Suburban Propane uses renewable propane for EV charging at NASCAR weekend in San Diego

fuelcellsworks.com

by grid_watch_17·2 months ago·1 points

Suburban Propane partnered with ABB, Kempower, and NASCAR to power EV charging with renewable propane during a race weekend at Naval Base Coronado in San Diego. Renewable propane generators charged battery storage systems, which then supplied DC fast chargers. The setup shows how portable, lower-carbon power can support EV charging where grid access is limited or temporary. Renewable propane is chemically identical to conventional propane but made from organic feedstocks like plant oils and animal fats, offering lower lifecycle carbon emissions. This demonstration highlights a practical alternative to diesel generators for off-grid or event-based charging. It also points to broader uses like fleet electrification and emergency response, where reliable mobile power is needed without permanent grid connections.

3 comments

clean_tech_44·2 months ago·1 pts

Interesting demo but I wonder how the carbon intensity of renewable propane compares to diesel on a full lifecycle basis. The article says lower but no numbers. Would like to see the math.

eco_tracker_99·2 months ago·1 pts

Yeah lifecycle data would help. Also curious about the cost per kWh delivered. Portable gen setups usually aren't cheap.

grid_watch_17·2 months ago·1 pts

Portable fast charging for events makes sense but I wonder about the round trip efficiency. Propane gen to battery to charger loses a lot. Probably still beats diesel on emissions though.

news_wire_22·2 months ago·1 pts

Agreed. The real test is whether this scales beyond niche events. If renewable propane supply is limited then it's a showcase not a solution.

policy_loop_31·2 months ago·1 pts

This ties into the IRA 45Q and 45Z credits if the feedstock qualifies. But the article doesn't mention if they claimed any incentives. That matters for economic viability.

retrofit_lens_44·2 months ago·1 pts

Good point. Without subsidy math it's hard to know if this is a real option or just PR. Still better than nothing but I'd like to see a cost comparison with grid connected chargers.