Propel Fuels was founded in 2005 to make alternative fuels available to a market that could not have access to them. The company first started in Seattle and in 2008 moved to California to help alternative fuels and carbon fuels. Today, there are currently 12 people on the Propel team, but they are looking to expand rapidly.
Propel builds, owns and operates a growing network of alternative fueling sites. Their goal is to provide the community with easy access to high quality clean fuels. They partner with existing gasoline retailers, assisting with permits, equipment and financing.
Currently Propel Fuels has a total of 11 fueling stations in which 5 carry E85 that are located in Sacramento, CA. The other six are located in Seattle and they carry biodiesel. Propel was originally attracted to the market in Sacramento because of the incentives and grant agencies. Based on a tremendous success with the other fueling sites in Sacramento, Propel plans on installing 100 sites within the year.
Chief executive officer Matt Horton says, “We will be building in all the major markets in the next 12 months.” Propel recently received $20 million to roll out E85 and biodiesel sites when they partnered with the state of California.
The main reason Propel Fuels joined Growth Energy Market Development was to understand feedback from ethanol suppliers and producers, but also to cultivate relationships with those in the industry.
The most challenging aspect according to Horton is consumer education and market perception. Many people have not been exposed to E85 and been educated on the vehicles can use it. Propel partnered with auto dealers in Sacramento to change misconception and to educate consumers.
“We need to focus our efforts on where we reach people, building closer relationships with domestic and foreign dealers and discussing the availability of E85 but also the major benefits,” noted Horton. “Driving awareness of mapping out locations that carry E85 but also driving the message of the benefits ethanol contributes to nation security and environmental benefits.”
