As the world moves towards decarbonisation, the role of fuel additives in ensuring efficiency, compatibility, and environmental benefits is becoming a key consideration.
With rising costs squeezing profit margins across every aspect of liquid fuel distribution, finding ways to improve efficiency is critical. Fuel additives present a compelling opportunity to reduce fuel consumption, lower operating costs, and enhance overall fleet performance.
The right combination of additives can improve combustion efficiency, extend engine life, reduce maintenance expenses, and significantly cut emissions. For fleet managers striving to balance cost control with environmental responsibility, fuel additives are a strategic investment that can drive both financial and operational benefits.
As transport fuels continue to evolve, Tammy Coates, Global Business Manager for Fuel Additives, and Reg Disley, Global Sales Manager, at SBZ Corporation consider how essential additives will be, and highlight the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
The role of sustainable liquid fuels and compatibility challenges
Internal combustion engines (ICEs) remain the predominant powertrain technology, with projections estimating nearly two billion still in operation worldwide by 2040.
To align with climate goals, fuels blended with sustainable components, such as biofuels, synthetic alternatives, and e-fuels, are being introduced to the market. While these fuels can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, they also present new challenges in terms of fuel stability, combustion properties, and material compatibility.
Currently, UK and European regulations permit up to 10% sustainable liquid fuels to be blended with fossil fuels, with legislative frameworks anticipated to raise this limit further. However, higher proportions of sustainable fuels may introduce technical challenges, including:
- Material compatibility issues: Certain biofuels contain oxygenated compounds that can cause degradation of fuel system components, particularly in older engines not designed for these blends.
- Increased deposit formation: The molecular structure of some sustainable fuels leads to higher soot formation, injector fouling, and combustion chamber deposits, negatively impacting efficiency and emissions.
- Combustion irregularities: Bio-derived fuels can have different cetane or octane ratings compared to fossil fuels, affecting ignition delay and combustion stability.
- Storage stability and oxidation risks: Sustainable fuels are more prone to oxidation, leading to gum and varnish formation, which can cause filter plugging and corrosion within the fuel system.
“The key challenge is ensuring that as sustainable fuels evolve, they remain compatible with existing and new engine technologies,” notes Reg Disley, Global Sales Manager at SBZ. “Fuel additives will play a critical role in mitigating potential issues, from corrosion protection to maintaining optimal combustion performance.”
Compatibility with evolving engine technologies
Modern internal combustion engines are adapting to improve efficiency and reduce emissions, often requiring different or fewer fuel additives. Advanced combustion techniques, direct injection systems, and
hybrid powertrains necessitate formulations that complement evolving hardware while maximising efficiency.
Fuel additive manufacturers must ensure that their products remain effective in increasingly sophisticated engine designs. This includes developing:
- Deposit control additives: To prevent carbon buildup in intake valves, injectors, and combustion chambers, ensuring smooth operation and reducing particulate emissions.
- Lubricity enhancers: As ultra-low sulphur fuels become standard, lubricity additives help protect fuel system components from wear, especially in high-pressure common- rail (HPCR) diesel engines.
- Cold flow improvers: Necessary for biodiesel blends that have poor low- temperature operability, preventing fuel gelling and filter plugging in colder climates.
- Detergent additives: Improving injector cleanliness is crucial for gasoline direct injection (GDI) and diesel engines, which are more prone to carbon buildup.
Tammy highlights the importance of innovation: “Engine technologies are changing rapidly, and additive technology must keep pace. Whether it’s optimising fuel economy, reducing emissions, or enhancing deposit control, performance additives are
more important than ever.”
Reducing consumption and emissions One of the most discussed benefits of fuel additives is their role in improving engine efficiency and longevity. Studies indicate that well-additised fuels can contribute to better fuel economy, reduce emissions, and maintain engine cleanliness.
Key technical benefits of fuel additives
- Deposit control: Regular use of performance fuel additives helps prevent carbon buildup in critical engine components, such as intake valves and injectors. Industry-standard tests, including the DW10B and Inlet Valve Deposit evaluations, have demonstrated that deposit control additives contribute to maintaining optimal engine performance over time.
- Fuel economy: Industry data suggests that well-formulated fuel additives can improve fuel efficiency by up to 2%, although real-world results vary based on driving conditions, fuel quality, and vehicle maintenance.
- Combustion optimisation: Cetane improvers in diesel fuel and octane boosters in gasoline improve ignition quality, reducing knock and enhancing power output.
- Long-term maintenance: Vehicles consistently using unadditised fuel tend to suffer from increased fuel consumption and emissions due to deposit formation. Conversely, regular use of performance additives can prolong engine life and reduce unexpected maintenance costs.
There is plenty of evidence that suggests that a cleaner engine will give improved engine efficiency, lower NOx emissions, and improve fuel economy. Clean engines operate more efficiently by reducing friction losses and ensuring complete combustion, which in turn minimises harmful emissions and optimises fuel utilisation.
By using deposit control additives, vehicles can maintain peak performance while meeting stringent environmental regulations.
The consumer perspective
For vehicle owners, particularly in an economic climate where maintaining asset value is crucial, fuel quality is a significant factor.
Consumers may question whether premium fuels with additives justify their cost, but evidence supports their long-term benefits.
Additive-treated fuels help mitigate the effects of ethanol-induced corrosion in gasoline engines and lubricity loss in diesel fuel. Additionally, improved combustion
efficiency translates to lower CO2 emissions, aligning with regulatory requirements and sustainability goals.
As the transition to lower-carbon fuels progresses, the role of fuel additives in supporting both traditional and new fuel blends will be essential. While electric vehicles and alternative powertrains gain traction, internal combustion engines are expected to persist for decades. Until greener solutions become widely accessible, performance additives will continue to be an indispensable tool for optimising fuel quality and meeting regulatory demands.
The future of fuel additives
Looking ahead, fuel additive development will need to address a multi-faceted landscape. The industry must adapt to regulatory shifts, evolving fuel formulations, and advances in combustion technology while demonstrating tangible benefits to consumers and businesses alike.
Future trends
- Bio-based and renewable additives: As sustainability takes centre stage, additives derived from renewable sources will gain importance in reducing environmental impact.
- Nanotechnology in additives: Emerging research suggests that nano-additives can enhance combustion efficiency, reduce emissions, and improve lubricant properties.
- Smart fuel additives: Adaptive formulations that respond to varying engine loads and fuel compositions will become more prevalent.
- Hybrid-specific additives: As hybrid powertrains continue to evolve, specific fuel additives will be developed to optimise performance in engines that operate intermittently.
As Reg Disley aptly summarises, “Fuel additives are not just about enhancing fuel – they are about future-proofing combustion engines against the challenges of a changing energy landscape.”
With the rapid transformation in fuel technology and regulatory landscapes, the fuel additive industry must remain proactive, ensuring its solutions align with both short- term and long-term market needs.
As Global Business Manager for Fuel Additives at SBZ Corporation, Tammy Coates delivers market-driven solutions with expertise, agility, and integrity. With a strong background in sales and business development, she ensures SBZ’s fuel additives meet real-world demands with speed, availability, and effectiveness.
Tammy’s customer-first approach drives SBZ’s reputation as a trusted partner in the industry.
Image supplied by SBZ Corporation
