RICHMOND, Va. (April 24, 2025) - A new propane direct-injection fuel system - developed through a collaboration between Stanadyne, Katech and the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) - will make its public debut at ACT Expo 2025.
The innovative technology will be showcased in a GM 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD at the PERC booth (#5113). 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 6.6L V8 L8T engine, the system produces 401 horsepower, 464 lb-ft of torque, and enables a towing capacity of up to 17,370 lbs.
“The test engine/vehicle required only minimal modifications,” said 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 (NOx) emissions by up to 96% and lowers carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions by 5% to 10%.
“This solution delivers lower emissions, higher efficiency, and the potential for significant cost savings because propane provides the lowest total cost of ownership,” said 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, electric vehicle charging and material handling applications.
Additional Equipment on Display in Booth #5113
- Alliance AutoGas Ford 7.3L 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 lb-ft of torque.
- NEXIO 7.2L 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 lb-ft of torque. It is expected to meet or exceed EPA and CARB emissions standards.
In the Grand Promenade #9
- MAFI Terminal Tractor. Equipped with a PSI 8.8L propane autogas engine certified for mobile, off-road use, this terminal tractor is being used in port applications across the country. In a real-world study, the vehicle reduced NOx emissions by 99 percent compared with a diesel counterpart.
In the Ride and Drive
- Pioneer e-Mobility e-Boost Mobile Charging Trailer. This off-grid EV charging solution includes a 75kW propane-powered generator and a 60kW DC fast charger. The trailer helps fleet owners avoid costly infrastructure buildouts and supports mobile or remote EV charging needs.
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.
