gasolinepowered

Gasoline-powered describes devices that obtain energy from gasoline through an internal combustion engine that uses spark ignition. Gasoline is a volatile hydrocarbon fuel typically stored in a liquid form in tanks. In a gasoline-powered engine, air and vaporized gasoline are drawn into cylinders, mixed, and ignited by a spark plug, causing combustion that drives pistons and turns a crankshaft.

There are two main engine configurations: carbureted and fuel-injected, with direct injection becoming common in modern engines. Gasoline engines are used in a wide range of applications, including automobiles, motorcycles, boats, lawn and garden equipment, portable generators, and power tools.

The development of gasoline-powered engines began in the late 19th century, with early pioneers such as Nikolaus Otto and Karl Benz advancing spark-ignition technology. By the early 20th century gasoline power became dominant in personal transport due to higher energy density, lighter weight, and established fueling infrastructure.

Compared with other fuels, gasoline offers high energy density and high power-to-weight but relatively lower thermal efficiency and higher CO2 emissions in typical usage. Emissions include carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and nitrogen oxides, leading to regulations aimed at reducing pollutants and improving fuel economy. Engine efficiency improvements, turbocharging, direct injection, and hybridization are common strategies to reduce emissions and improve efficiency.

Safety considerations include flammability, proper storage, handling of vapors, and fuel system integrity. In the modern era, gasoline power faces competition from electric propulsion and biofuels, and research continues into cleaner formulations such as ethanol blends and renewable gasoline substitutes.