Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Alcohol fuels are liquid fuels made from the fermentation of sugars or starches found in plants. Ethanol and methanol are common examples of alcohol fuels used as alternatives to gasoline.
Related terms
Flex-Fuel Vehicles: Flex-fuel vehicles are designed to run on either gasoline or ethanol blends. They provide drivers with the flexibility to choose between different fuel options.
Cellulosic Ethanol: Cellulosic ethanol is a type of ethanol produced from non-food plant materials, such as agricultural residues or dedicated energy crops. It offers potential environmental benefits by utilizing waste products and reducing competition with food production.
Methanol Fuel Cells: Methanol fuel cells use methanol as a fuel source for generating electricity through an electrochemical process. They have applications in portable electronic devices and electric vehicles.