Motor fuel


A motor fuel is a fuel that is used to provide power to the engine of vehicles — typically a heat engine that produces thermal energy via oxidative combustion of liquid or gaseous fuel and then converts the heat into mechanical energy through reciprocating pistons or gas turbines.
Currently, the majority of motor vehicles, powerboats and light aircraft worldwide are propelled by internal combustion engines powered by petroleum-based hydrocarbon fossil fuels such as gasoline, diesel or autogas, while larger ships and aircraft use marine diesel oil and kerosene to power gas/steam turbine, turboprop and jet engines. Other fuel types include ethanol, biodiesel, biogasoline, propane, compressed natural gas and hydrogen. There are also cars that use a hybrid drivetrain of different power sources. The use of synthetic alternative fuels is increasing, especially in Europe, as well as increasing mass adoption of battery electric vehicles.
Before deciding on a particular fuel type, some factors should be considered: