Propane Autogas: A Solution to the Rising Cost of Diesel

For many years the perception was that a diesel engine would last longer and was less expensive to operate than their gasoline counterparts. That has changed drastically over the past 10 years as emissions standards become tighter for diesel engines. Leaders, such as Ford, continue to innovate and build better gasoline engines that are prepped for propane and natural gas.

The complexity and cost of diesel engines, after treatments and fuel are driving fleets to find alternatives and instead of transitioning back to gasoline, there is a growing movement towards propane autogas in class 4-7 trucks.

Why?

• Operating cost: propane autogas costs almost 50% less than diesel.
• Less complexity: no regeneration, no DEF and other after treatments.
• Clean: virtually eliminates particulate matter and reduces smog producing hydrocarbons.
• Domestic: more than 90% coming from the United States.
• Performance: immediate throttle response/no diesel turbo lag.

An example of a successful switch from diesel to autogas is Missouri’s Fort Zumwalt School District. The district pays 60 percent less to fuel its buses with autogas than with diesel. Manufactured on a purpose-built Blue Bird chassis with Ford 6.8-liter V10 engine, these buses are powerful, clean and cost-effective.   

The City of Santa Ana, Calif., is another example of an organization making the successful transition from diesel to autogas. The City’s fleet of seven Ford F-550s fueled by propane autogas is reducing carbon dioxide emissions by about 385,000 pounds over its lifetime. This is especially relevant with California Air Resources Board’s strict diesel regulations, which require diesel-powered commercial vehicles to replace or retrofit vehicles if they don’t meet 2010 EPA emission standards. According to the California Construction Trucking Association, this can cost upwards of $20,000 per vehicle.

These are just a couple of examples of fleet partners that have successfully made the transition.

Call us today at 800.59.ROUSH to learn how your organization can save more than $30,000 per truck by making the switch to propane autogas.

Enjoy the start of summer and see you in July.