Facts about LP - A cleaner fuel that's not just for grills
According to the U.S. Census circa 2000, almost seven million American households use propane as their primary fuel. The Department of Energy estimates that there are 250,000 vehicles on American roads powered by the fuel and close to a million worldwide (the fuel was particularly popular in Australia through the 1970s and '80s). Curiously, the fuel is a byproduct of refining gasoline and natural gas. Among LP's many benefits, it converts easily to liquid under light pressure, making it easy to store and transport. Propane refills take about the same time as a stop at a gas station, as the liquids flow at about the same rate. Additionally, propane vaporizes at normal atmospheric conditions, so fuel spills are literally impossible (the fuel immediately evaporates).
Chemical analyses reveal that LP is a cleaner fuel than gasoline. When burned, propane emits 40 percent less particulate matter, half the NOx, and 87 percent fewer hydrocarbons. Proponents also purport that engines run cleaner on propane and require less maintenance because the fuel leaves fewer contaminates on cylinder walls and in crankcase oil. Roush makes no such claims, but the company doesn't dismiss the notion, either.
As for refueling, sources at Roush recommend checking out www.afdc.energy.gov/afdc/stations/find_station.php. Coverage in metro markets is strong, and with a little planning, a cross-country trip in an LP-powered vehicle isn't out of the question. When refueling, it's important to note that there are three different types of LP: propane, engine fuel-grade propane (known as HD5), and commercial-grade butane. HD5 is the only engine fuel-grade propane.
Too Rare or Ready For Consumption
Roush's Liquid Propane F-150 conversion certainly performs like a "real" truck and presents drivers with few compromises compared with a traditional gasoline F-150. The high cost of the conversion (an all-inclusive retrofit costs $9,300 for a torodial tank system and $11,300 for the in-bed tank system) is daunting to an average consumer, but significant federal tax credits and the lower cost of LP (compared with gasoline) mean that the added cost likely would be saved after several years of ownership.
LP-fueled automobiles won't free America from its dependence on foreign-sourced oil, but it does demonstrate that alternative fuels can provide the same level of performance from a familiar platform while delivering a greater level of efficiency.
This, my friends, is progress. Let's enjoy a grilled bratwurst to celebrate...