Dual-purpose refueling system for alternative fuel vehicles

The dual-purpose refueling system enables refueling with propane autogas or a DC level 3 fast charger. (Photo: Propane Education & Research Council)

A new portable dual-purpose standalone refueling system from Leesville, Texas-based Propane Fueling Solutions enables fleets with various alternative fuel vehicles to refuel with propane autogas or recharge with DC level 3 fast chargers independent of the grid. The system is designed to provide a reliable refueling solution for fleets.

“We’ve seen it time and time again — the grid fails, the wind doesn’t blow, the sun doesn’t shine and an electric vehicle fleet is grounded because it can’t recharge. Propane can be there in those moments to provide a clean, reliable power solution,” said Mauricio Morafiallos, CEO of Propane Fueling Solutions.

The system is also an emissions-friendly option. “Historically, EV fleets have relied on diesel generators for a portable charging solution. In those cases, all the good you’re doing with EVs is going out the window when those diesel emissions are released,” Morafiallos noted. “Propane eliminates that issue.”

The system’s skid infrastructure combines a propane generator rated 60 kW at 75% capacity with 16-kW wind and 2-kW solar power to create a microgrid that allows fleets to implement a drop-in charging solution. A refueling station for propane autogas vehicles is included.

Suited for light commercial microgrid (<100-kW generation system) applications, the system is cost effective since the skid solution does not require site prep, permanent housing or other charges incurred with permanent infrastructure.

“For fleets that run propane autogas and electric vehicles, this is a solution that can’t be beat. It’s fully portable, scalable, runs reliably regardless of the weather and can be installed in as little as 24 hours,” said Steve Whaley, director of autogas business development at the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC). “The propane autogas vehicles can be refueled and back on the road within minutes, and EVs can be charged reliably through propane-generated power.”