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Fuel Types for Cars Guide

Photo of Fergus By Fergus
14th November 2024
Image of a fuel station

What types of fuel for cars are available?

Petrol

Petrol Pros

Petrol Cons

Petrol is widely available and can be found at most petrol stations.

Petrol engines are generally less fuel-efficient than diesel engines.

Petrol cars are generally cheaper to buy than other options.

Petrol cars produce more carbon emissions than other options.

Petrol engines are more responsive and offer better performance than diesel engines.

Petrol prices can fluctuate, making it difficult to budget running costs.

Diesel

Diesel Pros

Diesel Cons

Diesel engines are generally more fuel-efficient than petrol and have longer driving distances.

Diesel cars are often more expensive to buy and maintain than petrol cars.

Diesel cars produce fewer carbon emissions than petrol cars.

Diesel cars are subject to higher road taxes and can be subject to additional charges in some cities.

Diesel cars often have better torque and performance than petrol cars.

Diesel engines can emit harmful particulate matter which can impact human health.

Electric

Electric Pros

Electric Cons

Electric cars produce zero emissions, making them environmentally friendly.

Electric cars have a limited driving range and require charging points.

Electric cars are cheaper to run than many options, with reduced maintenance costs.

Charging an electric car can take much longer than filling up other types of vehicles.

Tax incentives can help to reduce the cost of ownership.

Electric cars are often more expensive to purchase than other options.

Hybrid

Hybrid Pros

Hybrid Cons

Hybrid cars offer improved fuel efficiency and lower emissions compared to traditional petrol or diesel cars.

Hybrid cars are more expensive to buy than petrol or diesel cars.

Hybrid cars have better torque and performance than petrol or diesel cars.

Hybrid cars have more complex engines and drivetrains which can increase maintenance costs.

Hybrid cars can be driven in electric-only mode for short distances, making them more environmentally friendly.

Hybrid cars are heavier than traditional vehicles which can have an impact on performance.

Plug-in hybrid

Plug-in Hybrid Pros

Plug-in Hybrid Cons

Plug-in hybrid cars offer increased driving range and lower emissions compared to diesel and petrol cars.

Plug-in hybrid cars are more expensive than traditional petrol and diesel vehicles.

Plug-in hybrid cars can be driven in electric-only mode for longer than traditional hybrids.

Plug-in hybrids have complex engines and drivetrains, increasing potential maintenance costs.

Tax incentives are available for plug-in hybrid owners, helping to reduce ownership costs.

These cars are heavier than traditional petrol or diesel cars which can have an impact on performance.

Charging a vehicle

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Someone fuelling up their vehicle

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Guide Information

Photo of Fergus

About the Author: Fergus Gray

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