can car with alternative fuel drive on gasoline

[DelMiguel]

No, a vehicle designed specifically for an alternative fuel like compressed natural gas (CNG), liquefied petroleum gas (LPG/propane), or a pure battery electric vehicle (BEV) cannot run on gasoline. Attempting to do so can cause severe and immediate damage to the engine and fuel system. However, Flex-Fuel Vehicles (FFVs), which are engineered to run on gasoline, ethanol, or any mixture of both, are a common exception.

The core issue is engine design. Gasoline engines rely on spark ignition, while diesel engines use compression ignition. Alternative fuels like CNG have a much higher octane rating (around 120-130) than gasoline, which requires a different compression ratio and engine tuning. Forcing gasoline into a CNG system can damage specialized fuel injectors, pumps, and seals not designed for petroleum-based fuel's lubricity and chemical properties.

Bifuel vehicles, which have separate tanks and systems for gasoline and an alternative fuel like CNG, are the other exception. You can switch between the two fuels using a dashboard selector, but the gasoline is only burned in the dedicated gasoline side of the system.

Vehicle Type	Primary Fuel(s)	Can it use Gasoline?	Key Consideration
Dedicated CNG Vehicle	Compressed Natural Gas	No	Severe engine damage will occur.
Dedicated Propane Vehicle	LPG (Propane)	No	Fuel system incompatibility causes failure.
Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV)	Electricity	No	No internal combustion engine exists to burn fuel.
Flex-Fuel Vehicle (FFV)	Gasoline, E85 (51-83% ethanol)	Yes	Specifically designed for high-ethanol blends and gasoline.
Bifuel Vehicle (e.g., CNG/Gasoline)	CNG and Gasoline	Yes, but only in gasoline mode	Has two distinct, separate fuel systems.

Always consult your owner's manual. Using an incorrect fuel is typically not covered under warranty and can lead to costly repairs. If you accidentally put gasoline in an alternative fuel vehicle, do not start the engine. Have the vehicle towed to a qualified technician to drain the system.

[DelKevin]

As a mechanic, I've seen this mistake. The answer is almost always a hard no. These fuel systems are completely different. Gasoline will ruin the rubber seals and injectors in a CNG or propane system in no time. It's like putting diesel in a gasoline car—it just doesn't work and you'll be looking at a very expensive repair bill. The only time it's okay is if the car is specifically labeled as a "Flex-Fuel" or "bifuel" vehicle.

[QuinnRose]

Think of it like this: your car's engine is a precise recipe. Alternative fuels like natural gas require a different "recipe" than gasoline. The engine's computer, fuel injectors, and even the valves are calibrated for that specific fuel. Pouring gasoline into a system designed for a different recipe will cause it to run poorly, if at all, and likely cause internal damage. It's not a matter of performance; it's a fundamental incompatibility.