In some countries, LPG (liquified propane gas) is an increasingly common fuel for automobiles due to its comparatively low cost and 15-20 percent lower emissions compared to gasoline or diesel fuel. Though some are against the practice, a few governments encourage the use of LPG through lowered taxes. In America, propane for automotive use is usually limited to large fleets, where the specialized pumping equipment can be cost effectively purchased. As we mentioned before, Roush has decided to tap into this fleet market with a new LPG version of the popular Ford F-150.

Using Ford's 5.4-liter, 3-valve Triton™ V-8 engine, Roush promises the same performance as the gasoline version. Available in available in Regular Cab, SuperCab and SuperCrew cab styles with XL, XLT, STX, & FX4 trim along with all three different bed lengths and two different sized LPG tanks, we'd imagine that no matter what your needs may be, Roush has an LPG-equipped truck that will suit you. According to the press release after the break, Roush is currently taking orders for the new pickup, which can be ordered, delivered and serviced through a network of select Ford dealers across the nation.

Voller Energy, a developer and manufacturer of portable fuel-cell systems, has announced that they have successfully assembled and demonstrated the operation of a complete and totally self-contained prototype fuel-cell system which can be run on compressed natural gas (CNG/LPG) or propane. Voller plans to commercialize their 1kW class auxiliary power units (APUs), which include a proprietary fully automated control and safety system, gas reformate clean-up and cooling, by the end of the year.

Most fuel-cells run exclusively on hydrogen which is currently available in very few locations in comparison to CNG/LPG which is available at most petrol stations to refill gas bottles for camping stoves and barbecues. Voller's system is characterized by quiet operation, low emissions and high efficiency.

Another recently announced product by Voller is the fourth generation of their VE100 fuel-cell product line, the Fuel Cell ABC (Automatic Battery Charger). The Fuel Cell ABC is a portable generator and battery charger that has a plug on the front just like the plug in the wall, but produces no toxic emissions when operating, only pure water.

Analysis: Fuel-cells show great promise not only in transportation but also in portable energy. Reliance on hydrogen has limited their uptake though, so a fuel-cell which can run off readily available liquid gas is sure to gain a great deal of interest in the market.

Related:

• Purdue working on 'carbon-free' production method for liquid fuels, but it requires hydrogen
• Quantum announces $2.1 million plug-in hybrid deal with California's South Coast AQMD
• Has there been a battery "breakthrough" in South Africa?

[Source: Voller press release]

Ethanol or liquid petroleum gas (LPG)? Battle lines for alternative fuels are being drawn between automakers General Motors and Ford Motor Co. with much of the differences based on nationality.

Saab, which is owned by General Motors, is backing ethanol as the fuel of the future. Ford Australia is backing LPG. Both marques point out that their vehicles simply cannot support the other's fuel either technologically or, in most cases, nationally. States spokeswoman Sinead McAlary of Ford, "Cars in Australia are not built to run on E85, and there isn't an E85 network here to allow people to fuel their vehicles. It would take a total shift of the [automotive] market and sizeable resources [for E85 to become viable here]. And it would take significant steps for the fuel to become well recognised by people in Australia."

Saab counters that its ethanol-powered vehicles are exempt from certain charges and fees like parking in the city of Stockholm. Also, most European automakers have discontinued investment in LPG technologies, focusing instead on ethanol. Finally, the Swedish automaker points out that its Biopower Saab turbo engines actually perform more effectively with ethanol instead of LPG and can even run on unleaded fuel.

[Source: Sydney Morning Herald]