Myths about Diesel In Commercial Vehicles
Alliance AutoGas Exposes Myths about Diesel In Commercial Vehicles
Fleet and transit managers traditionally specified diesel engines for several reasons. Ed Hoffman of Alliance AutoGas says, “the most common statements that diesels are cheaper to maintain, offer more fuel efficiency, are more durable, have better resale value, or provide needed horsepower and torque.”
Propane is a low-carbon alternative fuel that produces significantly fewer greenhouse gas emissions than diesel. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, propane autogas is not a direct greenhouse gas when released into the air, and current research measurements have found no global climate impact from propane autogas emissions.
According to the Propane Education & Research Council’s “Choose the Fuel that Protects Your Budget and our Nation,”2014, the key differences between propane autogas vs. diesel fuel are:
- Lower fuel cost
- Reduced noise
- Abundant supply domestically produced in U.S.
- Reduction of harmful emissions
Minimize Maintenance Costs
Propane autogas burns clean, provides optimal power, produces fewer emissions, and lowers preventative maintenance costs compared with diesel. Propane autogas requires less training, doesn’t diminish productivity or efficiency and does not put extra strain on budget.
Reduced Noise
Propane autogas fueled buses are 50 percent quieter than buses fueled by diesel. This results in a safer, and more enjoyable experience for drivers and passengers.
Lower Fuels Costs
Even when conventional fuel prices are low, a vehicle’s additional costs — like fuel, fluids, filters, and repairs — can drain your budget. Over a vehicle’s lifetime, propane autogas is healthier for every line of the budget sheet.
Abundant Supply of 100% Domestically Produced Propane Autogas
United States propane production continues to exceed customer demand. Propane is 100 percent domestically produced. As a result, fleets that choose propane autogas create needed jobs in the U.S. and strengthen our nation’s movement toward energy security.
Harmful Emissions
Diesel engines are documented as producing significant amounts of fine particulate matter. Switching to propane autogas results in an estimated 80 percent reduction in smog- producing hydrocarbon emissions compared with diesel –fueled vehicles.
Ed Hoffman from Alliance AutoGas addresses 7 of the most popular myths about diesel in a recent Alliance AutoGas 3-part blog series “Debunking the 7 Top Myths of Diesel in Fleets”
Hoffman adds, “School buses fueled by propane autogas provide a reliable, clean, and affordable alternative to diesel in a growing number of school bus fleets across the nation.”