Can New Energy Oil Replace Gasoline?
3 Answers
New energy oil can be used in cars, but it is not recommended. New energy oil is actually a type of kitchen fuel oil, primarily used for cooking in restaurants. Introduction to New Energy Oil: New energy oil is essentially methanol fuel currently used in restaurants, also known as eco-friendly oil, alcohol-based fuel, etc. There are many names for it, but the product is the same. It is mainly composed of methanol, with a small amount of additives and water blended in, forming a new type of fuel that is energy-saving, environmentally friendly, safe, and convenient compared to liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). The cost ranges from 1.3 to 1.8 per kilogram, which is half the price of LPG. Currently, it is mainly used in catering hotels, school and factory canteens, industrial boilers, drying processes, bathhouses, as well as for household and automotive purposes. Automotive Use: Most automotive applications of this fuel are speculative. The raw material is methanol, and its principle is similar to ethanol gasoline. It is best used when mixed with gasoline, as using it alone results in weaker power and may trigger the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL). The most mature applications are in kitchens and boilers, which are more reliable. For kitchen use, the burner core needs to be replaced; for industrial boilers, a special burner is required. For automotive use, it can be mixed with gasoline without requiring any modifications.
As someone who has long studied automotive energy systems, I believe whether alternative fuels can replace gasoline depends on technological and practical factors. Alternative fuels refer to biofuels or ethanol, which can be directly used in certain engines, especially modified vehicles. The advantage is that they come from renewable sources and can slightly reduce exhaust emissions. However, there are also many drawbacks, such as lower energy density compared to gasoline, significantly reduced driving range, and the risk of engine corrosion, requiring frequent maintenance. At this stage, the technology is not yet mature, and there is no infrastructure for large-scale adoption. In comparison, pure electric vehicles are more viable as substitutes. Developing alternative fuels requires more efficient extraction processes and compatibility standards, which is not a simple task. I advocate for partial blending as a more realistic approach, as completely replacing gasoline will require further technological advancements and market maturity, necessitating at least another decade or more of R&D investment.
As a strong advocate for environmental sustainability, I get excited about the potential of alternative fuels like biodiesel to replace gasoline, since they are derived from plants or waste materials and can significantly reduce carbon emissions, positively impacting air quality. However, in practice, there are many challenges—large-scale production could lead to deforestation or competition with food crops, negatively affecting ecosystems and economies. Pilot projects exist worldwide, but successful cases are rare, and high costs lead to price instability, discouraging consumer adoption. There's a need to promote green production processes and policy support. In the long run, a hybrid approach combining electric vehicles and alternative fuels, such as range-extended hybrids, may offer a smoother transition to a petroleum-free era.
