Frequently Asked Questions on Vehicle Conversions and Alliance AutoGas

Alliance AutoGas is an organization that offers a full service alternative fuel solution for fleets. Our complete, turnkey solution includes vehicle conversions, fleet base fueling station installation, ongoing technical support and fuel. The foundation of Alliance AutoGas is a broad network of partners with expertise in fueling, vehicle conversion, and high performance support.

What is propane AutoGas?

Propane AutoGas is propane condensed to a liquid. It is a safer, less expensive fuel with fewer emissions than gasoline.

Where does propane AutoGas come from?

Over 90% of Alliance’s propane AutoGas is produced in the United States. Propane AutoGas comes from two domestic processes: it is a by-product of both natural gas processing and the crude oil refining process.

Is propane AutoGas really an alternative fuel?

Yes. Propane is an approved, alternative clean fuel listed in the 1990 Clean Air Act and National Energy Policy act of 1992. It is a fuel that burns more cleanly than gasoline, is largely produced in the United States and lowers fuel costs.

What is an AutoGas Hybrid?

A propane AutoGas Hybrid is a conventional gasoline vehicle that has been converted to run on both propane AutoGas and gasoline. The primary advantage of this bi-fuel system over a dedicated ‘propane only’ vehicle is the peace of mind it provides for fleet managers and drivers: in the event that a driver has traveled out of range of an AutoGas refueling station, the vehicle can run on gasoline until an AutoGas station is reached. For example, in the event that a law enforcement vehicle on a pursuit or other critical mission runs out of propane AutoGas, the vehicle will automatically revert to gasoline and vehicle operation will not be impacted.

What vehicle makes/models can be converted to propane AutoGas?

The Alliance AutoGas conversion system is EPA certified to support the following makes and models:

2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 model years:
- 4.6L Ford Crown Victoria
- 4.6L Ford Crown Victoria Police Package
- 4.6L Lincoln Mercury Town Car
- 4.6L Lincoln Mercury Grand Marquis

2006 model year:
- 6.0L Chevrolet C2500 Silverado 2WD
- 6.0L Chevrolet C3500 Silverado 2WD
- 6.0L Chevrolet K2500 Silverado 4WD
- 6.0L Chevrolet K3500 Silverado 4WD

2006 model year:
- 6.0L GMC C2500 Sierra 2WD
- 6.0L GMC C3500 Sierra 2WD
- 6.0L GMC K2500 Sierra 4WD
- 6.0L GMC K3500 Sierra 4WD

What vehicles are candidates for a propane AutoGas System?

Good candidates for conversion to a propane AutoGas Hybrid include: taxis, police vehicles, shuttle vans, limousines, town cars, food and beverage distribution trucks, utility trucks and many more.

Most of Alliance AutoGas’ customers are fleets, because fleets have several key characteristics:

The vehicles travel to a home base regularly, which serves as a re-fueling station
The vehicles travel a high number of miles every year in a given footprint, which allows fleets to offset the cost of conversion due to fuel cost savings
The vehicles follow a pattern of makes and models – which allows Alliance AutoGas to focus on achieving EPA certification for select makes and models

For a list of vehicles that can be converted please click here. We are continually adding more vehicles to this list.

Where does someone fill a vehicle up with propane AutoGas?

Our fleet customers refuel at their home bases from a spill-free dispenser installed and maintained by Alliance AutoGas.

AutoGas hybrids can also be refueled at any public fueling station that is designed to dispense propane AutoGas. Click here to view an interactive map where you can find AutoGas refueling stations.

How similar is filling up with AutoGas to filling a car with gasoline at the service station?

The process is virtually the same except that the nozzle attaches securely to the vehicle. Propane AutoGas refuels at roughly 6-8 gallons per minute, the same as gasoline.

How does the price of propane AutoGas compare to gasoline or diesel?

Propane AutoGas has been less expensive than conventional gasoline over the last two years. Generally cost savings are between 30% and 50%.

In addition, Fleets receive a federal tax credit of 50 cents per gallon of propane AutoGas. Alliance is able to offer this tax credit up front so that private fleets can realize the 50 cents per gallon cost saving at time of invoice without applying for the credit.

What are the benefits of propane AutoGas?

AutoGas has a number of benefits:

Over 90% of Alliance propane AutoGas is produced domestically
AutoGas is less expensive than gasoline
When burned, AutoGas produces fewer harmful emissions
AutoGas increases the life of an engine
Less vehicle maintenance is required on AutoGas hybrids, and because AutoGas burns cleaner, less frequent oil changes are required
Drivers report that, when compared to conventional gasoline, AutoGas provides superior performance and equivalent power

How much does a vehicle conversion cost?

The average cost to convert a fleet vehicle from conventional gasoline to an AutoGas hybrid is $5,800.00. The cost can vary slightly depending on the type and quantity of vehicles you are converting.

What is included in the vehicle conversion kit?

The kit includes:

Propane AutoGas fuel tank
LPG Reducer
Keihin Fuel Injectors
Fuel Rail
ECU (Electronic Control Unit)
Filter Unit (prevents damage to injectors)
Fuel Switch (mounts on vehicle dash)
Solenoid Valves (safety shutoff devices)
Assorted hoses and fittings
Remote fill

Are vehicles certified by Alliance AutoGas up to date with emissions standards?

Yes. Alliance’s Prins VSI system is EPA certified for a wide range of sedan and truck makes and models.

How long does it take to install a conversion kit?

It takes a certified mechanic 15 hours to install the kit.

How much does it cost to install a refueling site?

There is no additional cost to install a fueling site at your fleet base.

Will the system you install be covered by a warranty?

Yes. Alliance AutoGas Hybrids are backed by a three year / 36,000 mile warranty covering all aspects of the Prins VSI system.

For an additional $250 fee (per vehicle) that warranty can be extended to five years or 100,000 miles.

Does converting my fleet vehicles void my factory warranty?

No. In virtually all cases, converting a vehicle to an AutoGas Hybrid with Alliance AutoGas does not void your factory warranty

Our warranty simply supplements a factory warranty to provide coverage for Alliance’s Prins VSI system and its components.

Is propane AutoGas better for the environment than Gasoline?

Yes. It is an approved, alternative clean fuel listed in the 1990 Clean Air Act and National Energy Policy act of 1992. A 2008 test using a Prins VSI system (the system used by Alliance AutoGas) significantly reduced greenhouse gas emissions when compared to conventional gasoline:

16% Reduction in Carbon Dioxide
28% Reduction in Carbon Monoxide
35.6% Reduction in Hydrocarbons
3.7% Reduction in NOx

Test conducted by TUV Product Service (a company recognized for independently testing and certifying conformance to a wide range of international standards, holding over 100 accreditations and approvals) for Prins Autogassystemen B.V.

How would it work if a fleet manager chooses to go with Alliance AutoGas?

Alliance AutoGas provides the following expertise to a fleet manager:

Analyzing fleet vehicle types, quantity and fuel consumption
Converting vehicles and training fleet mechanics to perform maintenance on the Prins VSI system
Installing on-site fueling infrastructure
Training on vehicle use and safety measures
Training on safe fueling practices
Developing a plan for guaranteed, ongoing fuel delivery
Regardless of whether the fleet has an in-house mechanic, Alliance Certified Conversion Technicians are available for ongoing support

Is propane AutoGas safe? How safe is it compared to regular gasoline?

Yes. Propane AutoGas vehicle tanks are 20 times more puncture resistant than gasoline tanks. Propane is nontoxic, nonpoisonous, and has the lowest flammability range of any alternative fuel with a lower flammability than conventional gasoline. Gasoline is combustible at approximately 500 degrees Fahrenheit, whereas propane AutoGas is combustible at approximately 850 degrees Fahrenheit.

What is Alliance AutoGas’ relationship with Blossman Gas and American Alternative Fuel?

Blossman Gas and American Alternative Fuel are the founding members of Alliance AutoGas. Other partners include companies who operate Certified Conversion Centers across the U.S.

American Alternative Fuel provides the Prins VSI conversion systems, manages the EPA certification process for various vehicle makes and models, and provides installation expertise, ongoing training and support. Blossman Gas provides a wide network of fuel distribution and fueling infrastructure, as well as assistance and support for new propane provider partners in the Alliance Network.

Where is Alliance AutoGas based?

The headquarters of Alliance AutoGas is in Asheville, NC, though through our partnerships with companies like Blossman Gas and American Alternative Fuels we have a dense presence throughout the Southeast United States and beyond, reaching from Florida to Chicago, Denver and Detroit.