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Alternative Fuels
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Gas | Propane/LPG
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Propane or Liquefied Petroleum Gas
(LPG)
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Propane
Vehicles | Fuel Availability
| Additional Resources |
Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG),
more commonly called propane, is a hydrogen-rich, high-octane fuel. The majority of the
propane available today is a by-product of natural gas processing and the remainder comes
from crude oil refining. The propane is stored on vehicles in tanks under pressure in
liquefied form. As the pressure is released, propane gas enters the engine.
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Northwest
Trek Wildlife Park,
located in Eatonville, Washington, operates
propane-powered trams on its tours through the park.
“Propane was a natural choice for the park,” said Ken
Dart, maintenance leader for the trams. “We needed a
fuel that was clean, could stand up to tough driving
conditions, and had affordable infrastructure. Diesel was
just too dirty and the infrastructure for natural gas is
incredibly expensive.” |
Propane has been used
as a vehicle fuel since the early 1900’s and continues to be a viable technology. It
has been estimated that propane is currently the most widely used alternative fuel in the
United States. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, more than 200,000
propane vehicles are in operation today. These vehicles include
trucks, school buses, taxis and police vehicles. Propane vehicles
generally have comparable power,
acceleration, payload, and cruise speed as those obtained
with an equivalent internal-combustion engine. The operating range of
propane vehicles is also typically comparable to gasoline vehicles.
For more information on propane vehicles, see the propane
vehicles and aftermarket
conversions pages.
Currently, there are no companies that convert vehicles to propane in this area. Upfits are available for two models: Ford F-150 and an 8.1L GM medium-duty truck.
Propane refueling equipment is relative easy to install. Several
publicly accessible refueling stations exist in the Puget Sound region. (Propane fueling
locations.)
Propane
vehicles generally have lower emissions of reactive hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides, and
carbon monoxide compared to gasoline and diesel vehicles. Propane
vehicles generally have lower emissions of reactive hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides, and
carbon monoxide compared to gasoline and diesel vehicles.
Safety characteristics: Propane
vehicle tanks are tested to four times the normal operating pressures, and
the tanks are 20 times as puncture resistant as gasoline tanks.
Propane is nontoxic, nonpoisonous, and has the lowest flammability range of
any alternative fuel. A spill of liquid
propane presents concerns similar to those of gasoline and diesel, the potential for it to
pool on the ground or enter sewer and water systems, as well as its potential to ignite.
Gaseous propane also presents safety concerns due to the tendency of the heavy gas vapors
to remain concentrated in an area when released, thus increasing the risk of ignition and
explosion.
Economics: Propane fuel prices are, on average,
equal to or lower than unleaded gasoline prices. Operating and maintenance costs, however, are generally
lower than for gasoline and diesel vehicles. Propane undergoes a more complete combustion
than gasoline, resulting in fewer engine deposits, fewer oil and filter changes and
increased engine life. Many fleets have reported extended intervals
between required maintenance, with spark plugs lasting from 80,000 to
100,000 miles. Experience has also shown that propane engines can last
2 to 3 times longer than gasoline or diesel engines. In addition,
Washington State offers a state fuel tax
incentive for propane vehicles.
Additional
Resources:
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