Did you know?
•According to the U.S. Department of Energy’s July 2013 alternative fuel price report, the price of propane (LPG) in North Carolina was up to $1.49 less expensive per gallon equivalent of gasoline.
•Assuming an annual mileage of 15,000 and a $1/gallon price difference, a pickup truck could save at least $1,000 in yearly fuel costs by driving on propane.
Propane is the world’s most commonly used alternative transportation fuel, and is also widely used in homes and agriculture. Propane, or Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), is a simple hydrocarbon byproduct of natural gas processing or crude oil refining. The Propane Education and Research Council reported that there were more than 270,000 LPG fueled vehicles on U.S. roads in 2010. The commercial grade of propane for automotive use is known as HD-5 in North America and is also called Autogas.
- Emission Reductions- As a low carbon fuel, LPG can burn cleaner than gasoline.
- Reduced Costs- Engines running on HD- 5 propane typically require less engine maintenance. Fleet fuel and operating costs can be reduced with private fueling stations.
- Increased Safety– Propane has greater puncture resistance and lower flammability range than gasoline and diesel.
- Energy Security- 90 percent of LPG used in the United States is produced domestically (fueleconomy.gov), whereas 40 percent of the U.S. petroleum demand was imported in 2010 (EIA).
For more information, read the Propane Vehicle Overview.
What Vehicles are Available?
A variety of new light-, medium-, and heavy- duty propane vehicles are available as conversions or directly from Original Equipment Manufacturers.
NC Clean Energy Technology Center maintains a list of propane vehicle and technology providers that serve the NC market. See the Clean Transportation Technology Industry Guide for more details.
Where Can I Fuel a Propane Vehicle?
There is an extensive network of LPG stations across North Carolina, primarily operated by propane suppliers. There are currently over 90 propane stations in North Carolina.