What are greener fuels

One of the most well known of the green fuels is something that is called Biofuel.

Biofuel is a group of different fuels rather than an individual fuel in itself, and the class contains things like bioethanol. These are all made from plant materials (so that means things like vegetable oils).

These can help to reduce the impact on the climate compared to ordinary fuels because the plants that are used to produce them absorb some carbon dioxide whilst they grow; this is the basis of photosynthesis, using sunlight and carbon dioxide then returning oxygen to the atmosphere as a result.

Quite a lot of petrol now used in ordinary cars will contain a small amount of biofuel, say around the five percent mark. Vehicles can use this without being modified, however cars can be converted so that the engine can run with a higher proportion of a biofuel, and there are some petrol stations that supply higher grade biofuel.

Other options are hybrid cars that combine a petrol engine and a batter, and also an electric car: these don't produce any emissions whilst they are being driven as they run off a battery. So they are better for the environment, although it is worth noting that the process of generating the electricity that they run on in the first place does of course generate emissions!

Related Articles...

driving theory test
What to check on your car daily
A car is a sophisticated piece of machinery, although it is commonplace and therefore taken for granted by many there are considerable elements working together to make it work. And if one...

How to help yourself stay safe whilst driving
It is a sad fact, but a fact nonetheless, that there are very rare occasions on which you can just get unlucky and be involved in an accident, whether minor or major, that you are powerful to do...

Road conditions: dealing with fog
Fogs and mists are much more common at some times of the year than others. Particularly in the mornings and in the Autumn time of the year, fog can be commonplace, but whenever it occurs it is...

The Driving Standards Agency
The Driving Standards Agency has a website at www.dsa.gov.uk. They are an executive agency within the Department for Transport in the UK. They deliver tests for theory and practical...

Using head restraints
Your car will have head restraints in it, but do you take the time to adjust these before using the vehicle and ensuring they are set at the correct level for you? Head restraints in vehicles are...

Speed limits on motorways
The speed limits on the motorway are something that you will no doubt be aware of for cars, but is the limit the same for a motorbike? And what about if you are bus or a coach driver? Another...

How to get your provisional driving license
In order to take the theory test, and ultimately the practical driving test, you will need to have a valid provisional driving license. Indeed you need the provisional license in order to be able...

Maintaining your car
It is essential that you look after your car and keep it in good condition. Not only is this paramount for your safety and that of other road users, but also it means that the longevity of your car...

Why is there a Hazard Perception Test
The statistics have long shown that the newer the driver, the more likely they are to be involved in accidents on the roads. This is probably because they are inexperienced as drivers, although...

What to do when you sell a vehicle
When you sell a vehicle, there are some things that you have to do straight away. As soon as the vehicle is sold you have to tell the DVLA, which stands for the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency,...


Back to home page of driving theory test questions