New Data: Using Propane Forklifts Can Lower Emissions
Propane outperforms both gasoline and electric-powered forklifts on GHG, NOx and SOx
April 16, 2018
Companies using propane-powered forklifts can significantly reduce greenhouse gas (GHG), nitrogen oxide (NOx) and sulfur oxide (SOx) emissions according to a study commissioned by the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC).
“Propane is already known to be the leader for facility operations needing reliability and versatility from their forklift fuel,” said Jeremy Wishart, PERC director of off-road business development. “The results of this study further reinforce the green advantages of a propane forklift as part of its long list of benefits, which includes a lower purchase price, inexpensive fuel costs and increased productivity because the equipment never needs to stop working to recharge.”
The Gas Technology Institute (GTI) and Nexight Group conducted the study to compare emissions of propane forklifts versus gasoline. The study leveraged tools and reports under GTI’s Carbon Management Information Center consortium, including its Source Energy and Emissions Analysis Tool (SEEAT). SEEAT uses government and published data sources to estimate emissions associated with the full-fuel cycle. The study analyzed greenhouse gases, NOx and SOx produced by propane, gasoline, diesel and electric forklifts.
The analysis found the following emissions reductions with propane forklifts:
- GHG: 16 percent less than gasoline forklifts and 11 percent less than natural gas.
- NOx: 17 percent less than gasoline forklifts and 97% less than diesel.
- SOx: 76 percent less than electric forklifts and 15 percent less than gasoline forklifts.
For more information on other ways companies can benefit from using propane forklifts, visit propane.com/industrial.
Propane Education & Research Council: The Propane Education & Research Council is a nonprofit established, operated, and funded by the propane industry. PERC leads safety and training efforts and drives technology development to expand the adoption of propane as a clean, domestic, and affordable energy source. PERC programs benefit a variety of markets including transportation, agriculture, landscaping, residential, and commercial. For more information about propane-powered technologies, equipment incentives, and PERC, visit propane.com.
