Gasoline (petrol)

Petrol fuels, also known as gasoline, are fuels for gasoline engines that consist primarily of hydrocarbons and are obtained from crude oil. These fuels are approved for legally defined vehicle and aircraft applications.

Definition
Gasoline fuels are special fuels that are used in gasoline engines, also known as spark-ignition engines. They are characterized by their high knock resistance and improved energy yield, which is regulated by compliance with standards such as DIN EN 228.

Background / Origin
The development of gasoline began at the end of the 19th century with the use of light gasoline in vehicles. In the 20th century, particularly after the First World War, the use of gasoline as a fuel for vehicles and aircraft became increasingly important. In the 1930s and 1940s, the knock resistance was improved by adding substances such as agricultural alcohol or benzene. After the Second World War, leaded gasoline types such as regular gasoline and super dominated. From 1996, leaded gasoline was no longer produced and sold in Germany; at EU level, this has applied to motor vehicles since 2000, while aviation fuel remains exempt.

Properties
Petrol consists mainly of various hydrocarbons obtained by distillation from crude oil. The relevant boiling range for the crude petrol fraction is between 35°C and 210°C. Motor gasoline, i.e. petrol, is a refined crude gasoline that is modified by blending in accordance with the required fuel standards. Quality characteristics include:

- Knock resistance, measured by the octane number (research octane number indicated on the pump in Germany).
- High energy content and good gasifiability.
- Low residue formation in the fuel system and engine.

With regard to additives, detergents, for example, are used to reduce deposits in the engine's intake system and meet environmental requirements.

Application and importance in the market
Gasoline fuels are widely used in the automotive and aviation industries. They are usually sold in the form of Super Petrol and Super E10, both of which contain certain amounts of ethanol. These fuels are regulated by the European standard DIN EN 228, which ensures their quality. As an alternative to petrol, other fuels such as LPG, natural gas, bioethanol and racing fuels are increasingly being used to promote environmentally friendly options.

Differentiation from similar terms
Petrol fuels differ from diesel fuels as the latter were developed for diesel and not petrol engines. While gasoline fuels consist mainly of gasoline, gasoline engines can also run on other fuels such as LPG. The term "gasoline" is often used synonymously with petrol, but does not encompass the variety of alternatives.

Summary
Gasoline fuels are essential fuels for gasoline engines, which consist primarily of hydrocarbons and have historical roots dating back to the 19th century. They are subject to strict quality standards, in particular DIN EN 228, and offer improved performance through special additives and blending. Alternative fuels are increasingly competing on the market, with the aim of reducing the ecological footprint of vehicles.