What is Propane?
Propane, also known as Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), is a by-product derived from refining natural gas and crude oil. LPG already has an infrastructure of pipelines and processing storage facilities, putting propane way ahead of the curve regarding efficient distribution. This distribution system has made propane is available at thousands of vehicle fuel stations across the United States. Currently the most accessible of all alternative fuels, Propane can be found at approximately 3,000 publicly accessible US facilities. Refueling requires adequate ventilation due to increased flammability of liquid propane gas. Filling stations are designed with adequate ventilation in mind and with most facilities having the actual depots in uncovered, outdoor locales.
When it comes to propane, most people think about it as a fuel for their hot water and barbecue grills yet it has a much broader application. Propane is the fuel of choice for thousands of forklifts, taxis, and school buses across the nation; all are taking advantage of the clean power of propane fuel. Propane is the third most common vehicular fuel, with over 8 million vehicles worldwide using it. The thousands of filling stations in the United States, has allowed propane to gain a comfortable foothold in the alternative fuel infrastructure.
Propane Powered Vehicles
Propane has enjoyed worldwide use since the 1920's and when you consider that LPG offers fewer ozone forming emissions when partnered with less expense than gasoline, you begin to see the benefits of this alternative fuel. While society is most familiar with it as a fuel for the backyard barbecue grill and home appliances, propane fuel powers more than 200,000 vehicles, and that number is growing. Many vehicle fleets are utilizing the power of propane power-from taxis and school buses to police cars and mail vehicles. It is estimated that Propane fueled cars may experience an estimated 5% lower horsepower when compared to gasoline engines.
