As the drive for alternative energy source adoption grows stronger, the first fuel travel center in the United States to house multiple alternative energy options is now open in Hartford, Connecticut. 

The Pride Travel Center, a 7-acre facility located off I-91, has 12 bays of covered fueling for cars on the south side for personal vehicles and eight bays of covered fueling for large trucks on the north side. In addition to traditional gasoline and diesel, it boasts Tesla EV stations, a hydrogen fueling station, two quick-fueling EV stations for non-Tesla vehicles, and a propane fueling station. Plus there's infrastructure for compressed natural gas fueling in the future, reported the Hartford Courant.

“This Pride Travel Center is the first travel center in the United States to offer these three clean alternative fuels: which include, hydrogen, propane, DC fast chargers, and Tesla SuperChargers as well,” explained Craig Peters, of Capitol Clean Cities of Connecticut, during the grand opening, according to local news coverage.

At the grand opening cars, trucks, and buses that use these alternative fuels were on display, including the hydrogen-fuel-cell Toyota Mirai.

Propane Autogas

During a grand opening ceremony hosted by Pride Stores and Capitol Clean Cities of Connecticut, propane autogas vehicles from Nestlé Waters, Yale University, and Simsbury Public Schools were on display alongside the state-of-the-art propane infrastructure from Superior Energy Systems (SES). The 18,000-gallon tank and dispenser include SES software that tracks data like driver and vehicle identification, mileage, and gallons pumped, providing a convenient experience for fleets.

“Over the past five years, we have seen substantial growth of work truck fleets utilizing propane to significantly lower their emissions, thanks in large part to the success of cloud-based fleet management software,” said Jim Bunsey, director of operations for Superior Energy Systems. “By providing users with convenient, affordable, and reliable refueling, it’s never been easier for fleets to take advantage of this ideal energy source for clean transportation.”

In addition to being a low-carbon energy source, today’s propane autogas ultra-low nitrogen oxide (NOx) engines are 90% cleaner than Environmental Protection Agency standards and reduce NOx emissions by 96% compared to the best-in-class clean diesel engine. Propane autogas’s ability to significantly reduce these harmful emissions to near-zero levels make it a compelling choice for fleet owners.

“Propane autogas plays a critical role in clean transportation, and the addition of this essential energy source at the Pride Travel Center underscores the vital position propane autogas has in achieving net-zero emissions goals,” said Tucker Perkins, president and CEO of the Propane Education & Research Council. “This is especially true for medium-duty fleet owners looking for an alternative energy that can improve air quality without sacrificing on range, payload, or torque.”