Civil Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Methanol
California, New York, and a few other states made concerted efforts to
develop a methanol infrastructure for passenger vehicles, resulting in over 100
methanol dispensing locations by 1997.
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While some stations dispensed
methanol, the preferred fuel was a blend of 85% methanol and 15% premium
gasoline (known as M85). Lower gasoline prices and an insufficient refueling
infrastructure contributed to the gradual closing of retail methanol facilities.
Today there are no retail stations dispensing methanol or M85.
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Propane Autogas
An infrastructure of propane production, storage, and distribution facilities
exists in most parts of the United States.
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An increase in the number of
propane refueling stations would require only a modest investment in
dispensing equipment (storage tank, pump, dispenser, and a credit card
reader). Propane autogas is delivered to stations by a transport truck, where it
is stored onsite, usually in an above-ground tank. Dispensers can be added to
existing retail outlets for gasoline and diesel, as the equipment is similar to that
used for traditional fuels. The main difference is that propane autogas is
delivered to the vehicle under pressure so it remains a liquid. A full vehicle
tank signals the dispenser to stop. Across the country, there are 2,687 propane
refueling stations, not counting private refueling operations.
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Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles
According to DOE,
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there are 13 publicly available hydrogen fuel cell
refueling stations, mostly in the Los Angeles area, where the California Fuel
Cell Partnership is promoting the commercialization of fuel cell vehicles
through a partnership with automakers, government organizations, and energy
providers.
Electric Vehicles
Electric vehicles can be charged at home or at commercial charging
stations, but DOE notes that ―consumers are likely to do the majority of their
charging at home.‖
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Car owners who recharge at home have two main
options: standard and fast.
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Similar fast charging is available at workplaces,
shopping centers, and public parking lots. In addition to home outlets, there
are 8,685 publicly available electric charging stations and over 21,000
charging outlets throughout the country.
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