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Propane, also known as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) or “autogas,” is a three-carbon alkane hydrocarbon (C3H8). It is a nontoxic, odorless gas at ambient temperature and pressure. It can be stored as a liquid at moderate pressures (300 PSI) or at temperatures below -44oF. In its liquid form, the energy density of propane is 270 times greater than in its gaseous form. However, a gallon of liquid propane has approximately 25% less energy content (BTUs) than a gallon of gasoline.
Propane is a byproduct of natural gas processing and crude oil refinement, and therefore it is not a renewable energy source. Propane fuel used for vehicles must be 90% propane. Butane (C4H10) is a common minor component, as well as propylene and butylene. Commercial propane also contains the odorant Ethyl mercaptan, which aids in leak detection.
According to the Propane Education & Research Council, there are nearly 200,000 on-road propane vehicles with certified fuel systems in the United States. Many are used in fleet applications, such as school buses, shuttles, and police vehicles. The benefits of NGVs and propane autogas vehicles have been widely established and publicized. These include:
- Reduced dependence on foreign oil(based on ample domestic supplies now and for the foreseeable future)
- Better fuel price stability and reduced fuel costs in the long run
- Reduced tailpipe and well-to-wheel emissions (as compared to gasoline and diesel counterparts)
- Reduced fuel and maintenance expenses, often leading to a lower TCO
Resources for more information on this fuel