Propane is sometimes referred to as Liquefied Petroleum Gas, or LPG. It’s made from petroleum refining and natural gas processing. Propane is normally a gas, but it’s stored in liquid form on a vehicle. Once the propane enters the engine, it becomes a gas again, which helps this fuel to burn so cleanly. The propane fuel grade used in vehicles is called HD-5.

Propane is widely available. Propane fuel tanks are 20 times more puncture resistant than conventional gasoline tanks. "Closed" fueling systems prevent leaking and vapor emissions. Propane emits 60% lower carbon monoxide and 50% lower reactive hydrocarbons than gasoline. Engines run by propane are cleaner and last longer. Propane vehicles can have as much as double the engine life of gasoline vehicles. Propane reduces lubricant contamination by fuel and has little to no carbon build up in combustion chambers or pistons. "Premium" gasoline has octane ratings of 91-92. Propane's octane rating is 104.

Did you know?

• Both General Motors and Ford manufacture propane vehicles.
• The oil, oil filter, and spark plugs in a propane vehicle last up to three times longer than in a vehicle running on gasoline.
• There are 3.5 million propane vehicles worldwide. In the U.S., more than 350,000 vehicles are fueled by propane.
• Propane is the third most widely used motor fuel, ranking behind gasoline and diesel.

Liquefied Petroleum Gas Links

• American Petroleum Institute
• Independent Petroleum Association of America
• National Propane Gas Association
• National Petroleum Council