Propane 101
Each day, more fleet operators turn to LPG and propane-fueled fleet systems as the superior alternative to gasoline and diesel. According to the Propane Education & Research Council, in 2007, more than 13 million vehicles operated on propane (“autogas”), the most widely used alternative fuel and the world’s third most common engine fuel. Propane powered vehicles emit 12 percent less carbon dioxide, about 20 percent less nitrogen oxide, and up to 60 percent less carbon monoxide than gasoline-powered vehicles. According to Clean Fuel USA, vehicles using the Liquid Propane Injection (LPI) system offer the following benefits:
Significant reduction in fuel and maintenance costs
Extended engine life due to lower carbon production and reduced oil contamination
Horsepower and torque equal to or better than gasoline engine equivalent
Utilizes a domestically produced fuel (energy independence)
State-of-the-art technology
EPA and CARB certified
Supported by a network of trained service providers
Significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions
Exceeds 2010 emission requirements without Diesel Particulate Filtration (DPF), Cooled EGR or Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) systems
California fleet operators interested in upgrading to a propane-fueled LPG fleet system should contact Ted Olsen at (855) ARRO GAS, or visit ARRO Autogas at 1960 Ramada Drive, Paso Robles, CA. Satisfied Customers
Arro Autogas has been saving customers lots of money. Our customer Roadrunner Shuttle is especially satisfied and has been saving nearly $1,500 per vehicle per month! Case Studies
These case studies provide a detailed account of how industries and organizations are putting propane-fueled vehicles and equipment to use in fleet and commercial applications. Using real-world cases, these studies take a look at the actual performance, refueling infrastructure, training and maintenance, and benefits of propane-fueled vehicles and equipment. Clicks the links below to read each case study (Case studies provided by PERC)
Propane Powers Zion National Park's Shuttle Bus Service
Propane-fueled shuttle buses have been transporting visitors throughout Zion National Park since 2000. The buses reduce congestion, noise, and pollution within the park, helping park managers maintain a cleaner, more natural park environment. Propane Powers Wil Fischer Companies' Distribution Fleet
Over 40 percent of Wil Fischer's distribution fleet runs on propane, which helps the company lower their CO2 emissions and meet stringent EPA and OSHA requirements. Fleet vehicles are refueled and maintained at an on-site facility, and are increasing efficiency and productivity as well as reducing harmful emissions. Propane Powers Portland Public School Buses
The Portland school district transports over 12,000 students every year to and from school; choosing propane for 94 percent of its bus fleet has helped the district drastically reduce the negative impact this fleet has on both the district's budget and environmental footprint. Propane Powers Overnite's Forklift Fleet
Overnite Transportation evaluated all major fuel options before choosing to convert almost 90 percent of their fleet to propane-fueled forklifts. The majority of Overnite's forklifts operate indoors; in an application where air quality makes this much of a difference, propane helps Overnite increase their productivity while lowering emissions. Propane Powers LADOT's DASH Bus Service
The Los Angeles Department of Transportation has utilized propane-fueled vehicles in its fleet operations since 1980. Today they use propane to fuel the entire DASH public transportation fleet, which consists of more than 150 buses operating in 27 communities across Los Angeles. Propane Powers Denton ISD School Buses
Denton independent school district has the fourth largest fleet in Texas - propane fuels more than half of their school buses. The school district aims to convert its entire fleet to propane, in an effort to reduce and eliminate diesel exhaust fumes in the community and lower many of its fleet-related expenditures. Propane Autogas Facts*
A Domestic Resource
Propane autogas is the leading alternative fuel in the United States and the third most commonly used vehicle fuel, following gasoline and diesel. More than 17 million on-road vehicles worldwide are fueled by propane autogas and 270,000 of those are on roads in the United States, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
90 percent of the United States propane autogas supply is produced domestically, with an additional 7 percent from Canada. About 60 percent of propane used in the U.S. comes from natural gas refining, and the remaining comes from petroleum during the refining process. Readily Available
Vehicles fueled by propane autogas include buses, taxis, trucks, vans, shuttles, delivery vehicles, and other Fleet vehicles. There are thousands of propane autogas refueling stations in the United States, with stations in every state. Many fleet managers elect to install low or no-cost on-site refueling infrastructure, eliminating trips to off-site stations. Underground storage tanks are an option for long-term use or above ground portable refueling platforms can be replaced or removed as needed. Environmental and Economic Benefits
Light-duty fleet vehicles that run on propane autogas emit fewer greenhouse gases, smog-producing hydrocarbons, and particulate emissions than gasoline-fueled light-duty vehicles. When compared with gasoline, vehicles fueled by propane autogas produce:
o 17-25 percent less greenhouse gases. o Up to 60 percent less carbon monoxide. Heavier-duty vehicles fueled by propane autogas emit fewer greenhouse gases and total hydrocarbon emissions, and virtually eliminate particulate matter, when compared to diesel-powered heavy-duty vehicles. Propane autogas burns cleaner in engines than gasoline and diesel, which results in reduced maintenance costs and potential for longer engine life. For more than 30 years, the cost of propane autogas has been, on average, 30 percent less than the cost of gasoline. The cost differential between propane autogas and diesel is about 50 percent. Vehicles fueled by propane autogas have an initial purchase price that can be $4,000 to $16,000 more than that of gasoline or diesel-fueled vehicle, but the extra cost is offset by the lower fuel and maintenance costs of propane autogas over the life of the vehicle. Payback periods for high-mileage fleet vehicles are even shorter. Safety and Performance Characteristics
Propane autogas is a nontoxic, non-carcinogenic and non-corrosive fuel. Propane autogas vehicle fuel tanks are 20 times more puncture-resistant than gasoline or diesel tanks. They are constructed from carbon steel in compliance with the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. Liquid propane autogas injection systems offer equivalent horsepower, torque and towing capacity as gasoline-fueled counterparts. Buses fueled by propane autogas reduce noise levels by 50 percent when compared to buses fueled by diesel. Vehicles fueled by propane autogas are a good choice for fleet managers to achieve performance, economic and sustainability goals. California fleet operators interested in upgrading to a propane-fueled LPG fleet system should contact Ted Olsen at (855) ARRO GAS, or visit ARRO Autogas at 1960 Ramada Drive, Paso Robles, CA. The best gasoline/diesel alternative awaits, inquire today.
* Facts referenced by Roush CleanTech
