Alternative fuels

At the Energy Saving Trust, it is our aim to lead the efforts to reduce the impact of climate change. We achieve this is by encouraging the use of cleaner vehicles, driving them more economically and driving them less.

There are a number of alternative fuels available now and on the horizon which can help to reduce vehicle emissions. However, their contribution to reducing C02 can vary widely depending on where they are sourced from and how they are manufactured.

For a quick overview of the most common fuels available and in development just click the relevant link below:

Biodiesel

Can be used at a 5 per cent blend in existing diesel engines with no need for modification. Using higher blends could affect your vehicle warranty.

Bioethanol

Produced by the fermentation of starch, sugar and cellulose plants. A 5 per cent blend in petrol can be used in existing petrol vehicles with no modifications.

Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG)

Suitable for smaller vehicles such as cars and light vans that have high mileage or operate predominantly in city centres.

Electricity

Powering vehicles either completely by electricity or by electricity and a range extending internal combustion engine (plug in hybrid vehicles).

Natural gas

An option for goods vehicles with depot-based refuelling sites.

Biogas

Organic materials are broken down by a microbiological activity to produce methane.

Pure plant oils (PPO)

Vehicles powered on fuel made from plant oils. Very similar to diesel but a heater must first be added to the fuel line. Not widely available in the UK

Hydrogen

Currently only used in prototype vehicles. It may be used as a fuel in a modified petrol engine or indirectly to power a fuel cell in an electric vehicle.