Propane
or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) is a clean-burning fossil fuel
that can be used to power internal combustion engines. LPG-fueled
vehicles produce fewer toxic and smog-forming air pollutants. LPG
is usually less expensive than gasoline, and most LPG used in U.S.
comes from domestic sources.
No LPG-fueled light-duty passenger cars or trucks
have been produced commercially in the U.S. since the 2004 model
year, but gasoline and diesel vehicles can be retrofitted to run
on LPG in addition to conventional fuel. The LPG is stored in high-pressure
fuel tanks, so separate fuel systems are needed in vehicles powered
by both LPG and a conventional fuel such as gasoline.
Advantages & Disadvantages of LPG
Advantages
Disadvantages
Fewer toxic and smog-forming air
pollutants
85% of LPG used in U.S. comes from
domestic sources
Less expensive than gasoline
No new passenger cars or trucks commercially
available (vehicles can be retrofitted for LPG)
Less readily available than gasoline
& diesel
Fewer miles on a tank of fuel
Additional Information
Propane
- Alternative Fuel and Advanced Vehicle Center
Propane
or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) is a clean-burning fossil fuel
that can be used to power internal combustion engines. LPG-fueled
vehicles produce fewer toxic and smog-forming air pollutants. LPG
is usually less expensive than gasoline, and most LPG used in U.S.
comes from domestic sources.