Which fuel harms the environment the least: tips for car owners

Which fuel harms the environment the least: tips for car owners shutterstock.com

Illia Fedun

Starting from May 2025, the level of bioethanol in gasoline at all Ukrainian gas stations should be at least 5%.

Ukrainians have been given advice on how to choose the right fuel for their cars with the least environmental damage.

This was reported by VSN.

Every day, millions of cars run on traditional gasoline and diesel, which have a negative impact on the environment and human health. However, it is now possible to use alternative fuels that will have a smaller environmental footprint.

Alternative types of automotive fuel:

1) Gas (LPG, CNG) 

  1. Has lower emissions of nitrogen and sulfur oxides;
  2. Engines run more quietly, increasing vehicle lifespan;
  3. However, refueling infrastructure is not always developed.

    shutterstock.com

    Photo: shutterstock.com

2) Biofuel (bioethanol, biodiesel)

  1. Produced from renewable raw materials: rapeseed, corn, sugarcane;
  2. Reduces overall CO₂ emissions compared to petroleum fuel.

    shutterstock.com

    Photo: shutterstock.com

3) Electric vehicles 

  1. Absolutely zero emissions on the road;
  2. The most environmentally friendly option if the electricity is produced from renewable sources;
  3. However, battery production and recycling require significant resources.

    shutterstock.com

    Photo: shutterstock.com

4) Hybrid cars 

  1. Combines an internal combustion engine and an electric motor;
  2. Consumes less fuel, and therefore produces fewer emissions;
  3. A good option for those not ready to fully switch to electric vehicles.

    shutterstock.com

    Photo: shutterstock.com

Diesel and petrol 

  1. Petrol produces significant CO₂ emissions and toxic compounds;
  2. Diesel consumes less fuel, but emits more nitrogen oxides and particulates, which are particularly dangerous for the respiratory system.

Purpose of vehicles using different types of fuel:

  1. If you mostly drive in the city, the best choice is an electric vehicle or a hybrid;
  2. For long-distance trips, a gas-powered car can be an economical and cleaner option;
  3. If biofuel is available, this is a chance to support renewable energy.

We also advise EcoPolitics readers to read about which regions of Ukraine are leading in sales of electric vehicles in August.

Related
The world cannot achieve the 1.5°C climate target – UN
The world cannot achieve the 1.5°C climate target – UN

If governments stick to their current commitments, global temperatures will rise by around 2.5°C

The EU is investing nearly €3 billion in zero-emission projects
The EU is investing nearly €3 billion in zero-emission projects

The projects are being implemented in 18 countries of the European Community. Over the first ten years, CO2 emissions are expected to be reduced by 221 million tons

Trump canceled environmental standards introduced by Biden for copper smelters in the US
Trump canceled environmental standards introduced by Biden for copper smelters in the US

Only two operating smelters process copper ore in the United States

In France, the court for the first time officially found an oil and gas giant guilty of greenwashing
In France, the court for the first time officially found an oil and gas giant guilty of greenwashing

If TotalEnergies fails to comply with the court's request, it will be charged €10 thousand per day