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Propane ... |
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Fuel Description
Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) commonly called propane, is a byproduct of natural gas processing and petroleum refining. LPG is a gas at normal temperatures and pressures. However, at moderate pressure, propane condenses to a liquid. Propane mixes readily with air to allow for nearly complete combustion, reducing exhaust emissions and cold start problems. |
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Fueling
Similar to fueling a gasoline-powered vehicle; time is slightly faster than that needed for gasoline or diesel.
Tank should be filled to no more than 80% capacity to allow for liquid expansion. |
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Fuel Availability
Publicly accessible fueling stations exist in all states - over 10,000 are documented, including over ??? in Alabama.
Numerous retail operations in Alabama could easily upgrade to support vehicle fueling at a minor cost. |
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Vehicle Experience
Nearly 350,000 vehicles in the US and about 4 million worldwide. |
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Operational Performance
Range is almost equivalent to that of comparable gasoline powered vehicles.
Power, acceleration, payload and cruise speed are comparable to gasoline vehicles. |
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Maintenance and Reliability
Some fleets report two to three years longer service life and extended time intervals between required maintenance. However, manufacturers and converters recommend conventional maintenance intervals.
Propane combusts in a gaseous phase, resulting in less corrosion and engine wear. |
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Costs
Bulk purchases provide about a 20% saving in fuel cost compared to gasoline.
Cost for a refueling station is similar to, or lower than, a comparable gasoline station and relatively low in comparison to other fuels Service and diagnostic equipment would be required if access to commercial propane vehicle maintenance facilities were not available.
Factory installed truck conversion costs about $5,000 over the conventional vehicle base price; non-factory conversions average about $3,000. |
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2131 Data Office Drive, Suite 240 Birmingham, Alabama 35244 • 205-402-2755 • Fax 205-402-9907 email |
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