Propel said it is bringing locally-produced, low carbon fuels to drivers in Fresno through its innovative fueling station model — the Clean Mobility Center.

The station, located at 4994 E. Ashlan Avenue, will be the first in Fresno to offer E85 Flex Fuel and biodiesel, both sourced from Central Valley producers including Community Fuels in Stockton and Calgren Renewable Fuels in Pixley.

The grand opening of this new station was held today, April 9, at 11 am.

Propel Fuels describes itself as a leading retailer of renewable fuels and clean mobility solutions.

Fresno’s Clean Mobility Center offers renewable fuels alongside conventional fuels to, according to the company, provide drivers with true choice at the pump. In addition, the station enables drivers to offset carbon from their fuel purchases, improve their vehicle’s fuel economy, find public transit, tune bicycles, and recycle on the go.

“Rapid swings in fuel prices are a constant reminder of our need to increase choice and competition in the fuel market,” said Matt Horton, CEO of Propel. “And as more consumers embrace local, renewable fuels and seek cleaner means of transportation, Propel Clean Mobility Centers will help make progress toward our country’s most pressing economic and environmental issues.”

The company said their new station model rethinks the traditional gas station, providing a highly visible platform to introduce the renewable fuels to a mainstream driver base alongside conventional fuel options.

Today more than one million Californians drive alternative fuel-ready vehicles, but most do not have access to renewable fuels.

Propel’s stations were the first to offer drivers the option to offset carbon emissions from their fuel purchase right from the pump. Drivers and fleets can also track and report CO2 emission reductions from their use of renewable fuels through Propel’s proprietary CleanDrive program.

“Until now, Fresno’s drivers have not had the option of filling up with renewable fuels like E85 and biodiesel,” said Ashley Swearengin, Mayor of Fresno. “Our community welcomes these new choices at the pump and our city is pleased to play a role in supporting local manufacturing.”

Propel’s new Fresno station will sell locally-sourced biodiesel from Community Fuels in Stockton and ethanol from Calgren Renewable Fuels in Pixley.

Community Fuels produces high quality biodiesel at the company’s 13 million gallons per year bio-refinery at the Port of Stockton which has been in continuous operation since 2008 and is one of the largest operating advanced bio-refineries in the Western U.S.

Opened in 2009, Calgren’s 55 million gallon per year ethanol plant is one of the most efficient operations and lowest carbon footprint facilities in the country.

“Propel’s new station in Fresno makes it easier than ever for our fuels to reach local drivers,” said Lyle Schlyer, President of Calgren. “As Propel expands their network of stations in the area, we look forward to growing our partnership with Propel so more Central Valley drivers have convenient access to high quality, American made fuels like ours.”

Propel Fuels also said that its Clean Mobility Centers utilize green design and sustainability practices that promote cleaner transportation in the communities they serve. Each station has free air stations for tires to increase vehicle miles per gallon (MPG), education centers offering information on local public transit, innovative bicycle tuning centers, recycling stations at the pump, and in the future, emerging fueling types such as natural gas and electric vehicle charging.

Propel currently operates more than 35 stations throughout California and Washington State; more than 200 stations planned for new and existing markets over the next two years.

The post Propel Fuels Station Opens Today In Fresno, CA appeared first on HybridCars.com.

The diesel engine, Ford’s second in North America, has been used in the global Ford Ranger truck sold in world markets.

This new-to-America Power Stroke Diesel will be the only five-cylinder diesel engine available in a commercial van in North America.

“Commercial van drivers spend most of their working hours behind the wheel. We know they want a fuel-efficient diesel engine with smooth, responsive performance and low operating costs,” said Joe Bakaj, Ford vice president of Powertrain Engineering. “The 3.2-liter Power Stroke engine has been developed and proven globally to deliver a world-class combination of power, fuel economy and refinement.”

This diesel engine is rated in Europe at 197 horsepower and 347 pound-feet of torque; official North American figures will be released at a later date.

This 3.2-liter turbo diesel features state-of-the-art piezoelectric fuel injectors fed through a high-pressure common rail fuel system.

Precise injection timing and calibration also ensures a smooth combustion process to reduce hard diesel combustion clatter, resulting in lower noise levels that are more like a gasoline engine.

Each injector nozzle has eight spray holes and can deliver up to five injections per combustion cycle. A pilot injection controls noise levels and a main injection is used for power generation.

The Quick-start glow plugs will enable smooth and fast startups at temperatures down to -10 degrees F.

This engine is expected to be B20 biodiesel compatible.

Ford says the 3.2-liter Power Stroke is one of several engines that will be available for the Transit in North America. This lineup will also include the 3.5-liter EcoBoost gasoline engine.

All engines will be mated to a Ford 6R80 six-speed automatic transmission.

The Power Stroke 3.2-liter is manufactured in Ford’s Struandale Engine Plant in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. It will be exported to Ford’s Kansas City Assembly Plant in Claycomo, Mo.

The post 2014 Ford Transit To Be Offered With A Diesel Engine appeared first on HybridCars.com.