Suburban Propane Partners recently demonstrated the utility of renewable propane by supplying the fuel to power electric vehicle charging during a “first-of-its-kind” NASCAR race in San Diego.

The project, a collaboration between Suburban Propane, NASCAR, ABB, and Kempower, showcased how renewable propane can provide reliable, lower-carbon power for EV charging in locations where grid access is limited, temporary, or cost-prohibitive, the partners reported. By fueling battery energy storage systems that power DC fast chargers, renewable propane enabled flexible, on-demand deployment of charging infrastructure while helping reduce emissions.

The installation utilized renewable propane-fueled generators to charge battery storage systems, while ABB equipment managed power delivery to the Kempower DC Movable chargers.

“At Suburban Propane, we believe achieving a lower-carbon energy future requires practical, scalable solutions that leverage a diverse mix of energy sources,” Nandini Sankara, Suburban Propane vice president of marketing and brand strategy, said in a news release. “This collaboration demonstrated how renewable propane can complement emerging technologies by providing reliable energy where and when it’s needed.

“We were proud to partner with ABB, Kempower, and NASCAR on this innovative project.”

While similar propane-powered systems are operating across the country today, this activation uniquely combined renewable propane generation with mobile fast-charging technology in NASCAR setting, the partners said.

“The country’s massive energy expansion will require a diversity of generation sources to meet growing demand,” said Chris Shigas, ABB VP of strategic partnerships. “Suburban Propane-powered generators, paired with ABB electric distribution and power protection, offer an innovative alternative with fewer emissions than traditional diesel generation.”

Renewable propane is produced from renewable feedstocks such as plant oils, animal fats, and other organic materials. Chemically identical to conventional propane, it can be used in existing propane equipment and infrastructure while offering lower lifecycle carbon intensity.

“We’re thrilled to have been part of a project that not only supported the NASCAR San Diego race weekend operations, but also demonstrated what the future of scalable, portable energy can look like,” said Amy Lupo, NASCAR San Diego president. “By helping power mobile EV charging infrastructure with renewable propane at Naval Base Coronado, this partnership showcases how practical, lower-carbon energy solutions can perform in real-world, high-demand environments.”