Category Archives: At the Pump

Propel Customers in the National Spotlight – CNBC Story

CNBC’s The Tech Effect features Propel and reports on the growing access to clean fuels in the Sacramento, California region.

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Propel Fuels offers customers choice at the pump beyond traditional petroleum options. Matt Horton, Propel CEO says, “today we’re selling E85 ethanol and biodiesel, tomorrow we’ll be selling hydrogen and electric vehicle charging–whatever makes sense at the time.”
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Propel customers like Paul Wikoff, choose to use Flex Fuel E85 not only because it is less expensive than regular gasoline, but also for the environmental and health benefits.

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Watch the CNBC clip.

Biodiesel station’s green features earn Propel ‘Project of the Month’ title

Propel’s downtown Seattle station  is selected as the Daily Journal of Commerce’s Project of the Month for July.

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photo by Lara Swimmer

An American icon goes green, smells good too.

Propel Biodiesel’s Seattle station is an urban oasis. Filling up there can be a meditative experience.

If you’re green at heart but still attached to your internal combustion engine, don’t give up hope. If it’s diesel you need, pull your Bug or your tractor-trailer into the South Lake Union station at Broad and Westlake and fill up. It’s roughly the same price per gallon as regular diesel . . .”

Read more from the Daily Journal of Commerce

US Postal Service adds numbers to alternative fuel fleet

usps_elkgrove3The United States Postal Service is a regular customer at Propel’s California locations, filling their service vehicles with Flex Fuel E85. Nearly twenty percent of the Postal Service fleet is alternative fuel-capable, the majority of which are Flex Fuel Vehicles.

The USPS recently announced that it will be swapping 1,000 older vehicles for Flex Fuel-capable models as part of a larger replacement program. According to Ethanol Producer Magazine, the purchase of these vehicles “will bring the total number of alternative fuel-capable vehicles in the Postal Service fleet to more than 43,000.”

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Lara, a mail carrier for the USPS, fills her service vehicle with Flex Fuel at Propel’s Elk Grove, CA location.

She likes the lower price of E85 and that it burns cleaner than regular gasoline.

For a list of all Flex Fuel-capable vehicles, visit Propel’s website.

At the Pump . . . Sacramento State

Propel community members share their stories.

Sacramento, CA – Folsom Blvd Clean Fuel Point – June 2009

cacee_ffv_silverado2We met Cacee filling up his rig at Propel’s Folsom Blvd location. The Flex Fuel Chevy Silverado is part of Sacramento State‘s Parking Enforcement fleet.

Cacee has fueled the Sac State vehicle with Flex Fuel E85 since Propel started pumping in the Sacramento region at the beginning of this year.

Sac Sate has a number of Flex Fuel Vehicles and whenever possible they use Propel’s Folsom Blvd pump as it is conveniently close to campus.

Can your vehicle use clean, American-made fuel that is easier on your wallet?

Find out if your vehicle can use Flex Fuel E85.

United States Postal Service runs alternative fuel

USPS fills up with Flex Fuel E85 at Propel’s Rocklin, CA location.

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At the Pump . . .

Propel community members share their stories.

Rocklin, CA – Rocklin Clean Fuel Point – Thursday, June 11th

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Trey and Melissa frequently fill up their flex fuel-capable Ford F150 at Propel’s Rocklin, California location.

They bought the F150 without realizing it was a Flex Fuel Vehicle–able to run E85, regular petroleum gasoline or a mixture of both.

Trey noticed a label on the fuel tank door stating “ethanol fuel or unleaded gasoline only,” so he called the dealership. Sure enough, 5.4L engine Ford F150s from the model years 2006 – 2009 (8th character of VIN = “V”) are all flex fuel capable.

As regular gasoline prices climb, filling with E85 has helped Trey and Melissa save money–sometimes as much as $30 a tank!

At the Pump . . .

lon_suburban_ffvlon_flexfuel_badgePropel community members share their stories.

Sacramento, CA – Folsom Blvd Clean Fuel Point – Friday, June 5th

On a quick trip out to the Folsom Blvd location, we met Lon Hatamiya, former Secretary of Technology, Trade and Commerce for Calfornia, fueling his Chevy Suburban with Flex Fuel E85.

He’s a major proponent of alternative fuels and has been filling at the Folsom Blvd and Rocklin locations since the stations opened in California earlier this year.

’84 Toyota pick-up converted to run on ethanol

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We met Dave filling up at our Rocklin, CA location. And couldn’t help but notice his enthusiasm for alternative fuel.

He converted his 1984 Toyota pick-up  with the help of David Blume’s book, Alcohol Can Be A Gas!, to run on E85 flex fuel. It’s been four months since he made the conversion and all is going well.

Dave says, “I went from 24 miles per gallon to 22, and the last time I bought fuel, ethanol was $2.05 per gallon and regular was $2.80 at the same station, that’s a lot better miles per dollar.”

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At the Pump . . .

Propel community members share their stories.

Rocklin, CA – Rocklin Clean Fuel Point – Friday, May 22nd

Mike_NorCalPool_biodieselRan into Mike Bradley, owner of Nor Cal Pool Productions, filling his rig with biodiesel at Propel’s Rocklin, California location. 

This was Mike’s first biodiesel fill up — low on fuel and thought he’d give it a try. 

“It’s better for the Earth and it’s about the same price as regular diesel–why not?” 

Located in Lincoln, California, Nor Cal Pool Productions specializes in the design and construction of custom pool and patio installations.

Find more businesses dedicated to fueling their fleet vehicles with low-carbon, domestically-produced fuel, see a list of Propel Clean Fleet Partners in California and Washington State.

Factoria CFP unharmed by two-alarm fire in Bellevue, WA

The McCarthy Building still smolders across the street from Propel’s Factoria Clean Fuel Point. Fire broke out Wednesday afternoon, burning a majority of the structure with damages likely to exceed 1 million dollars. Luckily, no injuries or damage to surrounding businesses have been reported.

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News report on McCarthy fire.

At the Pump . . .

Propel community members share their stories. 

Sacramento, CA - Folsom Blvd Clean Fuel Point – Wednesday, May 6th

Gam_FolsomWe met Gam filling her Chevy Tahoe with Flex Fuel at the Folsom Blvd Propel pump—located at the Shell station at the intersection of Power Inn Road and Folsom Blvd.

She usually fuels at the Elk Grove location, but as it happens, the Folsom pump is conveniently close to where she works! 

Gam appreciates the fact that Flex Fuel has been significantly cheaper than regular petroleum gasoline. 

 

At the Pump . . .

Propel community members share their stories.

Kenmore, WA – Bothell Way Clean Fuel Point – Tuesday, May 5th

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We ran into Brick today at our Kenmore, Washington pump on  Bothell Way located at the very north end of Lake Washington. Brick has been fueling his Jeep Liberty CRD with Propel for 2 years.

The limited release Liberty “CRD” (2005 – 2006) stands for “Common Rail Diesel,” describing the 4-cylinder 2.8 liter turbo-diesel engine. CRD systems use high injection pressure to move fuel into the combustion chamber, resulting in higher fuel economy and cleaner burning diesel.

Brick also fuels his Chevy Duramax Diesel pickup with Propel, in both downtown Seattle and here in Kenmore.

At the Pump . . .

Propel Community members share their stories.

Rocklin, CA – Rocklin Clean Fuel Point – Thursday, April 23rd
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Bud is hoping for a Propel station in Nevada County, but until then, he’s happy to fill his Ford F-250 with biodiesel in Rocklin.

“People have told me that it runs more quietly now that I’ve been using biodiesel — less knocks,” says Bud.

Biodiesel does enhance engine lubricity, making diesel engines run more smoothly. Many drivers testify to a smoother, quieter ride with biodiesel fuel.

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At the Pump . . .

Propel community members share their stories.

Bellevue, WA – Factoria Clean Fuel Point – Thursday, April 23rd

On an uncharacteristically sunny spring afternoon in Washington, we met Nicki at the Bellevue/Factoria station. Nicki, proudly displays her son’s 1995 Jetta TDI.nicki

A native of Germany, Nicki is a big fan of the TDI platform, the Jetta is one of three she has at her home in Mercer Island, WA. “I fill all three of them with Propel biodiesel,” she says proudly. We certainly appreciate her love of TDIs and her support of clean fuels!

At the Pump . . .

Propel community members share their stories.

Sacramento, CA – Folsom Blvd Clean Fuel Point – Wednesday, April 15th

mike_della_ford-rangerDella and Mike have been waiting nearly 5 years  to fill their flex fuel capable Ford Ranger with E85.

They’re thrilled to have a Propel pump in Sacramento providing Flex Fuel access.

Della and Mike’s truck has an identifying FFV “leaf and road” badge on the tailgate, though Flex Fuel-ready Ranger pickups can also be identified based on the model year and VIN. 

The 3.0L Ford Ranger, model years 1999 – 2000, and the 3.0L Supercab Ranger, model years 2001 – 2003, with a “V”  as the 8th character of the VIN, are Flex Fuel capable. To see a list of all FFV models, click here.

At the Pump . . .

Propel community members share their stories.

Citrus Heights, CA — Citrus Heights Clean Fuel Point — Tuesday, April 14th

 Yes! Solar Solutions, a Propel Clean Fleet partner, regularly fills up their rigs with biodiesel. This Tuesday, we met Robert filling the Ford F350 in Citrus Heights. The truck sported a super-sized fleet biodiesel bumper sticker. 

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As a renewable energy company, Yes! Solar Solutions is glad to have access to an alternative fuel product for their current fleet of vehicles. As Robert put it, “anything to help the environment, right?”

Busy day at South Lake Union

Downtown Seattle, WA – South Lake Union Station — Wednesday, April 8th

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At the Pump . . .

Propel community members share their stories.

Seattle, WA – South Lake Union Station – Wednesday, April 8th

Propel Clean Fleet partners Port Supply and Tree Cycle were filling up with biodiesel at Propel’s South Lake Union location in Downtown Seattle.

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Port Supply Seattle is a local wholesale marine products supplier that’s been doing business on Lake Union for years. They are seeing more interest in marine applications for alternative fuels, and are currently fueling their land-based Sprinter fleet with biodiesel.

Also met up with Tree Cycle, an innovative Seattle company committed to safety, high quality tree care and environmental stewardship. Their owner Peter Gruenwoldt is deeply committed to preserving the health of our urban forest. More information about arborist services is available at www.treecycleseattle.com.

At the Pump . . .

Propel community members share their stories.

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Rocklin, CA – Rocklin Clean Fuel Point – Tuesday, April 7th

Met Linda this afternoon at the Rocklin pump. She regularly makes her way down from Penryn to fill up her Flex Fuel Tahoe and has been using the Rocklin Clean Fuel Point since the fuel started flowing early this year. She’s excited to have access to E85 closer to home. In fact, she has happily shown three new customers the ins-and-outs of using the Propel location.

tahoe_flexbadgeWe often meet Tahoe drivers at Propel pumps. Chevrolet has been making the Tahoe 5.3L Flex Fuel compatible since 2002 and the 6.2L model as of 2009.

Most Tahoes have an identifying Flex Fuel badge, but you can also check your vehicle owners manuel or VIN number for compatiblity — visit Can you drive E85 FlexFuel?

At the Pump . . .

 Propel community members share their stories . . .

Seattle, WA – South Lake Union Station – Friday, March 27th stumptown11

On this gray Friday in Seattle I ran into Zach Fogel with Stumptown Coffee Roasters at the downtown SLU station. As a direct trade coffee roaster that prides itself on knowing its growers and its roasting artistry, Stumptown was happy to find a fuel partner with shared values. stumptown2

Also, the canola was growing like crazy at the station garden, some yellow flowers beginning to pop. With such a long snowy NW winter, it shows how tough this winter crop is.  

Learn more about Stumptown coffee here.

At the Pump . . .

Propel community members share their stories.

Citrus Heights, CA – Citrus Heights Clean Fuel Point - Friday, March 20th

mark_1970chevyCaught up with Mark and his beautifully restored 1970 Chevy pickup at the Citrus Heights Propel location. The truck was a great color for a Flex Fuel E85 rig–mustard yellow! He had  outfitted the pickup to run Flex Fuel or as Mark put it, “burn some alcohol.”

This was his first Flex Fuel fill up, “I’d done a lot of research and I like that I’ll get an octane boost.” Mark also likes that Flex Fuel E85 is an American-made product.

 

Rocklin, CA – Rocklin Clean Fuel Point – Wednesday, March 18th

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Stopped to talk with Andrew from Loomis, CA, filling his brand new 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI at the Rocklin pump.

He was excited to finally have access to biodiesel in Rocklin.

“I really like having a diesel,” Andrew mentioned. “On my last trip up to Oregon, I set the cruise control at 65 and got about 52 miles per gallon.”  

That’s better than the Toyota Prius and Honda Civic hybrids!

At the Pump . . .

Propel community members share their stories.

Rocklin, CA – Rocklin Clean Fuel Point – Friday, March 13th
Located at the 76 station at Standford Ranch Road & Five Star Blvd.jeremy_fordffv_logo

Spoke with Jeremy on a sunny Friday in Rocklin, filling his Ford Ranger pickup truck with E85 Flex Fuel.

He was glad to finally have access to alternative fuel for his Flex Fuel-capable truck.

“Filling with E85 Flex Fuel is a great start to using new forms of energy.” — Jeremy

Like many Flex Fuel Vehicles, Jeremy’s Ford Ranger sports a FFV badge, calling out his vehicle’s compatibility with E85 Flex Fuel.

Seattle, WA – West Seattle Clean Fuel Point – Thursday, March 12th
Located at the Exxon station at 35th Ave SW & SW Barton.

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Met Donna Cooley at the West Seattle pump Thursday. She’s the owner of Earthly Delight Gardens, that specializes in garden design, renovation maintenance and coaching.

“Big thanks to Propel for providing access to biodiesel in West Seattle, it’s very convenient for my business.”  — Donna

At the Pump . . .

Propel community members share their stories.

Citrus Heights Clean Fuel Point – 2:00 pm -  Wednesday, March 4th
Located at the intersection of Antelope Rd & Auburn Blvd at the Shell station.

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Emily fills the Dodge Ram 2500 with biodiesel. “It needs a full tank of the good stuff to make it up to Tahoe and back!”
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First time customer, Alex, fills her Ford Taurus with E85 Flex Fuel. “I have my own business and this is my first time using Flex Fuel in my car.”—>