Why isn’t propane autogas as widespread in the US as LPG is in Europe?
The United States has an abundant domestic supply of propane, which could potentially be cheaper than gasoline. As an automotive fuel, it also offers certain environmental advantages, generally producing fewer CO₂ emissions, particulates, and other pollutants than conventional fuels.
Yet propane autogas in the US seems to be used almost exclusively for school buses and commercial fleets. Privately owned propane-powered cars are rare, as are public refueling stations. In several European countries, by contrast, gasoline-LPG vehicles are fairly common.
Why is there such a significant difference? Is it due to America’s historically lower gasoline prices, the limited refueling infrastructure, regulations governing vehicle conversions, automakers’ strategies, or a lack of incentives?
Considering the domestic availability of propane and its potential economic and environmental benefits, why hasn’t a substantial market for propane-powered private cars developed in the United States?