Propane-LPG

INDOT, the Indiana Department of Transportation, is converting some 226 of its working vehicle to propane and establishing a network of 1125 fueling stations around the state

Proponents of propane (or LPG, for liquefied petroleum gas, also known as autogas) say it's the most widely used alternative automotive fuel, citing advantages including inherently lower emissions than gasoline or diesel, with easier onboard storage and infrastructure requirements than competing methane/natural gas. With three carbon atoms to methane's one, propane is not as clean-burning as methane, but it's a far denser gas and can be handled in relatively low-pressure tanks.

Recent developments include the successful engineering of liquid propane injection systems allowing for dedicated propane operation of an increasing number of engine types — with all the power of gasoline. Long popular for forklifts, propane use is growing for school buses and other fleet vehicles as well.

The Washington-based Propane Education & Research Council is the pre-eminent promoter of propane vehicles in the U.S.

The National Propane Gas Association will hold its Southeastern Convention & International Propane Expo in Atlanta April 16-18.

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