A couple of weeks ago, we discussed how natural gas fleets offer financial savings and reduce emissions. Today, we will be highlighting another alternative fuel fleet solution, propane, and Clean Fuels Michigan members that are leaders in this clean transportation technology.
In Michigan, there are over 10,000 propane vehicles on the road and over 500 refueling sites. Propane autogas vehicles come in all shapes, sizes (light- and medium-duty), and use types such as school buses, delivery trucks, paratransit buses, municipal vehicles, and public utility trucks.
An Advantageous Solution
Propane fleets offer many advantages. First, propane is clean burning and produces 80% fewer hydrocarbon emissions, 12% less carbon dioxide, 20% less nitrogen oxide, and 30% less carbon monoxide emissions compared to its diesel-powered counterparts. Not only that, propane fleets offer financial savings for fleet operators. Propane vehicles require less frequent oil changes, offer increased engine life, and less maintenance. Though the upfront costs may be higher for propane vehicles, the fuel on average costs 40% less than gasoline and 50% less than diesel. Along with the existing infrastructure, fueling stations can be built at relatively low costs. An overwhelming 97% of the propane used in the United States is produced domestically, which will allow for price stability regardless of international relations.
Renewable Propane
With the same chemical structure as traditional propane, renewable propane is a newer fuel solution that further reduces the environmental impact of vehicle use. Renewable propane cuts down on waste that would be deposited in landfills such as cooking oil and meat fats. Converting agricultural waste into renewable propane is a low carbon-intensive process. In propane vehicles, renewable propane emits minimal amounts of nitrous oxides and has a carbon intensity of 19%, while normal internal combustion engine vehicles have a carbon intensity five times higher. Renewable propane offers a near-zero solution for fleets looking to reduce their tailpipe emissions. The supply of renewable propane is quickly growing, with availability throughout the United States right now.
Technology Leading the Way
ICOM North America manufactures both bi-fuel systems and mono-fuel systems. In bi-fuel systems, the gasoline components are not removed and gasoline can be utilized as a backup fuel to propane. In these applications, propane is typically utilized 95% of the time. Monofuel (Dedicated) systems are fuel systems in which the gasoline components (tank, fuel rails, etc.) are removed and the vehicle runs solely on propane. Each fleet has different needs where one or the other best fits. For example, UPS prefers mono-fuel systems, while DHL, Metro Cars, and most municipalities prefer bi-fuel. Either way, propane is easy to work with and is comparable to gasoline in terms of refueling time, miles per gallon, and performance. “Utilizing Propane Autogas with the ICOM System dramatically reduces fuel costs and emissions, and utilizes a domestic fuel to support our economy and so importantly energy security,” said Albert Venezio, CEO of ICOM North America.
Another great application for propane fuel systems are school buses. ROUSH CleanTech partnered with Blue Bird to manufacture the Blue Bird Vision Type C propane autogas school bus. There is a propane Type A school bus offering with Micro Bird available as well. These school buses offer a low total cost of ownership for a school district and provide substantial fuel and maintenance savings without startup issues in cold weather. Not only that, propane vehicles are much cleaner for our children to ride on each day. Chelsea Uphaus, Director of Marketing at ROUSH CleanTech said, “NOx emissions are federally regulated due to their negative impact on human health and the environment. They can trigger health problems, such as asthma, bronchitis and other respiratory issues, and environmental problems, such as acid rain and deteriorated water quality. A 2019 Georgia State study found that diesel fumes drive down test scores and found a correlation between increased academic performance to lower levels of emissions.”
Propane fleets are an affordable solution that simultaneously promote the health of future generations. Clean Fuels Michigan members are leading the way towards a cleaner transportation future with propane as a major player.
