Propane
Propane (liquid petroleum gas or LPG) is one of the oldest and most popular alternative fuels. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, there are over 200,000 on-road propane vehicles in the United States and over 9 million propane run vehicles operating in the world. Propane is the most widely available alternative fuel, with over 3,400 fueling stations across the nation.
LPG is a by-product of crude oil or natural gas production, and consists of mixtures of propane, propylene, butane, and butylenes. Propane can be stored as liquid at room temperature under low pressure. Propane can achieve approximately 90% of the fuel economy of gasoline, and carries an octane rating ranging from 104 to 112.
Propane vehicles require specialized fuel storage and injection systems and may be equipped for dedicated or bi-fuel (propane or gasoline) operation. Many cities are powering taxis, police cars and fleet vehicles with propane. There is a range of propane heavy duty OEM vehicles available, ranging from buses and trolleys to street sweepers. There are also several companies that provide aftermarket propane conversion of light duty vehicles.
Propane reduces particulate matter (PM10), NOx and total hydrocarbon emissions, is a domestic resource and the cost per gallon is generally less than conventional gasoline.
Propane Emissions Compared to Gasoline
| Emissions |
| Particulate Matter (PM10) |
-40% |
| NOx |
-50% |
| Total Hydrocarbons (THC) |
-87% |
Propane Links
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