In short: There are about 2,580 public propane (autogas) fueling stations in all 50 states, the most in Texas, California and Oklahoma. Use the map below to find one near you, and check the station's hours and access before you go.
Map and station data: U.S. Department of Energy, Alternative Fuels Data Center Station Locator. Stations are listed by their owners and networks; check the network app before you drive.
What is propane?
Propane used as a vehicle fuel is called propane autogas. It is stored as a liquid under modest pressure and burns cleaner than gasoline or diesel. It powers school buses, shuttle and delivery fleets, police and work trucks, and some pickups and vans converted with EPA-certified systems.
Many propane stations are run by propane dealers rather than retail gas stations, so some are staffed only during business hours and some take only fleet cards.
Who uses it
Mostly fleets: school districts, shuttle and delivery companies, landscapers and municipalities. Individual drivers use it in converted pickups and vans, and some RV owners fill RV tanks at the same dispensers.
Where the stations are
The U.S. Department of Energy lists 2,580 public propane stations open in 50 states (October 2026). The states with the most:
- Texas (330)
- California (198)
- Oklahoma (140)
- Florida (137)
- Georgia (89)
- Illinois (89)
What propane autogas costs
The latest U.S. Department of Energy Clean Cities and Communities Alternative Fuel Price Report (April 2026, prices collected April 1–30, 2026) puts the national average retail price of propane at $3.59 a gallon, against $4.09 for gasoline and $5.55 for diesel. That is about 50 cents a gallon less than gasoline. Only in the Midwest was it not cheaper (one cent more).
| Region (April 2026) | Propane ($/gal) | Gasoline ($/gal) |
|---|---|---|
| New England | $3.43 | $3.94 |
| Central Atlantic | $3.42 | $3.92 |
| Lower Atlantic | $3.25 | $3.95 |
| Midwest | $3.73 | $3.72 |
| Gulf Coast | $3.39 | $3.74 |
| Rocky Mountain | $3.37 | $3.88 |
| West Coast | $3.95 | $5.69 |
| U.S. average | $3.59 | $4.09 |
A gallon of propane holds about 27% less energy than a gallon of gasoline, so the fairer comparison is per gasoline gallon equivalent (GGE). On that basis the same report puts propane at $4.92 per GGE, more than gasoline. Two things change the picture for fleets. Stations built for vehicles (“primary” stations) tend to be cheaper than dealer sites that mostly fill tanks and bottles. And private fleet sites averaged $2.67 a gallon in April 2026, against $3.64 at public stations. Fleet supply contracts often beat any retail average.
Our example (an estimate, not a quote): a work truck that gets 15 mpg on gasoline would get roughly 11 mpg on propane, because of the lower energy content. At April 2026 national averages that works out to about 27 cents a mile on gasoline, about 33 cents a mile on propane at the average retail price, and about 24 cents a mile at the average private fleet price. Lower maintenance, which DOE names as a main reason high-mileage fleets choose propane, is not counted here. To compare with an electric vehicle, try our EV charging cost calculator.
Propane vehicles you can get in 2026
No automaker sells a propane car or light pickup as a regular model today. The last factory propane models in the federal fuel economy database are Ford F-150 dual-fuel pickups from 2001 to 2004. Instead, there are three routes:
- EPA-certified conversions of new trucks and vans. EPA’s list of certified conversion systems (updated September 2026) includes bi-fuel propane systems for model-year 2026 Ford F-250 and F-350 pickups, Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 HD pickups and cab-chassis, and Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana cutaway chassis. A bi-fuel truck keeps its gasoline tank and can run on either fuel.
- Medium- and heavy-duty vehicles from the makers. Propane engines and fuel systems are sold for school buses, step vans and even Class 8 trucks. The DOE’s Alternative Fuel and Advanced Vehicle Search lists current models.
- Converting a vehicle you already own. The system must be EPA-certified (and CARB-certified in California) and installed by a qualified system retrofitter. EPA keeps separate lists for converting older, “intermediate-age” and “outside useful life” vehicles.
The DOE cites industry figures of nearly 60,000 on-road propane vehicles with certified fuel systems in the U.S., many in school bus, shuttle and police fleets. Propane’s octane rating is 104–112, against 87–92 for gasoline, and engines built for it can use that to recover some performance and economy.
Programs and incentives (checked October 2026)
Federal. What we confirmed on IRS and DOE pages (rules change, so ask a tax professional):
- The 50-cent alternative fuel excise tax credit, which covered propane, has expired. It ended for fuel sold or used after December 31, 2024.
- The IRS describes the Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Credit (Form 8911) only for equipment placed in service from January 1, 2023, through June 30, 2026: 30% up to $1,000 per item at a home, and 6% (30% with prevailing wage and apprenticeship) up to $100,000 per item at a business.
- Propane used as a motor fuel carries a federal excise tax of $0.183 per GGE. Some uses are exempt, including school buses, farm use and state or local government fleets (IRS Publication 510).
- EPA’s Clean School Bus program lists propane buses as eligible replacements, and EPA’s Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) grants can fund cleaner fleets. Check EPA for open funding rounds.
States (from DOE incentive listings):
- Texas (Texas Emissions Reduction Plan, run by TCEQ): rebates of up to $5,000 for a new light-duty propane vehicle, bi-fuel included. Grants are also available for medium- and heavy-duty vehicles that run at least 60% on natural gas or propane, and for building fueling stations. Check TCEQ for application periods.
- Oklahoma: state income tax credits, for tax years beginning before December 31, 2028, for buying a new alternative fuel vehicle or converting one (amounts set by vehicle weight). There is also a credit of up to 45% of the cost of commercial fueling equipment, and 50% (up to $2,500) for a home propane fueling system.
- California: propane is covered by the Low Carbon Fuel Standard. That standard, and the clean fuel standards in Oregon and Washington, are why nearly all renewable propane is sold in those three states.
Supply and trends
- The U.S. makes far more propane than it uses. In 2025, natural gas processing plants produced about 2.31 million barrels a day and refineries about 0.28 million, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). Exports were about 1.78 million barrels a day, roughly double the 0.88 million used at home.
- Vehicles are a small slice. Propane supplies about 2% of U.S. energy, and less than 3% of that goes to transportation.
- Fewer stations than a decade ago. DOE counts of public and private propane stations peaked at 3,749 in 2015 and stood at 2,995 at the end of 2025. DOE says many sites stopped fueling vehicles and now only fill bottles. About 2,580 public stations are open today (October 2026).
- Renewable propane is growing. It is chemically the same as regular propane and is made from fats, oils and grease, often alongside renewable diesel. U.S. capacity is more than 4.5 million gallons a year, based on EPA credit data.
Safety and handling
- Propane rides in a sturdy tank at about 150 psi, roughly twice the pressure of a truck tire, which keeps it liquid. An odorant is added so leaks can be smelled.
- The quick-release K15 connector, required on new propane vehicles since January 1, 2020, allows one-handed fueling without gloves or a face shield. The older screw-on ACME connector needs that protective gear; an adapter lets ACME-equipped vehicles use K15 nozzles.
- Propane enters the engine as a gas, so propane vehicles avoid many cold-start problems.
- Conversions and fueling sites must meet EPA, NHTSA and NFPA 58 rules. Use a qualified installer, and ask your local fire marshal about permits for a private tank.
More propane autogas questions
Can I convert my pickup to propane?
Often, yes, if an EPA-certified conversion system exists for your exact model, year and engine. For model-year 2026, EPA lists bi-fuel propane systems for several Ford Super Duty and GM heavy-duty pickups. A qualified retrofitter has to install it. Ask about cost, warranty and refueling first.
Does propane lower my truck’s power or mileage?
Power, acceleration and cruising speed are similar to gasoline, according to the DOE. Mileage per gallon drops, because a gallon of propane holds about 27% less energy. A bi-fuel truck keeps its gasoline tank, so total range often goes up. Extra tanks add range but take up payload.
Is there a federal tax credit for propane vehicles in 2026?
We found none for the vehicle itself. The 50-cent-per-gallon fuel credit expired at the end of 2024, and the IRS describes the refueling equipment credit only for equipment placed in service through June 30, 2026. State programs such as Texas TERP and Oklahoma’s tax credits are still listed. Ask a tax professional.
Before you go
- Check hours and payment: many propane dispensers are at dealer yards with business hours and fleet-card payment.
- A vehicle conversion should use an EPA-certified system installed by a qualified technician.
- Filling an autogas tank is different from swapping a grill cylinder: use a station that fills vehicle tanks.
Propane station questions
Can I fill my RV or grill tank at these stations?
Many propane stations also fill RV and portable tanks, but not all. The station details on the map show what each one offers; call ahead if you are not sure.
Is propane cheaper than gasoline?
Often per gallon, but a gallon of propane holds less energy than a gallon of gasoline, so a propane vehicle goes fewer miles per gallon. Fleets usually save through bulk contracts and lower maintenance.
More station maps
Learn more: How propane energy works.
Sources: U.S. Department of Energy, Alternative Fuels Data Center, Station Locator (public, open stations, read October 3, 2026) and fuel pages.