Over 10 Million Propane Vehicles Worldwide
Low Cost and Lower Emissions Make LPG a Viable Option
There are over 10 million Propane Vehicles worldwide. These are most commonly fleet vehicles such as buses, delivery trucks, police cars, etc. Propane has been used as a transportation fuel in the United States for over 60 years. LPG vehicles are mostly conversions from gasoline vehicles because automotive manufacturers have sold very few propane model vehicles.
However, Propane vehicles and Natural Gas vehicles are becoming more popular in Europe and many manufacturers are expanding there line-up, to include more Bi-fuel vehicles. VW is no exception; the Golf Bi-fuel vehicle uses a 1.6L engine that can either run on gasoline or propane. In the United States, Roush Performance unveiled a Liquid Propane Injected F-250 on January 22, 2009. This has sparked the interest for buyers looking for medium-duty trucks with lower fuel costs and lower emissions. Low cost fuel and lower emissions makes LPG a viable option for a transportation fuel.
What is Propane Gas?
LP Gas or Liquefied Petroleum Gas is made of mostly butane and propane and is commonly referred to as the latter. It is an odorless gas - mercaptan is added to propane gas to give it that rotten smell, this makes a propane leak detectable due to the odor.
LPG unlike many other liquid fuels does not contaminate ground water supply because it is not soluble with water. Although, Propane is heavier than air and therefore it can puddle in low areas, as a vapor, which can be potentially dangerous if an ignition source is present.
The hydrocarbons in LPG turn to liquid form under pressures less than 300 psi. This is a low pressure compared to Natural Gas Vehicles, which operate on pressurized natural gas at about 3000 psi. Due to the lower pressures the tanks can be made from low carbon steel which reduces the cost of the tanks.
Production of LPG
LPG can be produced from natural gas or crude oil. The propane and butane is removed from natural gas because it liquefies under much lower pressure, which is undesirable. The gases are separated in the refining process. LPG is used as a commercial, industrial and domestic use. It is a common fuel for heating homes and water and for cooking; it is also used as a transportation fuel.
The cost of LPG is tied heavily to oil because it is commonly produced from refining crude oil. But, the price of LP gas is also determined by the location, the supply and the demand. During winter months the use of LPG increases largely due to the amount of home heating, this also brings up the price in the winter months.
Hyundai LPG Hybrid
Hyundai, the Korean manufacturer has become much more competitive in recent years. Many of their vehicles are rated top of their class in consumer reports. The Hyundai LPG Hybrid is now combining Hybrid Electric technology with LPG in the Elantra LPI HEV.
The Hyundai Elantra LPI HEV is scheduled to be released in Korea in July, 2009 as the cheapest available Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV). It will be powered by a 1.6L Liquefied Petroleum Injected (LPI) four cylinder engine assisted by a 15KW electric motor with a continuously variable transmission.
The Hyundai LPG Hybrid will use its vast knowledge of LPG powered vehicles which will be optimized in the Elantra LPI HEV; the vehicle will be very economical to drive because of the lower cost of LPG and the electric motor. This LPG Hybrid will also be the first to use Lithium-Polymer batteries to power the electric motor.
Combining Alternative Fuel Vehicle technology with the hybrid technology will help reduce emissions and fuel consumption which is becoming a major issue around the world.
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