On-site Refueling For Autogas
In these uncertain times, many fleet owners are studying their budgets and looking for ways to reduce operating costs for their business.
Some have already begun researching their options in converting their fleet to propane autogas. This alternative fuel provides a lower total cost-of-ownership compared to gasoline and diesel. Not only are fuel costs lower, but autogas vehicles need less maintenance and have a longer engine life because autogas is so clean-burning.
Although the price of crude oil—which gasoline and diesel are refined from—took a historic drop in the spring, prices are trending upward again. So it will still pay off in the long run to start using autogas.
Setting up an autogas refueling station
One popular option is to set up your business with a centralized refueling station. Autogas is delivered straight to you by your local propane autogas supplier. Working with a fuel supplier will allow you to negotiate a contract to buy fuel in bulk to save more. This is better than having your vehicles driving out of the way to refuel their vehicles. This wastes time that could be invested on a job site or making deliveries.
On-site refueling includes large capacity fuel storage tanks equipped with a pump, meter, and one or more dispensers. This is a great option for growing fleets, since the same fuel pump and motor can be used to refuel vehicles with no electrical or site upgrades as the fleet expands.
The exact configuration of on-site refueling equipment depends on the size of your fleet. If you have a large fleet of 50 vehicles or more, your propane supplier may recommend an advanced private station. This includes a high-capacity tank, canopy, and multiple fuel dispensers.
Either you or your supplier will own the infrastructure. If you own it, you pay for the canopy, propane tank, pump, motor, and dispensers with card lock and vehicle tracking capabilities. If your supplier owns the infrastructure, you’re only responsible for the cost of site preparation, like crash protection bollards and electrical work.
For fleets with fewer than 50 vehicles, your supplier will likely recommend a standard private station. This includes a 1,000- to 3,000-gallon tank, plus a single propane autogas fuel dispenser.
Like an advanced private station, you or your propane supplier own the infrastructure. If you own it, you purchase the propane tank, pump, motor, and dispenser. If your supplier owns the infrastructure, you are only responsible for the site preparation.
Other options include temporary refueling, mobile refueling and public and private networks.
Get your fleet driving more miles for less money—contact an autogas conversion installer for more information about switching over to autogas.
Be sure to ask about tax credits and other incentives that may be available for converting your fleet.
Read more about the benefits of propane autogas for New York fleets.
Source: Propane Education Research Council