less carbon monoxide (CO) and soot (solid carbon) than burning gasoline.
Since 2010, gasoline sold in Canada must have an average of 5% renewable content. This normally comes in the form of ethanol.
All gasoline vehicles made since the early 1980s can use gasoline that contains some ethanol. Today, all major vehicle makers allow the use of gasoline with up to 10% ethanol. Gasoline that contains 5% ethanol is called E5. Gasoline that contains 10% ethanol is called E10. Flex Fuel Vehicles (FFVs) can run on any combination of gasoline and ethanol up to 85% ethanol (E85).
Ethanol
Ethanol is a biofuel. It is a type of fuel made from plants.
Did you know?
Ethanol is an alcohol that contains two carbon atoms, six hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom (C2H5OH).
In Canada, ethanol is made mainly from corn and wheat. Researchers are also looking at using cellulose from plant waste. Ethanol and other alcohols are often added to gasoline. Burning alcohol produces less carbon monoxide (CO) and soot (solid carbon) than burning gasoline.
Since 2010, gasoline sold in Canada must have an average of 5% renewable content. This normally comes in the form of ethanol.
All gasoline vehicles made since the early 1980s can use gasoline that contains some ethanol. Today, all major vehicle makers allow the use of gasoline with up to 10% ethanol. Gasoline that contains 5% ethanol is called E5. Gasoline that contains 10% ethanol is called E10. Flex Fuel Vehicles (FFVs) can run on any combination of gasoline and ethanol up to 85% ethanol (E85).
Biodiesel is another biofuel. It’s a type of diesel fuel made through a chemical reaction between fat and alcohol. The fat can come from either plants or animals.
Did you know?
Biodiesel is made up of esters with 8-20 carbon atoms.
B100 made from soybeans (Source: Leandro Maranghetti Lourenço [CC BY-SA 3.0] via Wikimedia Commons).
Image - Text Version
Shown is a colour photograph of a 100 ml beaker of biodiesel.
The beaker is made of glass. Graduated markings in white indicate 20 ml, 40 ml, 60 ml and 80 ml. A transparent pale yellow fluid fills the beaker to the 80 ml mark. Light reflects off the beaker and the fluid within.
Today, biodiesel is used in cars, trucks, buses and trains. Scientists are even testing biodiesel in aircraft. Since 2011, diesel fuel sold in Canada must have an average of 2% renewable content. In other words, it has to contain 2% biodiesel.
As you can see, there are many types of fuel. Think of all the different types of vehicles you have seen in the past week. What types of fuel do you think they use?
Biodiesel
Biodiesel is another biofuel. It’s a type of diesel fuel made through a chemical reaction between fat and alcohol. The fat can come from either plants or animals.
Did you know?
Biodiesel is made up of esters with 8-20 carbon atoms.
B100 made from soybeans (Source: Leandro Maranghetti Lourenço [CC BY-SA 3.0] via Wikimedia Commons).
Image - Text Version
Shown is a colour photograph of a 100 ml beaker of biodiesel.
The beaker is made of glass. Graduated markings in white indicate 20 ml, 40 ml, 60 ml and 80 ml. A transparent pale yellow fluid fills the beaker to the 80 ml mark. Light reflects off the beaker and the fluid within.
Today, biodiesel is used in cars, trucks, buses and trains. Scientists are even testing biodiesel in aircraft. Since 2011, diesel fuel sold in Canada must have an average of 2% renewable content. In other words, it has to contain 2% biodiesel.
As you can see, there are many types of fuel. Think of all the different types of vehicles you have seen in the past week. What types of fuel do you think they use?
Ethanol is a biofuel. It is a type of fuel made from plants.
Did you know?
Ethanol is an alcohol that contains two carbon atoms, six hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom (C2H5OH).
In Canada, ethanol is made mainly from corn and wheat. Researchers are also looking at using cellulose from plant waste. Ethanol and other alcohols are often added to gasoline. Burning alcohol produces less carbon monoxide (CO) and soot (solid carbon) than burning gasoline.
Since 2010, gasoline sold in Canada must have an average of 5% renewable content. This normally comes in the form of ethanol.
All gasoline vehicles made since the early 1980s can use gasoline that contains some ethanol. Today, all major vehicle makers allow the use of gasoline with up to 10% ethanol. Gasoline that contains 5% ethanol is called E5. Gasoline that contains 10% ethanol is called E10. Flex Fuel Vehicles (FFVs) can run on any combination of gasoline and ethanol up to 85% ethanol (E85).
Ethanol
Ethanol is a biofuel. It is a type of fuel made from plants.
Did you know?
Ethanol is an alcohol that contains two carbon atoms, six hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom (C2H5OH).
In Canada, ethanol is made mainly from corn and wheat. Researchers are also looking at using cellulose from plant waste. Ethanol and other alcohols are often added to gasoline. Burning alcohol produces less carbon monoxide (CO) and soot (solid carbon) than burning gasoline.
Since 2010, gasoline sold in Canada must have an average of 5% renewable content. This normally comes in the form of ethanol.
All gasoline vehicles made since the early 1980s can use gasoline that contains some ethanol. Today, all major vehicle makers allow the use of gasoline with up to 10% ethanol. Gasoline that contains 5% ethanol is called E5. Gasoline that contains 10% ethanol is called E10. Flex Fuel Vehicles (FFVs) can run on any combination of gasoline and ethanol up to 85% ethanol (E85).
Biodiesel is another biofuel. It’s a type of diesel fuel made through a chemical reaction between fat and alcohol. The fat can come from either plants or animals.
Did you know?
Biodiesel is made up of esters with 8-20 carbon atoms.
B100 made from soybeans (Source: Leandro Maranghetti Lourenço [CC BY-SA 3.0] via Wikimedia Commons).
Image - Text Version
Shown is a colour photograph of a 100 ml beaker of biodiesel.
The beaker is made of glass. Graduated markings in white indicate 20 ml, 40 ml, 60 ml and 80 ml. A transparent pale yellow fluid fills the beaker to the 80 ml mark. Light reflects off the beaker and the fluid within.
Today, biodiesel is used in cars, trucks, buses and trains. Scientists are even testing biodiesel in aircraft. Since 2011, diesel fuel sold in Canada must have an average of 2% renewable content. In other words, it has to contain 2% biodiesel.
As you can see, there are many types of fuel. Think of all the different types of vehicles you have seen in the past week. What types of fuel do you think they use?
Biodiesel
Biodiesel is another biofuel. It’s a type of diesel fuel made through a chemical reaction between fat and alcohol. The fat can come from either plants or animals.
Did you know?
Biodiesel is made up of esters with 8-20 carbon atoms.
B100 made from soybeans (Source: Leandro Maranghetti Lourenço [CC BY-SA 3.0] via Wikimedia Commons).
Image - Text Version
Shown is a colour photograph of a 100 ml beaker of biodiesel.
The beaker is made of glass. Graduated markings in white indicate 20 ml, 40 ml, 60 ml and 80 ml. A transparent pale yellow fluid fills the beaker to the 80 ml mark. Light reflects off the beaker and the fluid within.
Today, biodiesel is used in cars, trucks, buses and trains. Scientists are even testing biodiesel in aircraft. Since 2011, diesel fuel sold in Canada must have an average of 2% renewable content. In other words, it has to contain 2% biodiesel.
As you can see, there are many types of fuel. Think of all the different types of vehicles you have seen in the past week. What types of fuel do you think they use?
Thanks to Nick MacCallum, P.Eng for helping in the review of this backgrounder.
Learn More
Introduction to Biofuels (2022)
This backgrounder looks at different types of biofuels in detail.
What are the Pros and Cons of Ethanol Biofuel? (2019)
Learn about upsides and downsides of ethanol as a source of fuel.
How is ethanol made? (2018)
Learn about the processes used to make ethanol.
How Vehicles Pollute the Air (2022)
Learn how burning fossil fuels impacts air quality and can lead to smog.
References
Brain, M. (2000, April 1). How diesel engines work. HowStuffWorks.
Brain, M. (2002, February 6). How gasoline works. HowStuffWorks.
Government of Canada. (2019, July 16). Renewable fuels regulations.
U.S. Department of Energy. (n.d.). Alternative fuels data center.
Wise Geek. (n.d.). What is bunker fuel?