Propane Autogas Vs. Diesel: Compared For Your Fleet

Have you been thinking about converting your New York diesel fleet to a different fuel that is more economical, more eco-friendly and more reliable? You can do just that—thanks to propane autogas.

Here are three key ways you can start lowering your costs.

Fuel: Fluctuating fuel costs can be frustrating for your business, but when you rely on propane autogas, you can generally enjoy an average savings of 30 to 40 percent per mile driven, considering both the cost of the fuel itself and expected fuel economy. The cost of wholesale propane falls between the cost of oil and natural gas—propane’s two fuel sources. Because of this, propane autogas consistently costs less than diesel fuel, even when prices fluctuate.

Fluids: New, lower emissions diesel technology presents extra costs because you will need diesel emissions fluid to purchase, store and change. On top of this, you will need more fuel by volume compared with autogas. Plus, in cold temperatures, diesel vehicles need anti-gel fluids to prevent fuel filters and fuel lines from clogging. If your fleet runs on propane autogas, you will benefit from reliable performance in any type of weather without the need and extra expense of additional fluids.

Filters: To meet emissions requirements, today’s diesel technology requires diesel particulate filters that must be cleaned. Excessive idling accelerates cleaning intervals. These extra maintenance expenses just add more to your total cost of ownership.

Autogas keeps on growing

Propane auotgas has grown to be the third most widely used motor fuel, behind only gasoline and diesel. Today, there are hundreds of thousands of vehicles in the U.S. that have been manufactured or converted to use autogas. According to the Alternative Fuels Data Center, 60% of alternative-fuel vehicles nationwide run on propane, from buses and fleet trucks to forklifts, lawnmowers and farm tractors.

Autogas and the environment

Autogas-powered vehicles produce lower emissions, including 20% less carbon monoxide, 40% less nitrogen oxides and 10% less carbon dioxide. Using clean-burning autogas can boost your reputation as a business that cares about the environment.

Today’s consumers tend to be much more aware of environmental issues and concerned about how to be kinder to the planet we all share. Supporting cleaner energy via autogas isn’t just the right thing to do—it could draw in environmentally-conscious customers who appreciate your commitment to a cleaner planet.

Here’s another eco-friendly benefit: any potential leakage will vaporize and dissipate. This means it won’t sink into the ground and contaminate soil or ground water, as gasoline and diesel would do.

Engine conversions, fueling stations and deliveries

If you’re interested in powering your fleet with propane, your local propane company can help.

Ask about converting your vehicles, setting up a propane fueling station at your property or arranging for on-site fueling on a regular schedule. Your propane company may even be able to help you qualify for alternative fuel incentives to help you save even more!

Any vehicle or retrofit system that is approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and/or is CARB certified and is registered and operated and complies with all applicable regulatory standards in the state of New York is eligible for a $3,500 incentive payment. The funds may be used for the incremental cost of a propane vehicle versus gasoline or diesel vehicle only.

Read more about the New York Propane Gas Association vehicle rebate program guidelines.