Alternative Fuels
There are a variety of alternative fuel options, including bioalcohol, hydrogen, non-fossil natural gas, vegetable oil, biodiesel, chemically stored electricity, non-fossil methane, propane, and other biomass options.
Propane as a Transportation Fuel
Motor Fuel Propane, also known as Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), is generated as part of crude oil refining and natural gas processing. LPG is the first product that results at the start of the crude oil refining process and is hence always produced when crude oil is refined. In natural gas processing, butane, LPG, ethane,, pentane, and other heavier hydrocarbons go through a process to ensure adequate removal before they go into the pipeline system.

Propane is a gas that can be converted into a liquid at a moderate pressure of 160 pounds per square inch (psi) and is stored in pressure tanks at approximately 200 psi at 100 degrees Fahrenheit. When propane is extracted from a tank, it turns into gas before it is burned in an engine. This fuel alternative has been used as a transportation fuel since 1912 and is the third most commonly used combustible in the United States, behind diesel and gasoline. More than four million vehicles fed by propane are in use around the world in light-, medium-, and heavy-duty applications. Compared to gasoline, to drive propane, more storage volume is necessary because it has about 85% of gasoline’s energy. Though it is price-competitive on a cents-per-mile-driven basis.
Experience Savings With Propane Buses!
Offered in both Type A and Type C buses, nobody in the industry offers more options for their propane solution than Blue Bird. With three tank sizes and all-wheel based available to suit your needs, they can create a bus that is perfect for your fleet. The ROUSH CleanTech fuel system in our Vision Propane buses can also be calibrated to fit your needs. The Blue Bird EconoShift™ option allows for improved fuel economy, while the Blue Bird PowerShift™ option is best suited for operating conditions that require more power. Customers have the flexibility to determine their requirements and select a desired transmission shift calibration.
Contact an experienced bus contractor such as Colorado/West, Nebraska/Central for more information on this topic.