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What is Propane Autogas?

Date: December 16, 2022

Propane-Fueled Vehicles Have an Edge

autogas tennessee Propane autogas describes propane when it is used as a fuel for vehicles. Propane autogas is the world’s most popular alternative fuel, which is defined as any product that bypasses the two big traditional petroleum fuels: gasoline and diesel.

Here are three key areas where propane-fueled vehicles have an edge over those that rely on diesel or gasoline.

Fuel: You can generally count on an average savings of 30 to 40 % per mile driven with propane autogas, considering both the cost of the fuel itself and expected fuel economy. Historically, propane has been 30% less than gasoline, and the savings are even greater compared to diesel, especially in the wake of the alarming diesel price increases we’ve seen this year.

Fluids: New, lower emissions diesel technology presents extra costs because diesel emissions fluid needs to be purchased, stored and changed. 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, however, 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 the total cost of ownership.

Propane Vs. Electric Vehicles

There has been much talk about achieving net-zero carbon emissions by the year 2050, and transitioning to all-electric vehicles has been a big part of the conversation because electricity is considered a “clean fuel” by many.

Although a battery-powered electric car itself doesn’t produce any emissions, the power plant that generates the electricity used to charge those batteries probably does. And those power plants are among the largest sources of greenhouse gas pollution in the United States.

Other obstacles slowing the move toward electric vehicles include low supply, charging infrastructure challenges, expensive upfront costs and limited mileage range.

Converting Engines to Propane Autogas

For fleet owners who want the cost benefits of propane autogas but need the flexibility of a gasoline backup or who aren’t ready to purchase new vehicles, EPA-certified bi-fuel conversion kits can be installed on existing vehicles.

You can count on propane refueling technology to deliver as dependably as the vehicles themselves. Refueling with propane autogas is quick, quiet and safe. It’s the same experience as refueling with diesel or gasoline, making the transition to propane autogas easy for fleets.

Propane Autogas Safety Facts

  • Propane autogas is a very safe alternative fuel that is nontoxic, non-corrosive and insoluble in water. Fueling your vehicle with autogas is safe and simple.
  • Should the rare accidental release of propane autogas occur, the fuel would dissipate into the atmosphere with no harmful contaminants released into the air, soil or water.
  • Autogas fuel tanks are 20 times more puncture resistant than gasoline tanks.
  • In terms of flammability, the ignition temperature of autogas is a minimum of 920˚. Conventional gasoline has a much lower ignition point: 430 ˚-500˚. Diesel fuel can ignite at 410˚.

Read more facts about propane autogas.

Besides propane autogas, there are many other commercial uses for propane.