1. Propane Infrastructure
There is much to consider when building propane (also known as liquefied
petroleum gas or LPG) fueling infrastructure. Here are some resources to
help you start.
Getting Started gas, which requires dedicated supply properly maintain and service AFVs.
Availability of infrastructure is the lines, high-pressure compression, stor- Technicians must understand the dif-
driving force behind acceptance of any age cylinders, and special dispensers. ferences between various fuels and
fuel. Fleets depend on being able to fuel systems and have a good under-
locate fuel within a reasonable dis- Infrastructure costs and operating standing of maintenance schedules and
tance at a competitive price. States expenses are discussed in Fleet Eco- AFVs components.
with abundant propane resources can nomics, on the Propane Education &
offer a sound business case for install- Research Council (PERC) website. Original equipment manufacturers
ing propane infrastructure to service The page contains information on (OEMs) fully back the alternative fuel
their fleets. The City of Austin, Texas, infrastructure costs, capital costs, and vehicles they produce with standard
for example, operates a fleet of more operating costs. warranties, adequate parts inventory,
than 200 F150 propane trucks that and trained technicians. And training
fuel at the city’s six fueling yards. Also visit the Fleets section for infor- classes are available for mechanics
Surrounding Travis County operates mation on how to build your alterna- wishing to enter the field.
80 propane F150 trucks. In addition, tive fuel vehicle fleet.
the Texas State Highway Department The following organizations offer
operates numerous grass cutting ma- technician training for alternative fuel
chines that run on propane for high-
Propane Information and
vehicles:
way maintenance. Advocacy Organizations
The following organizations provide • BAF Technologies,
The capital structure needed for pro- information about propane vehicle and • National Alternative Fuels Train-
duction, storage, and bulk distribution infrastructure technology, standards, ing Consortium (NAFTC),
of propane already exists. Additional safety, policy, advocacy, and more: • National Automotive Technician
infrastructure investments may be • Auto Gas USA, Education Foundation (NATEF),
required for automotive use to accom- • Propane Conversion Companies, and
modate the higher throughput. The • National Propane Gas Association, • National Institute for Automotive
majority of incremental infrastructure • Wisconsin Propane Gas Service Excellence (ASE).
costs, however, relate to the expansion Association,
of the distribution network. • Propane Education and Research
Council (PERC), and
Additional investment is required to • Wisconsin Clean Cities.
adapt existing fueling station infra-
structure to dispense propane. The cost Training For more information,
of installing the necessary equipment Like conventional vehicles, alternative contact Wisconsin Clean Cities
for dispensing propane (tank, pump, fuel vehicles (AFVs) require proper at 414-221-4958 or email
and metering equipment) is less than maintenance. That’s why it is impor- info@wicleancities.org.
that for dispensing compressed natural tant to have trained technicians to Also, visit us on the web at
www.wicleancities.org.
Wisconsin Clean Cities | 231 W. Michigan St., P321 | Milwaukee, WI 53203