Category Archives: Propel Customers

“On the Green Road” Tops Off at Propel Berkeley

Posted on March 16, 2012 | Leave a comment

While Propel’s Homegrown Roadshow team of Emily and Emily were between events in the SF Bay Area, they paid a visit to our Berkeley Clean Fuel Point to meet up with Cece Reinhardt, one of the partners behind On the Green Road. Per the duo’s website (which is also a live blog of their adventures), the goal of On the Green Road is to “green an Airstream, turn a used diesel truck into a veggie oil machine and hit the road in complete ‘off the grid’ style.”

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Amazingly, Cece and her fellow road-tripper Brenda Daugherty have been living out this journey since the end of last year and have plans to canvas much of the US and even parts of Canada while “driving towards sustainability one mile at a time.” And while Cece didn’t have the Airstream in tow when Propel met up with her in Berkeley to donate a well-earned tank of B20 biodiesel, she did promise that we’d meet again. We hope so! Best of luck to these road warriors as they live out their green dreams in sweet Airstream style.

Learn about Cece and Brenda’s On the Green Road adventure at www.greenrvlife.com, and find out where the Homegrown Roadshow is headed next at propelfuels.com/roadshow.

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Posted in At the Pump, Biodiesel, Events, Propel Customers

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UW Students to Retrofit Chevy Malibu to Run on Propel Biodiesel

Posted on February 27, 2012 | Leave a comment

The UW EcoCAR2 Team Receives $25,000 in seed money to kick-off the design of their plug-in hybrid, biodiesel Chevy Malibu.

As part of a program sponsored by the US Department of Energy, a team of students from the University of Washington is engineering a design will convert a conventional 2013 Chevy Malibu into a plug-in hybrid also capable of running on biodiesel.

According to Biodiesel Magazine, the program — titled EcoCAR2 — kicked off in mid-April 2011. Sixteen teams from across the country were selected to participate in the competition, which is co-sponsored by General Motors. According to UW’s EcoCar2 team leader Trevor Crain, the challenge requires that the Malibu (donated by GM) becomes not only a plug-in hybrid but successfully runs on biodiesel B20, E10, E85, hydrogen or grid-sourced electricity.

By choosing biodiesel, the team hopes to convey that diesel engines can be highly efficient and clean — and while Crain’s team of 50+ students would like to fill the car with a high-blend biodiesel, program regulations cap the blend at B20. Propel Fuels, which operates several biodiesel retail locations in the greater Seattle area, will provide the fuel.

Spanning three years total, the EcoCAR2 competition begins with a year-long design phase, after which the vehicle will be delivered for actual modification and conversion.

For more information on the project, visit Biodiesel Magazine, or visit the University of Washington’s project website at www.uwecocar2.com.

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Posted in Biodiesel, Propel Customers, Vehicles

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Propel Fuels Partners with Econation Green Transportation Service in California

Posted on January 6, 2012 | 2 Comments

Just in time for the New Year, Propel is making new friends in the fleet world, including our latest fleet customer, Econation – a global ground transportation company that exclusively employs the use of hybrid and alternative fuel vehicles in its fleets.

Econation driver Teddy fills his Suburban with Propel's Flex Fuel E85 in Arcadia, CA.

Econation will fuel its fleet of Flex Fuel vehicles at Propel locations in the greater Los Angeles area with renewable E85 fuel – a cost-effective blend of 85 percent high-performance, American-made ethanol and 15 percent gasoline. As a business member of Propel’s proprietary CleanDrive® program, Econation will also be able to track the environmental impact of every gallon of Propel fuel pumped, including pounds of CO2 reduced, barrels of oil displaced and more.

“Today more than ever, travelers appreciate being able to do something better for the environment while still experiencing the comfort, luxury and affordability they associate with a leading transportation company,” said Econation Managing Partner Ben Bloch. “We view this new partnership with Propel in the same light. We’re able to fuel our Flex Fuel vehicles with the sustainable, American product they were designed for without sacrificing quality, performance or cost. And Propel’s CleanDrive reporting program complements emissions data reports that we offer our clients. It’s a natural marriage.”

The CleanDrive system is an integrated carbon emission reduction tracking platform that tracks and displays the carbon emission reductions from the use of renewable fuels purchased at Propel stations. CleanDrive graphically displays the positive impacts of renewable fuel use including: reductions in CO2, barrels of oil displaced and reductions in foreign oil consumed. The system tracks fuel usage across Propel’s network of fueling stations, enabling businesses and government fleets to quantify the positive impacts of their decision to use low-carbon fuels, and in some cases meet mandated or voluntary fleet emission reduction goals. (You can have your own personal CleanDrive account, too! It’s free to register.)

“We’re proud to work with Econation who is setting high standards in green transportation and introducing sustainable fuels to an entirely new sector,” said Propel CEO Matt Horton. “Together with great fleets, individual drivers and better choices at the pump, we are making progress at reducing our dependency on imported oil and helping meet our nation’s emission reduction goals.”

So who exactly is Econation?

Econation is a global “green” alternative to traditional ground transportation (taxi’s, Town cars, limousines and buses). Offering an assortment of the most cutting edge hybrid and alternative fuel based sedans, utility vehicles and buses, Econation provides corporations and individuals with a way to be environmentally and socially conscious without sacrificing price, comfort, or dependable service. Econation was the first alternative fuel and hybrid firm to win Limousine, Charter and Tour (LCT) magazine’s 2011 Operator of the Year award, which measures chauffeured ground transportation firms on categories including innovation, safety and operational excellence.

To learn more about Propel Fuels, visit us online on from your mobile phone at propelfuels.com. More information on Econation is available at www.econation.com.

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Posted in At the Pump, Driver Testimonials, Fleet News, Flex Fuel, Green Business, Propel Customers

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“Love, the Bus” Loves Biodiesel!

Posted on October 28, 2011 | Leave a comment

Here at Propel, we love a renewable-fueled tour bus. But what we love even more is a renewable-fueled tour bus that loves us back. Enter: Love, the Bus.

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Love, the Bus is a cross-country charity project incepted by Maine natives Tyler Dunham, Seth Brown and Corey McLean — a trio with a mission to bring their youthful energy and creativity to local organizations across the nation.

Said Kelsey Aroian of the Love Bus crew, “We’ve been touring the country on a huge ‘adventure for good,’ spreading a message of optimism and environmental sustainability. We’re proud to spread the good word about alternative fuels on our journey.”

Fueling their mission is the Love, the Bus bus, itself — a behemoth in green powered by none other than waste veggie oil (WVO) — and the occasional reserve of biodiesel, which is necessary to heat up the team’s WVO system. Propel was happy to host the bus at our Wilmington, CA, Clean Fuel Point when it rolled through Southern CA yesterday.

“We received our first batch of biodiesel in California from Propel Fuels and heard about their fantastic CleanDrive program.  We’re excited to join with them in their efforts toward cleaner fuels and a healthier planet!” said Kelsey.

Along their travels, the Love, the Bus team has been documenting their journey through daily video updates that viewers can interact with online. Every week, the group completes a new challenge to creatively fund local organizations near where that challenge is completed. All of their challenges, most of the money they distribute, and their general tour road map, is dictated by viewers and fans.

To play your part in the Love, the Bus project, and to view fresh episodes of Tyler, Corey and Seth’s travels, visit www.lovethebus.tv.

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Posted in At the Pump, Biodiesel, Green Business, Propel Customers

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Michigan Sheriff’s Fleet Saves with E85

Posted on June 21, 2011 | Leave a comment

Low price at the pump combined with limited MPG-loss combine for significant savings.

Huron County Sheriff’s Office began an experiment last March that had the department testing blends of Ethanol from E50 to E85. The goal: saving the county money through its fleet of 12 flex-fuel vehicles.

Sheriff Kelly J. Hanson found that as long as ethanol prices are less per gallon than the price at the pump for unleaded fuel, it would result in a significant cost savings. “As it turns out, our patrol fleet, which is mainly Chevrolet Impala cars, averaged between 1.5 miles to 2 miles less per gallon on E85 as opposed to unleaded,” said Hanson.

The Department also experimented with E50 and found that there was just about a one mile per gallon difference.

“When we basically went and took a pencil to it, it was determined that as long as pricing patterns remained the same, E85 would be the better choice,” he said. “Obviously, we are going to have to continuously monitor price differences in order for the county to benefit.”

If the price difference (with unleaded fuel costing significantly more) remains the same between E85 and unleaded, Hanson said the department stands to save nearly $1,000 per 25,000 miles.

“When you take into consideration our office puts on more than 400,000 patrol miles in a year, our county could benefit from the use of ethanol,” he said.

But access to the fuel can be an issue. Because Bad Axe and Harbor Beach do not have ethanol stations, Hanson said those patrols vehicles that start out of Bad Axe and Harbor Beach will frequently be forced to use unleaded fuel.

“Our deputies are being encouraged to purchase ethanol if they are in the vicinity of an ethanol station and their vehicle could use fuel,” said Hanson. “It would be pointless to specifically drive several miles in order to just buy ethanol.”

Full Story

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Posted in At the Pump, Driver Testimonials, Emissions, Energy Balance, Ethanol Research, Flex Fuel, Flex Fuel E85, Green Business, News Links, Propel Customers, Retail locations, Vehicles

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Now Available from Propel: B20 in Sacramento!

Posted on June 3, 2011 | 1 Comment


In response to customer interest in increasingly renewable fuels, Propel is proud to announce the arrival of B20 biodiesel in Northern California! Available of as June 1st at two of Propel’s Sacramento Clean Fuel Points, Propel’s B20 is blend of 20% biodiesel and 80% petro-diesel that provides increased performance, longer engine life and reduced emissions, all at no additional cost.

Most exciting, Propel’s B20 is safe for use in all diesel engines – and no conversion is required.

What’s more, Propel’s B20 biodiesel:

  • ...is 10x more lubricating than pure petroleum diesel and has a higher cetane rating for easier starting and increased engine efficiency.
  • ...has less ozone-forming potential than petroleum diesel and is proven to reduce toxic tailpipe emissions, including CO2 – a major contributor to climate change.
  • …meets ASTM specifications and can be safely run in diesel engines without any conversion or change in maintenance. In fact, a study from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has shown that even the latest in clean diesel technology is compatible with B20 without impact to the engine or the emission control system.

"I can't wait to check it out!" said Propel customer Dave Parsons

Propel customer John Felts filling up his Mercedes CDI with B20

Follow in the footsteps of Propel’s inaugural B2o’ers (above) and try B20 for yourself at the following Northern CA locations, or visit Propel’s Station Locator for a full list of Clean Fuel Points and available fuel blends:

Roseville
999 Sunrise Ave (at Cirby Way at the 76 station)
Available Fuels: FlexFuel E85 | Biodiesel B20
Still looking for B5? Visit our Citrus Heights location

Sacramento – Folsom Blvd
8090 Folsom Blvd (at Power Inn Rd at the Shell station)
Available Fuels: FlexFuel E85 | Biodiesel B20
Still looking for B5? Visit our Florin Road location

Visit Propel Fuels to learn more about B20, and be sure to check out recent news coverage highlighting the Sacramento debut of Propel B20 from Domestic Fuel and the Sacramento Bee.

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Posted in At the Pump, Biodiesel, blog, Driver Testimonials, Propel Customers, Retail locations

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From Biofuels Digest: The Faces of Biofuels

Posted on February 10, 2011 | Leave a comment

It starts with having a choice. As those who have chosen renewable fuels over petroleum, you are a crucial part of helping our country meet its economic and environmental goals. This week, the industry’s leading online journal, Biofuels Digest, has provided a fine microphone to share your voices with their first installment of the new series “The Faces of Biofuels.” With a little help from you, this piece featured a whole crew of consumers all happy to be filling their rides with clean, American-made Flex Fuel E85.

Read the full article and meet all of this week’s “Faces”!

Kai, a self-proclaimed "Ethanol Fuel Enthusiast," fills her standard Honda Civic with an E85/petroleum blend

American Patriot Trey fills up his Flex Fuel Ford F-150 at a Propel Clean Fuel Point in Rocklin, CA

CA's former Secretary of Technology, Trade and Commerce fuels up his Chevy Suburban with Flex Fuel E85 at Propel's Folsom location

Thanks to Biofuels Digest for capturing this enthusiasm — and to the growing community of clean fuel drivers everywhere: thank you for your commitment, your businesses and your voice. Every fill with renewable fuels encourages freedom from harmful emissions, petroleum usage and foreign oil dependency, so keep up the good work!

Do you, or does your business, fill with Propel’s clean E85 or biodiesel? Submit your story to Propel Fuels.

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Posted in At the Pump, blog, Flex Fuel, Flex Fuel E85, Media, News Links, Propel Customers

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Propel Hosts First Stop of EcoTREK’s “Best of America Tour”

Posted on January 21, 2011 | 1 Comment

EcoTREK is driving 10,000 miles crosscountry in an American-made Flex Fuel vehicle, powered with cellulosic ethanol provided by POET — all with the goal of increasing awareness of the economic, environmental and national security benefits of domestically grown biofuels.

Tom Holm, Executive Director and intrepid driver for EcoTREK, made Propel’s Oakland Clean Fuel Point the tour’s first destination. Propel CEO, Matt Horton welcomed Tom to the station and shared his enthusiasm for EcoTREK’s goal. “Today we got a preview of ultra-low carbon fuels from non-food sources, representing the next level of sustainability for fuels that can run in our vehicles today. Propel, EcoTREK and POET each represent critical pieces to reducing our dependence on petroleum; widespread consumer access, advanced vehicle technologies, and the next generation of renewable fuels.”

POET’s cellulosic ethanol is produced from corn cobs and light stover (leaves, husks, some stalk) at a pilot pant in Scotland, South Dakota. Work is underway at Project LIBERTY, POET’s planned 25 million-gallon-per-year cellulosic ethanol plant, which will be built in Emmetsburg, Iowa.

Read more about EcoTREK’s Propel visit.

Follow Tom’s journey on the EcoTREK blog.

EcoTREK in Oakland

Music: Quiet Life hailing from Portland, OR. Check out their music.

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Posted in At the Pump, blog, Emissions, Ethanol Research, Flex Fuel, Flex Fuel E85, Green Business, News Links, Next Generation Feedstock, Propel Biofuels, Propel Customers, Retail locations, Vehicles

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Check out new 2011 Flex Fuel Vehicle models

Posted on January 14, 2011 | 5 Comments

Find out if you can drive E85 Flex Fuel! Propel Fuels has updated our website with the current list of Flex Fuel-compatible vehicles, including new 2011 models — and your car, truck, van, crossover or SUV could make a difference. Made in America from renewable resources such as corn, switch grass and agricultural  waste, E85 Flex Fuel helps to:

  • Reduce greenhouse gas emissions
  • Support American jobs and farmers
  • Decrease the need for imported oil
  • Strengthen the domestic economy

Check our Flex Fuel Vehicle List today to see if you can help drive America’s future with clean, E85 Flex Fuel — or, for more information on E85, visit www.PropelFuels.com.

A sampling of 2011′s new Flex Fuel vehicle offerings:

Ford Fusion
Take advantage of versatile size & surprising power with the Fusion’s Flex Fuel-compatible 3.0L Duratech V6.

Ford Super Duty F250
One of the most clean fuel-friendly vehicles on the market, the 2011 F250 is available with either a Flex Fuel-compatible gas engine OR a burly diesel engine that can accommodate biodiesel blends of up to 20%!

Dodge Challenger
What’s more American than classic, American muscle? American muscle FLEXing its power with clean, renewable, American fuel!

Dodge Charger
Higher-octance Flex Fuel E85 feels right at home with the Charger’s track-inspired styling.


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Posted in Emissions, Ethanol Research, Flex Fuel, Flex Fuel E85, Green Business, Propel Biofuels, Propel Customers, Vehicles

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Flex Fuel E85 Locator for the Android

Posted on December 31, 2010 | 1 Comment

The Renewable Fuels Association recently unveiled the Flex Fuel station locator app for the Android smartphone platform.

The app equips users with all the necessary tools to quickly find stations offering Flex Fuel in their area. The program provides directions, fuel pricing and contact information for each E85 location. While on the road, the app allows users to find the Flex Fuel outlet in closest proximity. Users can compile a list of frequently visited locations with the Favorites feature.

The Android application pulls from a database of over 2,400 Flex Fuel outlets developed by the Alternative Fuels & Advanced Vehicles Data Center and the U.S. Department of Energy. The app is free to download from the Android Marketplace. Or scan the bar code to deliver the application straight to your phone.

Read more from the Renewable Fuels Association.

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Posted in Flex Fuel, Flex Fuel E85, News Links, Propel Customers, Retail locations

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Want more power? Burn Flex Fuel E85.

Posted on September 24, 2010 | 2 Comments

No software or hardware adjustment needed–the 2011 Ford F-150 5.0-liter V8 engine is ready to run on E85.

As posted on PickupTrucks.com, “the 5.0-L F150 is rated at 360 horsepower (at 5,500 rpm) and 380 pounds-feet of torque (at 4,250 rpm) running on regular unleaded gasoline. But the 5.0 is also flex-fuel capable. Flexible-fuel vehicles are designed to run on gasoline or a blend of up to 85 percent ethanol (E85).

Burning E85 fuel boosts 5.0 engine power to 375 hp and 390 pounds-feet of torque, said Mike Harrison, Ford’s program manager for V-8 engines.”

Flex Fuel E85 has a 105 octane rating and a higher compression ratio than regular gasoline, making it a highly efficient fuel.

Read more from PickupTrucks.com.

Want to test it out for yourself? Try a tank of E85 from any Propel California location. For a map and list of stations, visit Propel’s Station Locator.

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Posted in blog, Driver Testimonials, Emissions, Flex Fuel, Flex Fuel E85, Propel Customers, Retail locations, Vehicles

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Propel announces Bay Area Network launch, 75 stations to come

Posted on September 3, 2010 | Leave a comment
During a grand opening event at the Bay Area’s newest renewable fuel station in Oakland, CA, Propel Fuels along with partners from the California Department of General Services, California Energy Commission, CALSTART & East Bay Clean Cities, formally launched Propel’s Bay Area operations, which will include more than 20 stations across the Bay, with up to 10 open by the year’s end.
The event also announced a $10.9 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and California Energy Commission (CEC) to build and operate 75 retail renewable fuel stations throughout California over the next two years.

From Left: Director Joel A. Ayala Governor’s Office of Economic Development. Matt Horton, CEO, Propel Fuels. Steve Sokolsky, represents both East Bay Clean Cities and CALSTART. Commissioner Anthony Eggert, California Energy Commission

The station development project, know as the Low Carbon Fuel Infrastructure Investment Initiative (LCFI3), has the potential to create more than 450 green jobs in California, while displacing 39 million gallons of petroleum and 187,500 tons of CO2 emissions per year.
Propel’s Oakland Clean Fuel Point is one of four new stations already pumping fuel in the Bay. Propel also has six locations open in Sacramento, CA–with more on the way!
For a list of locations and stations coming soon, visit Propel’s Station Locator.

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Posted in At the Pump, Biodiesel, Flex Fuel, Flex Fuel E85, Green Business, News Links, Propel Biofuels, Propel Customers, Retail locations

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Find Flex Fuel E85 on your iPhone

Posted on July 23, 2010 | 1 Comment

Find, edit and update E85 retail locations–all from your iPhone.

The Renewable Fuels Association recently released a new iPhone App, E85 Fuelfinder–view in iTunes Preview–to help drivers locate E85 access nation-wide.

Users can add favorite stations, get driving directions, and view or update fuel prices. The application costs $1.99 and is available from the Apple App Store.

Read more from DomesticFuel.com.

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Posted in Flex Fuel, Flex Fuel E85, Green Business, News Links, Propel Biofuels, Propel Customers, Retail locations

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Find E85, TomTom GPS App released

Posted on June 28, 2010 | 1 Comment

You’re on your summer road trip cross-country, tank gage edging toward empty, you need to find the nearest E85 pump asap — simple, use the TomTom GPS App to navigate toward the closest E85 location.

The application, released by the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA), maps out the location of E85 fueling outlets all across the country. Flex Fuel Vehicles drivers can download the app to TomTom or Garmin GPS devises at www.ChooseEthanol.com.

Upon announcing the new app, Robert White, RFA Director of Market Development said, “We are continuing to explore new ways to connect the consumer with ethanol-blended fuels. TomTom and Garmin represent 67% of all GPS devices sold in the United States, and with our cooperation with the Department of Energy on station locations, this will continue to yield great results.”

To see a map of E85 stations across the US, visit the US Department of Energy’s interactive map.

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Posted in At the Pump, Emissions, Flex Fuel, Flex Fuel E85, Green Business, News Links, Propel Biofuels, Propel Customers, Retail locations

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US Senator Patty Murray and Propel discuss economic impacts of biodiesel industry

Posted on June 16, 2010 | Leave a comment

Monday morning, Senator Patty Murray (D – WA) & Propel hosted a press conference to discuss support for the Biodiesel Blenders Tax Credit and its positive impacts on job growth, carbon emissions reduction and national security. Since the tax credit was left to expire in January, US biodiesel production has largely screeched to a halt. As a result, many producers including Imperium Renewables have looked to markets outside of the US to sell its fuel. The industry’s message was clear; renew the tax credit and our industry will immediately increase production, and create jobs.

The event was held at Propel Fuels Clean Fuel Point, the first renewable fuels station in downtown Seattle, Senator Murray was joined by the leaders of companies from up and down the biodiesel value chain (bioscience, refining, production and retail consumer access), who discussed the importance of the extension of the tax credit currently being debated in Congress.

Speakers included Matt Horton, CEO of Propel Fuels, Todd Ellis, VP of Business Development for Imperium Renewables, Dr. Margaret McCormick, COO for Targeted Growth, and Cameron Hewes, President and CEO of General Biodiesel.

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Posted in Biodiesel, Vehicles, Emissions, Green House Gases (GHG), Nox, Particulates, Cold Weather Biodiesel, Biodiesel Research, Biodiesel Production, Feedstocks, Media, Biodiesel Quality, Politics, Introduction, Climate Change, Green Business, Retail locations, Big Oil, blog, Propel Customers, At the Pump, Next Generation Feedstock

Biodiesel Bulletin: Biodiesel delivers sweet treats

Posted on May 14, 2010 | 2 Comments

Propel customer, Essential Baking Company, is highlighted in the latest edition of the National Biodiesel Board’s monthly bulletin.


“The Web site for The Essential Baking Company in Seattle says it all: “We’re fussy. Fussy about taste, the texture of our bread, the flakiness of our pastry, the richness of our desserts, and preserving the time-honored techniques of baking. And don’t even get us started about the importance of the pureness of what we put into our bodies or our impact on the environment.”

That commitment to the environment is fulfilled in part by using 99 percent biodiesel . . .” Read more from the National Biodiesel board.

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Posted in At the Pump, Biodiesel, Biodiesel Production, Biodiesel Quality, Biodiesel Research, blog, Driver Testimonials, Emissions, Green Business, Propel Biofuels, Propel Customers, Retail locations, Vehicles

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Celebrate Earth Day with Propel

Posted on April 22, 2010 | Leave a comment

Come celebrate Earth Day with Propel in Sacramento on Thursday, April 22, 2010 from 9am – 2pm at Cesar Chavez Park at 10th and I Streets. Propel will be giving away FREE FUEL CARDS to lucky flex fuel and biodiesel drivers.

Enjoy free entertainment, interactive learning and celebrate the earth! For more information please call the Earth Day HOTLINE (916) 808-6525.

Find Propel Events on Facebook

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Posted in Biodiesel, blog, Climate Change, Flex Fuel E85, Pricing, Propel Biofuels, Propel Customers, Retail locations, Vehicles

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Changing how America fuels, one tank at a time

Posted on April 9, 2010 | Leave a comment

In January, American drivers displaced 784,000 barrels of foreign oil every day by using American-made ethanol fuel, the most renewable fuel ever used in America’s history. A big thanks to all Propel customers who contributed by choosing to fill their vehicles with renewable, homegrown Flex Fuel E85.

Together, we can change what we put in our tanks, reduce our dependence on foreign oil and support domestically-produced, cleaner burning fuel.

Read more from Domestic Fuel.

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Posted in At the Pump, Driver Testimonials, Emissions, Flex Fuel, Flex Fuel E85, Green Business, Propel Biofuels, Propel Customers, Retail locations

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Propel’s 85 cent E85 event a great success

Posted on March 1, 2010 | Leave a comment

Last Wednesday’s event brought drivers across Sacramento to Propel stations to fill with E85 Flex Fuel for $0.85/gallon. New and returning customers were happy to brave the morning’s stormy weather to fill their tanks with low-carbon, domestically produced E85.

Drivers across the region joined together to reduce approximately 30,000 lbs of CO2 and save over $10,000 at the pump–in just one day!

Propel team members enjoyed meeting new customers at the pumps on Wednesday, as well as catching up with many loyal Propel users. We appreciate all your comments and suggestions on ways to improve customer experience at the pumps.

See more pictures from the event on our Facebook page.

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Posted in At the Pump, Driver Testimonials, Emissions, Flex Fuel, Flex Fuel E85, Green Business, Green House Gases (GHG), Pricing, Propel Biofuels, Propel Customers, Retail locations, Vehicles

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Propel offers 85 cent E85 on Feb. 24th

Posted on February 23, 2010 | Leave a comment

On Wednesday, February 24th, Propel will offer E85 Ethanol for $.85/gallon at all Sacramento locations. The goal of the program, in partnership with CALSTART, is to help inform the 25,000 Flex Fuel drivers in Sacramento of the economic savings and environmental benefits of fueling with domestically produced, low carbon fuel. Join us at the pump on Wednesday from 9 am to 6 pm!

Promotion Details

Where: All Propel Sacramento area locations – see map
When: Wednesday, February 24, 9 am – 6 pm
More Info: Email info@propelfuels.com or call 1.800.871.0773

Not sure if you have a Flex Fuel Vehicle?

E85 capable Flex Fuel vehicles can be identified by the manufacturer’s vehicle badge, yellow gas cap, or by checking the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) online. Find out if your vehicle is E85 compatible by checking online at www.propelfuels.com/driveE85.

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Posted in At the Pump, Flex Fuel, Flex Fuel E85, Pricing, Propel Biofuels, Propel Customers, Retail locations

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At the Pump . . .

Posted on December 18, 2009 | Leave a comment

Propel community members share their stories.

Elk Grove, CA – Elk Grove Clean Fuel Point - December 2009

We met Jennifer fueling her C230 Mercedes-Benz with Flex Fuel at the Elk Grove Clean Fuel Point. She has been filling with Propel ever since the service department at her vehicle dealership told her that her C230 was flex fuel capable.

Mercedes does not badge flex fuel models, making it difficult to figure out which vehicle are flex fuel capable.

Flex Fuel Capable Mercedes Models:

C230 Sedan 2.5L, model year 2007

C240 Luxury Sedan & Wagon 2.6L, model year 2005

C300 Luxury & Sport 3.0L, model years 2008 – 2009

C320 Sedan, Sport Sedan & Wagon 3.2L, model years 2003 – 2005

See a full list of Flex Fuel Vehicles.

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Posted in Driver Testimonials, Flex Fuel, Propel Biofuels, Propel Customers, Retail locations, Vehicles

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Study finds E85 increases efficiency offsetting MPG loss

Posted on October 13, 2009 | 1 Comment

PropelCD5_E85_pumpA study released by the University of Nebraska found that E85 delivers more efficiency over higher petroleum fuel blends, offsetting much of the loss in Miles Per Gallon (MPG) typically attributed to E85. The study illustrates that when calculating fuel MPG performance, both the energy density of the fuel (BTUs), and the energy efficiency must be accounted for.

The report tested light, medium and heavy vehicles showing E85 improved energy conversion by 13, 9 and 14 percent respectively when compared to higher petroleum blends. This increased efficiency translates into an MPG decrease of only 14 to 19 percent depending on vehicle size using E85, showing that energy density and efficiency of fuel both factor into overall MPG performance.

This difference in MPG is compensated by the lower price of E85 blends at the pump that are on average 20-30% less than regular unleaded. In fact, Propel E85 is nearly 60 cents cheaper than regular gasoline, making E85 the ecomomic choice.

Find the station nearest you.

Read the University of Nebraska study.

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Posted in At the Pump, Driver Testimonials, Energy Balance, Flex Fuel, Pricing, Propel Biofuels, Propel Customers, Retail locations, Vehicles

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US Postal Service Earns Top Environmental Award

Posted on October 2, 2009 | 1 Comment
USPS Fills at Propel's Citrus Heights, CA location

USPS Fills at Propel's Citrus Heights, CA location

The U.S. Postal Services was awarded the Environmental Achievement of the Year by Postal Technology International magazine. In addition to recycling and energy-efficiency efforts, the Postal Service recently announced plans to replace 6,500 vehicles with 1,000 E85 ethanol-capable and 900 gasoline/electric hybrid vehicles.

In the Sacramento region, the USPS is a loyal customer of Propel clean, American Flex Fuel and biodiesel.

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Posted in At the Pump, Biodiesel, Flex Fuel, Green Business, News Links, Propel Biofuels, Propel Customers, Retail locations, Vehicles

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Building Seattle’s Greenest Neighborhood

Posted on October 2, 2009 | 1 Comment

Seattle’s South Lake Union neighborhood touts the title of the greenest in the city with the most LEED buildings and is currently under evaluation for the LEED Neighborhood Development certification.

In the midst of this growth and construction, Propel’s flagship biodiesel station remains open at the busy intersection of Westlake Ave and Broad St.SLUSign

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Posted in Biodiesel, Green Business, Propel Biofuels, Propel Customers, Retail locations

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Fulcrum Advances Ethanol from Waste

Posted on September 4, 2009 | Leave a comment

fulcrum_sierraHigh quality biodiesel refined from waste sources is becoming common, and has the lowest carbon footprint of any liquid fuel. In fact, much of the biodiesel sold by Propel, the highest-quality clean fuel available, comes from recycled fats and oils. And now strides are being made in waste-to-ethanol production through advances by companies like Fulcrum Bioenergy. Fulcrum is working to derive commercial-scale ethanol from municipal waste — and recently ran their first demo proving they are on their way to reaching that goal.

The successful demonstration has spurred the development of commercial scale production. Construction on Fulcrum’s municipal solid waste to ethanol plant, Sierra BioFuels, is set to begin this year. Located in the Tahoe-Reno Industrial Center, in the City of McCarran, Storey County, Nevada, the plant will convert 90,000 tons of MSW into 10.5 million gallons of ethanol per year.
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Posted in Biodiesel, Biodiesel Production, Biodiesel Quality, Emissions, Energy Balance, Flex Fuel, Green Business, Green House Gases (GHG), Introduction, Next Generation Feedstock, Propel Customers

At the Pump . . .

Posted on September 4, 2009 | Leave a comment

Propel community members share their stories.

Rocklin, CA – Rocklin Clean Fuel Point – Thursday, September 3rd.

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Martha has been filling her Ford Explorer with Flex Fuel for the last three months and loves it–especially the price, nearly 70 cents cheaper than regular gasoline.

Her husband noticed that they could use Flex Fuel E85 from a label posted on the inside of the gas tank door.

She lives in Penn Valley, CA, but works conveniently close to Propel’s Rocklin location–though she’d like to see a station in Grass Valley area sometime soon. She and her husband are big proponents of E85 and spread the word to friends and family.

Can your vehicle run Flex Fuel E85? Find out.

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Posted in At the Pump, Driver Testimonials, Flex Fuel, Pricing, Propel Biofuels, Propel Customers, Retail locations, Vehicles

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Take our survey, enter to win $300 of FREE FUEL

Posted on August 18, 2009 | Leave a comment

Propel has teamed up with students from Sacramento State for a summer internship program. Students are conducting short customer surveys at all Propel Sacramento locations– Monday, August 17th through Sunday, August 23rd.

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Stop by any Propel Sacramento location, take our survey and register to win $300 of FREE fuel. And chat with our friendly interns, they’re doing a great job!

For a map of Propel California locations, visit our station locator.

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Posted in At the Pump, Biodiesel, Driver Testimonials, Emissions, Flex Fuel, Propel Biofuels, Propel Customers, Retail locations

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At the Pump . . .

Posted on August 11, 2009 | Leave a comment

Propel community members share their stories.

Sacramento, CA – Folsom Blvd Clean Fuel Point – Monday, August 10

Fred_folsom

Met Fred filling up his Flex Fuel Chevy Tahoe at Propel’s Folsom Blvd location in Sacramento–it’s conveniently close to home for Fred and he likes to save money at the pump.

Right now, Propel’s Flex Fuel E85 is nearly 70 cents cheaper than regular gasoline!

Fred looks forward to Propel stations in the Bay Area and in Fresno.

You can sign up for new station announcements or request a station in your area on Propel’s website.

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Posted in At the Pump, Driver Testimonials, Flex Fuel, Pricing, Propel Biofuels, Propel Customers, Retail locations, Vehicles

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King 5 News fleet fills up in Downtown Seattle

Posted on August 7, 2009 | Leave a comment

King5_fill_slu King 5 regularly fills up their fleet vehicles at Propel’s Downtown Seattle biodiesel station. The satellite truck fills at the high flow dispenser–it pumps 30 gallons per minute!

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Posted in At the Pump, Biodiesel, Driver Testimonials, Green Business, Propel Biofuels, Propel Customers, Retail locations

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Propel Customers in the National Spotlight – CNBC Story

Posted on July 30, 2009 | Leave a comment

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.

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Posted in At the Pump, Biodiesel, blog, Driver Testimonials, Emissions, Flex Fuel, Green Business, Media, News Links, Propel Biofuels, Propel Customers, Retail locations

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