{"id":4832,"date":"2020-03-29T17:54:34","date_gmt":"2020-03-29T15:54:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/advancedfleetmanagementconsulting.com\/eng\/?p=4832"},"modified":"2020-03-29T17:54:34","modified_gmt":"2020-03-29T15:54:34","slug":"all-about-propane-autogas","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/advancedfleetmanagementconsulting.com\/eng\/2020\/03\/29\/all-about-propane-autogas\/","title":{"rendered":"All About Propane Autogas"},"content":{"rendered":"

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\u2019s fleets.<\/span><\/p>\n

Don\u2019t know much about propane autogas? Here\u2019s a primer.<\/span><\/p>\n

What is Propane Autogas?<\/strong><\/span><\/h5>\n

Propane autogas is the internationally recognized term for propane when used in on-road engines. More than 90% of the nation\u2019s supply comes from the United States and an additional 7% from Canada.<\/span><\/p>\n

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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.<\/span><\/p>\n

Drive the Latest Technology<\/strong><\/span><\/h5>\n

Work trucks fueled by propane autogas don\u2019t look any different on the outside than ones fueled by diesel or gasoline. It\u2019s what\u2019s on the inside that makes a difference.<\/span><\/p>\n

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).<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u2019s dedicated propane autogas fuel systems start immediately in weather as cold as negative -40 degrees Fahrenheit.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Propane Education & Research Council keeps a list of certified manufacturers of propane vehicles at propane.com\/for-my-business\/fleet-vehicles<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Save Money with Propane Autogas<\/strong><\/span><\/h5>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u2019s 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\/<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Companies that deploy propane autogas vehicles may be eligible for federal and state funding. The Energy Department\u2019s Alternative Fuels and Advanced Vehicles Data Center provides information and resources at www.afdc.energy.gov\/laws\/<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Reduce Harmful Emissions <\/strong><\/span><\/h5>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

With propane autogas trucks, drivers aren\u2019t 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

All engines of any fuel type must be certified to the Environmental Protection Agency\u2019s standard. But propane engines go beyond that certification because of their clean operation. For instance, the ROUSH CleanTech<\/a> propane engine is 90% cleaner than the EPA\u2019s strictest emissions standard.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u2019s emissions to near zero.<\/span><\/p>\n

Propane Fueling Options <\/strong><\/span><\/h5>\n

Because many company\u2019s 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.<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

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 \u2014 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

Another option, known as \u201cwet-hosing\u201d or \u201cmobile fueling,\u201d 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<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u2019t spill. Plus, at 10 to 12 gallons per minute, fueling is quick and a similar rate to diesel.<\/span><\/p>\n

Whether replacing one truck or dozens, look to clean, economical and domestically produced alternatives like propane autogas technology for the future of your fleet.<\/span><\/p>\n

About the Author: <\/strong>Todd Mouw<\/a> 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

Source:\u00a0 https:\/\/www.worktruckonline.com<\/a><\/p>\n

FLEET MANAGEMENT AUDIT<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Fleet management is the use of a set of vehicles in order to provide services to a third-party, or to perform a task for our organization, in the most efficient and productive manner with a determined level of service and cost.<\/p>\n

Fleet management activities are shown in the following graph 1:<\/p>\n

\"fleet<\/p>\n

Graph 1: fleet management activities<\/p>\n

The proposal audit analyses and assesses all fleet management activities shown in the graph 1, and its main goals are:<\/p>\n