What is the energy density of gasoline?
3 Answers
Gasoline has an energy density of approximately 12~17MJ/kg. Here is some relevant information about gasoline: Introduction: Gasoline is a volatile, flammable liquid hydrocarbon mixture obtained from petroleum through fractionation and cracking, used as fuel. Composition: It appears as a transparent liquid, is flammable, with a distillation range of 30°C to 220°C, mainly composed of C5~C12 aliphatic hydrocarbons and cycloalkanes, along with a certain amount of aromatic hydrocarbons. Gasoline has a high octane number (anti-knock combustion performance). Classification: It is categorized by octane number into grades such as 89, 90, 92, 93, 95, 97, and 98. Starting from January 2012, the gasoline grades 90, 93, and 97 were revised to 89, 92, and 95.
I'm a car enthusiast particularly fascinated by engine performance. The energy density of gasoline, simply put, is the amount of energy contained per unit volume, approximately 34 megajoules per liter. This figure is quite high, meaning a small bottle of fuel can release a tremendous amount of heat and power, driving the pistons to make the car run fast and far. Comparing it to diesel, diesel has about 38 megajoules per liter, slightly higher, but gasoline is more common and suitable for regular cars. Electric vehicle batteries have a much lower energy density, around 0.3 megajoules per liter, which is why hybrid cars still retain gasoline engines as the main power source—offering stable range, easily covering 500 kilometers on a full tank, eliminating range anxiety on long trips. High energy density allows for more compact and efficient engine designs. When I work on cars, I always optimize this parameter to improve fuel economy and help friends save on fuel costs.
As a daily commuter who drives every day, I have a deep appreciation for the energy density of gasoline. It refers to the amount of energy stored in one liter of fuel, approximately 34 megajoules per liter, which means the car can travel far and worry-free after refueling. I once tried an electric vehicle, but the battery density was too low—charging took too much time, and the range was often limited. In contrast, a gasoline car can hit the road immediately after filling up, eliminating the need for frequent stops at gas stations during my commute. A full tank can easily cover 300 kilometers on a weekend trip. This advantage makes me trust gasoline-powered cars, especially on highways where a press of the accelerator delivers abundant power, unlike new energy vehicles that lose charge quickly. High energy density saves both money and time, explaining why older cars can still handle long distances. I need to save up for a new gasoline car.
