FAQsBelow are some frequently asked questions that highlight the main areas of interest for propane autogas vehicles.If you have additional questions, we will be happy to discuss your needs. IS PROPANE AUTOGAS ABUNDANT? YES. The majority of the propane autogas we use is produced domestically. And with the largest storage capacity in the world, the United States’ supply is abundant. Pipelines, processing facilities, thousands of refueling stations, distribution centers, and storage facilities already exist across the country, making large capital investments in infrastructure unnecessary. WHAT IS THE COST OF PROPANE? The cost of propane varies in each region. However, historically propane has been priced below regular unleaded gasoline and diesel fuels. The average cost of propane, nationwide is approximately 30% less than regular unleaded gasoline. And in recent years users have experienced even more savings. Furthermore, in addition to other benefits and savings, and considering constant changes of gas prices, running on LPG autogas, allows to forecast fuel budget ahead of time, up to 24 months or longer. IS ENGINE PERFORMANCE REDUCED WITH PROPANE AUTOGAS? NO. Fleet operators report horsepower and torque capability comparable to gasoline. The high octane rating and quick vaporization of the liquid fuel delivers excellent performance. Engines operating on propane autogas have quick acceleration characteristics compared to the turbo lag of diesel engines. Propane gives you a powerful vehicle so that you don't have to sacrifice on performance. Many users report no difference between their propane cars and standard vehicles using traditional gasoline. In fact, many fleets report an increase in performance due to the higher octane of propane. IS REFUELING WITH PROPANE AUTOGAS FAST? YES. Refueling is simple, clean, and fast. Propane autogas’ pump rate – 10 to 12 gallons per minute – is comparable to that of gasoline. This translates into savings in time and energy when compared with other alternative fuels such as CNG (compressed natural gas). Because propane autogas is delivered through a sealed system, thereby protecting the environment, a simple screwed connection is used. Vehicles can be refueled at nearly 10,000 cities across the country. IS PROPANE AUTOGAS REFUELING EQUIPMENT AFFORDABLE? YES. Installing propane autogas dispensing equipment is far less expensive to install compared to other alternative fuels such as CNG. Depending on fuel demand, the dispensing equipment can be included with a propane autogas supply agreement. Propane autogas dispensers are available from the simple pump and motor to a state-of-the-art dispenser with card reader and fuel management technologies. Propane autogas tanks are available in both above ground and underground applications in sizes ranging from 500 gallons up to 30,000 gallons. As an example, a state-of-the-art dispenser with a 1,000 gallon tank mounted on a skid can be purchased for approximately $20,000 without the installation costs, which will vary from city to city. For a comparable fast fill CNG fueling station an investment of $1.5 million would be required. IS PROPANE AUTOGAS A RELIABLE & PROVEN MOTOR FUEL? YES. Propane autogas has been used as a motor fuel for more than 80 years and is the 3rd most widely used motor fuel behind gasoline and diesel. Currently more than 15 million vehicles worldwide use propane autogas as motor fuel. Many U.S. fleets have operated on propane autogas for more than 20 years, such as Yellow Cab in Las Vegas, Schwans Foods home delivery service, the Portland School District, DS Waters, and others. These companies recognize the benefits of operating on propane autogas include great performance, safety, clean emissions, green image, and tremendous cost savings. IS PROPANE AUTOGAS SAFE? YES. Propane autogas has a narrower flammability range than gasoline. The ignition point for propane autogas is 940 degrees Fahrenheit compared to 430 degrees for gasoline. Propane autogas tanks have a relative low working pressure of 240 PSI at 100 degrees compared to CNG (compressed natural gas), which operates at a pressure of 3,600 psi up to 4,500 PSI at 70 degrees. Propane autogas vehicle fuel tanks are tested to 4 times the normal operating pressure and the tanks are 20 times more puncture resistant as gasoline or diesel tanks. Propane autogas tanks do not need to be removed and re-inspected as are other alternative fuels such as CNG (compressed natural gas). IS PROPANE AUTOGAS CLEAN? YES. Clean, efficient propane autogas has long been recognized as an environmentally friendly energy. It’s an approved alternative fuel listed in both the Clean Air Act of 1990 and the National Energy Policy Act of 1992 and 2005. Compared to gasoline, propane autogas produces fewer greenhouse gas emissions and cuts emissions of toxins and carcinogens, such as benzene and toluene, by up to 96%. Propane-autogas-fueled vehicles produce significantly lower particulate (almost zero), carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide, hydrocarbon, and greenhouse gas emissions than gasoline or diesel. THE PRICE TO CONVERT FROM GASOLINE TO PROPANE AUTOGAS SEEM EXPENSIVE. WHAT’S MY ROI? Though the price to convert may seem high, you will begin to see immediate savings of 30% or more with propane autogas. In addition, your maintenance costs should decrease by as much as 50% based on technology company testing and comparison. This could potentially lead to longer engine life as well. WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PROPANE AUTOGAS AND CNG? The biggest difference is how the fuels are stored. CNG is compressed to 3600 PSIG and the same amount of fuel (8 gallons), will take up to 4x as much space on board the vehicle as compared to gasoline (or propane autogas). That means extra weight (more wear on brakes, shocks and tires and less cargo or people carrying capacity.) Propane autogas liquefies at brake line pressure (about 100 PSIG), and occupies the same space as gasoline fuel tanks because it’s a liquid gallon just like gasoline. It’s usually within 10 lbs. of the same vehicle in gasoline with no additional wear on the parts, and keeping the same cargo carrying capabilities. Also, propane autogas uses a 4-7 HP electric motor on the fueling dispenser, while CNG uses a 4 stage compressor that has a very large electric demand. IS MY WARRANTY AS GOOD AS A GASOLINE VERSION? YES. Many technology companies provide an equal warranty program, which may be 3 years and 36,000 miles or greater. We can provide you with the exact warranty information on your specific vehicle. ARE THERE GOVERNMENT INCENTIVES TO USE PROPANE? YES. As an alternative energy fuel, propane qualifies for government tax credits. I LIKE THE .50¢ PER GAS TAX CREDIT. WILL PROPANE AUTOGAS STILL BE A VALUE IF IT’S ELIMINATED? Though we can never know when the federal government will eliminate the tax credits, we can estimate that the price of propane autogas will continue to be a 30% or more value versus gasoline based on historical data. The fact that 97% of propane is produced in North America ,shows that we have an advantage over gasoline, which only 10% comes from North America. In addition, you will continue to benefit from the reduced maintenance costs, as well as longer engine life of a vehicle using propane autogas. HOW DOES PROPANE BENEFIT THE ENVIRONMENT? Compared to gasoline, propane yields 87% less smog-producing hydrocarbons. HOW DOES PROPANE BENEFIT THE EXISTING VEHICLE ENGINE? The Department of Energy website documents that engine life is up to two times that of gasoline engines. IS IT TRUE THAT PROPANE AUTOGAS FUELED VEHICLES HAD SOME ISSUES IN THE PAST? YES. Though propane autogas vehicles have been around for decades, just like other technologies, they have been evolving with greater testing and sophistication. In fact there are 15 million vehicles fueled with propane autogas internationally, and the U.S. is taking advantage of the latest technology and improvements in the industry. |