PERC to debut new propane direct-injection fuel system at ACT Expo

Stanadyne, Katech and the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) developed a new propane direct-injection fuel system that will debut at the upcoming Advanced Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo. They will showcase it in a 2023 GM Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD at PERC’s booth, No. 5113. The ACT Expo takes place April 28-May 1 in Santa Monica, California.

This system combines Stanadyne’s direct-injection fuel pump with vapor lock technology and injector system with Katech’s vapor lock inhibitor to create the industry’s first medium-duty engine capable of delivering propane autogas up to 200-bar pressure directly into the combustion chamber. Integrated into the Chevrolet Silverado’s 6.6-liter V8 L8T engine, the system produces 401 horsepower, 464 pound-feet of torque and enables a towing capacity of up to 17,370 pounds.

“The test engine/vehicle required only minimal modifications,” says Srinu Gunturu, chief engineer at Stanadyne. “With our newly developed LPG direct-injection pump and injectors, the system demonstrates strong potential for cost-effective scalability and broad commercialization. This technology not only reduces emissions but also makes clean propulsion more accessible for medium- and heavy-duty vehicles where electrification remains a challenge.”

During a 250-hour performance and durability test, the integrated system successfully demonstrated compatibility with existing engines, proving it to be a viable low-carbon, high-performance alternative to gasoline and diesel. Compared to diesel, propane autogas reduces harmful nitrogen oxide emissions by up to 96 percent and lowers carbon dioxide emissions by 5 percent to 10 percent, according to PERC.

“This solution delivers lower emissions, higher efficiency and the potential for significant cost savings because propane provides the lowest total cost of ownership,” says Gavin Hale, director of product development and power generation at PERC. “This is the innovation fleet owners need to meet sustainability and economic goals.”

The direct-injection fuel system is one of several propane-powered technologies PERC is showcasing at this year’s ACT Expo. The products on display will emphasize propane’s versatility for propane autogas vehicles, EV charging and material handling applications.

Additional equipment on display at PERC’s booth includes:

• Alliance AutoGas Ford 7.3-liter V8 bi-fuel system. This EPA-certified system provides fleet owners with an extended range as it can operate on both propane autogas and gasoline. The engine provides up to 430 horsepower and 475 pound-feet of torque.
• Nexio 7.2-liter supercharged V8 propane autogas engine. This engine is designed for Class 7 and 8 vehicles. It features a liquid injection system that can produce 330 horsepower and 775 pound-feet of torque. It is expected to meet or exceed EPA and CARB emissions standards, according to PERC.

PERC staff will be on-site throughout the show to discuss these technologies and how propane is playing a growing role in clean energy solutions for transportation and beyond.