- Q: How cost-effective would it be to switch to propane as my fuel source?
- A: Propane operating costs for fleet vehicles range from 5 percent to 30 percent less than conventional or reformulated gasoline. Overall, propane is the least expensive alternative to gasoline.
- Q: How does propane affect engine performance?
- A: Fleet operators report horsepower and torque capability roughly comparable to gasoline. Because propane is a less dense fuel than gasoline, power might decrease slightly, but operators rarely notice this loss. Fuel economy on new engines is also comparable to that of gasoline.
- Q: Is propane really a safer fuel for the environment?
- A: Tests conducted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency show that propane vehicles can produce 30 percent to 90 percent less carbon monoxide than gasoline engines and about 50 percent fewer toxins and other smog-producing emissions. Propane is also listed as an approved alternative fuel in the 1990 Clean Air Act and the Energy Policy Act of 1992.
- Q: Is refueling difficult with propane?
- A: No. Refueling is simple and quick. Propane’s pumping rate, 10 to 12 gallons per minute, is comparable to that of gasoline. This translates into savings in time and money compared with other alternative fuels. Because propane is delivered through a sealed system (thereby protecting the environment), a simple screwed connection is used. Vehicles can be refueled at nearly 10,000 sites across the country.
- Q: Is propane safe?
- A: Yes. 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.
- Q: How can I make the switch to propane as an alternative fuel?
- A: Qualified conversion contractors can convert almost any gasoline-powered vehicle to propane. The cost of a conversion is quickly recovered through lower maintenance and fuel costs associated with using propane. Part of these conversion costs may be deducted from federal taxable income. Also, more auto-makers are responding to increased demand for alternative-fueled vehicles by manufacturing factory-equipped propane-powered vehicles.
- Q: Is propane widely used?
- A: Yes. Propane has been used as a commercial motor fuel for more than 80 years, and more than 370,000 propane-powered vehicles are in use today in the United States —and 8.2 million are in use worldwide. Propane has become the leading alternative fuel in the United States and in the world.
- Q: Where do I go to find out more about propane?
- A: The Propane Education & Research Council was formed to promote the safe, efficient use of odorized propane gas as a preferred energy source. The Council is also committed to educating the public about propane and propane safety. To contact the Council, call (202) 452-8975 or visit the Council Web site at www.propanecouncil.org
Source: Propane Research and Education Council
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