Propane
Propane is a common fuel
for many small appliances such as lanterns, but recently is has been
thought of to use as an alternative fuel for vehicles. Propane is also
known as liquid petroleum gas. It is made up of about 90% propane,
about 2.5% butane and other hydrocarbons, and the rest is ethane and
propylene. We get propane as a by-product of natural gas refining. It
is a very popular choice as an alternative fuel because the processing
facilities, pipelines, and storage facilities already exist. Also, it
is readily accessable to the public.
There are many benefits to using propane as an alternative fuel. Propane has significantly fewer emissions than gasoline powered vehicles. Propane powered vehicles produce 30-90% less carbon monoxide and about 50% less toxins and smog producing substances than normal gasoline powered vehicles. Although performance will be slightly compromised, the cost of propane would be less than gasoline. Propane is over 90% domestically produced, and it is more readily available than most all other alternative fuels.
The disadvantages to using propane as an alternative fuel include more frequent maintenance intervals. Also the operating costs of the vehicles are less, but the vehicles themselves are actually more expensive; ranging anywhere from $2,500 to $3,000 more expensive. Also the fuel tanks can only be filled to about 80% because of the expansion capacity of propane liquid. This leads to an even further decrease in the already smaller range of the vehicle.
Today, more than 350,000 vehicles are using propane power. Propane has been used so far to make not only small cars but medium-duty vehicles as well. Currently, there are about 3,400 propane fueling stations across the country, this greatly exceeds any other alternative fuel.
There are many benefits to using propane as an alternative fuel. Propane has significantly fewer emissions than gasoline powered vehicles. Propane powered vehicles produce 30-90% less carbon monoxide and about 50% less toxins and smog producing substances than normal gasoline powered vehicles. Although performance will be slightly compromised, the cost of propane would be less than gasoline. Propane is over 90% domestically produced, and it is more readily available than most all other alternative fuels.
The disadvantages to using propane as an alternative fuel include more frequent maintenance intervals. Also the operating costs of the vehicles are less, but the vehicles themselves are actually more expensive; ranging anywhere from $2,500 to $3,000 more expensive. Also the fuel tanks can only be filled to about 80% because of the expansion capacity of propane liquid. This leads to an even further decrease in the already smaller range of the vehicle.
Today, more than 350,000 vehicles are using propane power. Propane has been used so far to make not only small cars but medium-duty vehicles as well. Currently, there are about 3,400 propane fueling stations across the country, this greatly exceeds any other alternative fuel.