The alternative-fuels terrain can be tough to navigate. With the various fuel and technology options available for work trucks, how do you make the right choice for your business? Propane autogas is one of those clean-operating, low-carbon fuels that you hear about in today’s fleets.

Don’t know much about propane autogas? Here’s a primer.

What is Propane Autogas?

Propane autogas is the internationally recognized term for propane when used in on-road engines. More than 90% of the nation’s supply comes from the United States and an additional 7% from Canada.

As an approved alternative fuel under the Clean Air Act, propane autogas is a nontoxic, non-carcinogenic and non-corrosive fuel. There are more than 27 million propane-powered vehicles worldwide.

Drive the Latest Technology

Work trucks fueled by propane autogas don’t look any different on the outside than ones fueled by diesel or gasoline. It’s what’s on the inside that makes a difference.

Propane autogas vehicles be dedicated (meaning they operate only on propane) or they may be bi-fuel (meaning two fuel sources are stored onboard and the driver can switch between the fuels).

With modern systems, propane remains in a liquid state until it gets to the cylinder. This removes the cold-start issues associated with vapor technology propane systems of the past. Today’s dedicated propane autogas fuel systems start immediately in weather as cold as negative -40 degrees Fahrenheit.

The Propane Education & Research Council keeps a list of certified manufacturers of propane vehicles at propane.com/for-my-business/fleet-vehicles.

Save Money with Propane Autogas

Historically, propane autogas costs about 40% less than gasoline and 50% less than diesel per gallon, and reduces maintenance costs due to its clean-burning properties. Propane autogas vehicles eliminate the need for additional fluids or filters; exhaust after-treatment or diesel emissions fluids; particulate trap systems; turbochargers or intercoolers. Filter packages cost about 60% less for propane autogas vehicles than diesel vehicles.

Comparing total cost of ownership between various vehicles also helps fleet managers make a more informed decision. The higher the annual miles driven and the lower the vehicle’s fuel efficiency, the more likely propane autogas will provide a quick return on investment. A savings calculator from the Propane Education & Research can help you measure the cost per mile. Enter specific transportation data requirements at propane.com/on-road-fleets/calculator/.

Companies that deploy propane autogas vehicles may be eligible for federal and state funding. The Energy Department’s Alternative Fuels and Advanced Vehicles Data Center provides information and resources at www.afdc.energy.gov/laws/.

Reduce Harmful Emissions

Vehicles that run on propane autogas emit fewer greenhouse gases, smog-producing hydrocarbons and particulate emissions than conventional fuels. Propane autogas is naturally much lower in nitrogen oxides than diesel and gasoline. These emissions are federally regulated due to their negative impact on human health and the environment.

With propane autogas trucks, drivers aren’t exposed to the harmful particulate matter in diesel exhaust, which is known to aggravate asthma and is identified as a carcinogen by the World Health Organization.

All engines of any fuel type must be certified to the Environmental Protection Agency’s standard. But propane engines go beyond that certification because of their clean operation. For instance, the ROUSH CleanTech propane engine is 90% cleaner than the EPA’s strictest emissions standard.

Renewable propane, developed from non-fossil fuels like animal fats, vegetable oils and wood byproducts, is a growing resource to reduce emissions even further. Using renewable propane will bring the vehicle’s emissions to near zero.

Propane Fueling Options

Because many company’s vehicles return to a central point at the end of each day, an onsite propane station can easily take care of your fueling needs. Depending on storage necessity, longevity and available space, there are underground storage tanks for longer-term use or aboveground skids that can be replaced or removed. Look for a local fuel supplier to install low or no-cost propane infrastructure. These propane providers specialize in helping fleets choose the right fueling option based on the fleet size, routes, budget and facility space. You can find a list of all propane providers at propane.com/about-propane/how-to-choose-a-propane-supplier.

According to the Alternative Fuels Data Center, the upfront cost of propane infrastructure is very affordable. In fact, propane autogas fueling infrastructure costs less than any other fueling station — conventional or alternative. Fleet owners may only be responsible for installing permanent equipment like a concrete pad or electricity line for the fuel station. The other costs (that could include paying for a tank, pump and dispensing equipment) may be picked up or offered at low cost to a fleet when it signs a fueling contract with a propane provider.

Another option, known as “wet-hosing” or “mobile fueling,” is to contract with a propane supplier to perform onsite propane autogas fueling services. The propane supplier comes to your location and fuels from their bobtail truck. And for fleets with limited space, public stations can be the solution. There are already thousands of propane stations across the U.S. To find stations near you, visit the Alternative Fuels Data Center.

Drivers can avoid spills with this alternative fuel. Unlike gasoline or diesel, propane autogas is part of a closed-loop system, meaning the fuel is never exposed to air and won’t spill. Plus, at 10 to 12 gallons per minute, fueling is quick and a similar rate to diesel.

Whether replacing one truck or dozens, look to clean, economical and domestically produced alternatives like propane autogas technology for the future of your fleet.

About the Author: Todd Mouw is president of ROUSH CleanTech, an industry leader of advanced clean transportation technology. Mouw has more than two decades of experience in the automotive and high-tech industries. As former president of the NTEA Green Truck Association, Mouw helped set standards in the green trucking industry.