The Road Ahead for California's Vehicle Emission Standards
Jun 29, 202624 min read
Loading…
TodayPolicy, regulation, engines, emission norms and clean-fuel intelligence for decision makers.
Loading…
Fuels
Reference: ACT Expo, Las Vegas, May 4 - 7, 2026
We will post a few articles covering the latest technologies displayed at ACT Expo 2026, one of North America's largest advanced transportation event.
This one specifically focused on propane, which is rapidly expanding its footprint across various applications for commercial fleet decarbonization.
While electrified powertrains and autonomous technologies continued to attract attention at ACT Expo 2026, propane-based technologies peppered the exhibition floor across various applications, making a compelling case for an increasing potential for the fuel for rapid transport decarbonization — one built on existing infrastructure, lower upfront costs, and near-term emissions gains.
The conference reflected a broader industry shift: fleets are increasingly weighing operational reliability and total cost of ownership alongside long-term sustainability goals. In that environment, propane offers a promising story.
Fuel systems manufacturer Stanadyne, working alongside the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) and engineering partner Katech unveiled a production-ready propane direct injection (DI) system built around General Motors' 6.6-litre V8 platform, displayed in a 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD.
The high-pressure liquid propane injection system operates at up to 200 bar and produces approximately 401 horsepower and 464 lb-ft of torque — figures that put it squarely in competition with conventional gasoline and diesel platforms — while supporting towing capacities above 17,000 pounds.
Showcased at the expo was the Nexio 7.2-litre supercharged propane V8, designed for medium- and heavy-duty applications. Delivering approximately 330 horsepower and 775 lb-ft of torque, the engine is positioned as a viable alternative for commercial vehicles that require high output but seek to move beyond diesel emissions levels.
Target applications include delivery fleets, vocational trucks, shuttle buses, municipal vehicles, and other demanding commercial uses.
Also on display was the LPG‑powered TJ 5000 terminal truck featuring a newly redesigned cab by Capacity Trucks
The introduction of a higher-performance propane engine platform signals the industry's readiness to move propane beyond its traditional association with school buses and enter the broader commercial transportation market.
PERC used ACT Expo to press a consistent message throughout the conference: fleets can achieve meaningful emissions reductions right now, without waiting for large-scale charging networks or hydrogen fuelling infrastructure to mature.
Exhibitors highlighted lower fuel costs relative to diesel and gasoline, reduced maintenance complexity, and substantial nitrogen oxide (NOx) reductions as key advantages. The pitch resonated particularly with fleet operators caught between tightening emissions standards and ongoing concerns about grid capacity, charging infrastructure availability, and the high acquisition costs associated with full electrification.
Suburban Propane is among the suppliers advancing this shift, serving renewable propane fuel derived from renewable oils and waste materials. The fuel performs reliably across all operating conditions and is cleared for commercial use — making it a versatile option for on-road, off-road, and forklift fleet applications.
Think fuels are always fighting electrification? Think again. One of the somewhat unexpected narratives is the integration of low carbon fuels - such as renewable propane - into electrification strategies.
EnviroCharge, a propane-powered mobile EV charging solution, illustrated this directly: capable of delivering up to 40 kW of EV charging power or 45 kW in generator mode, it uses propane or renewable propane to provide supplemental charging in locations where grid access is unavailable or insufficient.
The technology embodies what several exhibitors described as a "hybrid infrastructure" approach — using alternative fuels to actively support EV deployment during the transition period when the charging infrastructure is built out.
The propane momentum at ACT Expo coincides with fresh moves in the passenger vehicle market. Renault has expanded its Clio lineup with the new Eco-G 120, a bi-fuel powertrain combining petrol and LPG that offers a combined driving range of up to 1,450 km on a single fill-up.
Renault is positioning the Clio Eco-G 120 as a practical, affordable option for retail and fleet customers seeking extended range and fuel flexibility without committing to full electrification — a message that echoes the broader propane industry's pitch at ACT Expo.
Sign up here to receive such summaries and a monthly newsletter highlighting the latest developments in transport decarbonization
Sign-up to receive newsletter via email
We will only contact you with the newsletter and the occasional special email. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Subscribe Loading...You have successfully joined our subscriber list.
