Flexible and economical propane serves as a viable, alternate fuel choice for transport fleets
In the realm of sustainable transportation, propane is making a significant impact, particularly in the United States. Raygor's company offers a comprehensive suite of services for propane vehicles, including training, maintenance, fuel management, and tracking.
Propane, a clean-burning fuel, poses no risk to groundwater, surface water, or soil, making it an ideal choice for installation in areas where other fuels cannot. This eco-friendly attribute, coupled with its robust, reliable, and flexible infrastructure, has led to its widespread adoption.
Globally, there are approximately 28 million propane vehicles, with over 60,000 in the U.S. These include school buses, transit shuttles, and commercial trucks. The U.S. is one of the top producers of propane autogas, a popular transportation fuel worldwide.
One notable example of propane's success is the Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART) in Michigan. SMART operates a 100 percent propane paratransit fleet that travels nine million miles annually. They have three onsite fueling stations and two 19,000-gallon tanks at each station.
The ROUSH CleanTech Ford E-450, a propane-powered bus, has undergone rigorous testing and has been approved by the Federal Transit Administration's (FTA) New Model Bus Testing Program (Altoona Testing). This approval makes it eligible for federal funds that cover 85 percent of the vehicle cost, with a 15 percent local match.
Transit agencies can integrate propane infrastructure easily, reducing costs and eliminating range anxiety due to fewer financial and geographical constraints. TransNet, a public transit agency in Pennsylvania, and its route partners have installed onsite propane stations for easy and daily fueling access.
Propane costs 40-50 percent less per gallon than conventional fuels like diesel or gasoline. Onsite fueling is the most common option for fleets, with propane suppliers offering services to help customers determine how to install onsite infrastructure. It's less expensive to install a propane station than a CNG, diesel, gasoline, or electric station.
Hundreds of transit agencies operate more than 7,000 propane vehicles today, many for cost savings and to meet sustainability goals. Incentive programs, such as those offered by the Propane Education & Research Council, help reduce the upfront costs of propane infrastructure.
Thousands of propane suppliers across the country help fleets choose the right fueling option based on fleet size, routes, budget, and facility space. The adoption of propane buses with onsite fueling stations supported TransNet in reaching its sustainability goals and reducing its carbon footprint. ROUSH CleanTech provided training to maintenance and fueling staff at TransNet's partner sites.
In conclusion, propane is proving to be a viable and sustainable solution for public transportation in the United States. Its eco-friendly nature, cost-effectiveness, and widespread availability make it an attractive choice for fleets looking to reduce their carbon footprint and save on operational costs.
