Florida Officials Weigh Benefits of Propane

Propane currently powers 15 million vehicles worldwide. In the US it is used widely to power commercial vehicle fleets, offering financial and environmental benefits. (image: guardian.co.uk)

A city in Florida is making the switch to clean-burning propane with the help of Ferrell Gas and ROUSH CleanTech, swvolusia.com reports.

Staff at Deltona City have met with representatives of Ferrell Gas Co. to discuss the feasibility of converting some of the city’s existing vehicle fleet to run on propane gas. Propane is much cheaper than traditional vehicle fuels, particularly given the soaring world oil prices.

Deltona City officials are also considering purchasing propane-powered vehicles to fill any upcoming vacancies in the city’s fleet. Ferrellgas has also provided a demonstration van to city staff to use temporally while staff consider options for cleaner energy and financial savings.

Ferrell Gas and ROUSH Clean Tech have collaborated to develop liquid propane autogas fuel systems for a variety of Ford commercial vehicles. Propane autogas is already used widely across the US to power commercial vehicle fleets.

ROUSH autogas systems offer the same torque, horsepower, and towing ratings as their gasoline-powered equivalents. But propane also has environmental benefits.

Vehicles that run on propane produce significantly fewer greenhouse gases (24 percent) compared to vehicles powered by gasoline and diesel. Propane also reduces carbon monoxide emissions by 60 percent and nitrogen oxide by 20 percent.

Currently, there are more than 15 million vehicles worldwide powered by propane autogas, making it the third most common engine fuel. Propane also has one of the best safety records of any motor fuel.

The benefits of switching to propane are obvious. But here’s another reason: More than 90 percent of the propane used domestically in the US is produced right here – insuring a consistent supply and reducing dependency on foreign oil.

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