Josh Budworth, Business Development, spent the beginning of 2023 in the frozen environment of Alaska and shares his experience from the visit. “We had an on-site visit with Hilcorp North Slope, LLC. in early February at their oil field in Prudhoe Bay, Alaska. Although we went up to the Artic Ocean, we only saw a solid piece of water covered in snow. We were there to discuss the conversion timeline, training their technicians, and seeing their environment which they operate in. We left Prudhoe Bay having officially trained 12 of their onsite technicians as well as 45 additional units being ordered, totaling 55 conversions onsite in the last 6 months. With the forecast of converting 600 units onsite within the next three to four years. One of the most exciting observations we witnessed is that the systems have been running on their vehicles flawlessly at -50 degrees Fahrenheit and colder without issues, proving yet again why our technology is superior to the competitors. Hilcorp North Slope, LLC. is beginning to produce their own vehicle fuel on-site. A particular favorite moment was when we were getting a picture in front of their 90,000-gallon storage tanks and David Johnston commenting “I can actually hear my ears freezing!” The warmest it got was I believe -20 degrees while we were there that week. Southern boys don’t enjoy the cold as much.”
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In an interview with The Fast Lane Studios at the NTEA Work Truck Week, Josh Budworth, an Alliance AutoGas Business Development Manager, explains the benefits of a V8 engine running on propane. This engine is a Ford 7.3L V8 (Godzilla) with a horsepower of 335-430 and 468-475 lb-ft torque. Read more to find out why propane is a fuel for the future!
A Bifuel System
Josh begins by explaining that propane has been around as a vehicle fuel since the 80s. Josh goes into how it works by showing off the bifuel autogas conversion system first, otherwise known as the Prins System. Alliance AutoGas is the exclusive distributer of the Prins system in the United States. A bifuel engine systetm is what allows the engine to switch between the two fuels it is running on – gasoline and propane. You can choose which fuel to run on by using the switch in the cabin that is connected to the system. The original gasoline system stays perfectly intact and the propane system simply lays on top of the existing gasoline system, with everything being EPA certified.
The Benefits
Does using propane lead to any losses in engine power? No! There is no change to the horsepower output, or torque raise. “You are just running a cleaner, more cost effective fuel… The operator does not know if they are running on propane or gasoline. You cannot tell the difference.” As Josh states, the most notable benefits of running on propane are reduced emissions and cost savings, saving around 40% of the annual fuel cost.
The Cost
The next topic the interviewer goes into is cost. Firstly, the cost of space. Where will the tank holding the propane go? Josh explains that it depends on the vehicle, but generally speaking, you can do an underbody tank, a frame mount tank, an in-bed tank, or even an in-cabin tank for vans. How big is the tank? Alliance offers different tank sizes! You can have anywhere from a small 15 gallon tank to a 50 gallon tank for larger trucks.
What about the price? How much do the components cost? Josh states that for the engine that is being displayed – the V8 engine – it would cost around $5600-$5700 for the components, not including the install price.
Alliance AutoGas is the only complete program to help American fleets transition from gasoline to autogas, law enforcement included. Working with our team to launch a successful autogas program is the easiest, most affordable way to reduce your gasoline consumption, cut fuel costs and lower vehicle emissions. Below you can read about a few of the specific local law enforcement departments that Alliance AutoGas has converted.
Town of Greenville, TN
In 2018, Todd Smith, City Administrator for the Town of Greeneville, TN, wanted to reduce the town’s expenses as well as their impact on the environment. Smith started to research the potential benefits of adding an autogas program to the town’s fleet, and found that by working with Alliance AutoGas (AAG), they could purchase fuel at a fixed rate, have reduced maintenance requirements, and the ability to reduce the town’s carbon footprint. “After confirming those key benefits, we knew this was a program to implement,” said Smith.
The Town of Greeneville started with converting three of their Law Enforcement Ford Explorers. One benefit of the converted police vehicles that Smith soon found was having a bi-fuel engine. An autogas bi-fuel vehicle is a conventional gasoline vehicle that can run on both autogas and gasoline. The primary advantage of a bi-fuel system over a dedicated “monofuel” system is its elimination of range anxiety when compared to other alternative fuel vehicles. “In addition to upfront benefits found in autogas, having an additional fuel increases the department’s loiter time in our vehicles for emergencies,” according to Smith.
After seeing the success with its three initial autogas vehicles, the Town of Greeneville expanded its autogas program with AAG. The town currently has 18 converted autogas vehicles for the local police department, which includes 13 Ford Law Enforcement Sedans, and five Ford Law Enforcement Explorers. As with many of AAG’s customers, the Town of Greeneville decided to invest in its own autogas refueling station.
Polk County, OR Sheriff’s Office
Polk County worked with an Alliance AutoGas conversion partner to convert all 10 vehicles to run on propane autogas, using the Prins VSI system. With all 10 fleet vehicles on propane autogas, the Sheriff’s office has saved over $32,000 in its first year of conversion, which does not include the available federal tax credits. Not only has this allowed the department to achieve their budget goals, but it saved the job of one full-time sheriff deputy.
As is the case with many law enforcement offices, the bi-fuel component of the Prins system was critical to the department’s ability to operate alternative fuel vehicles. They run primarily on autogas whenever possible, but knowing that the engine automatically switches to gasoline in the event they cannot reach an autogas fueling station provides peace of mind and redundancy in cases of prolonged emergency situations.
The Sheriff’s office’s chose propane autogas due to the quick return on investment and cost-savings it would bring the department. In less than one year, the department saved over $30,000 with 10 vehicles, not including the available federal tax credits. Additionally, the savings prevented the loss of one employee’s job. Although environmental impact wasn’t the primary factor in the selection process, the Sheriff’s office newly converted fleet saved over 67,000 pounds of greenhouse gases from contaminating our air.
La Crosse, WI Police Department
La Crosse PD piloted their autogas program with one vehicle conversion working with an AAG competitor, but the closest service station as in Mankato, MN, so this was neither a cost-effective nor a logistically pragmatic solution. The department also faced a hurdle of individual officer program adaptation as most officers had not yet been educated nor personally experienced the capabilities and safety of autogas. However, when an autogas fueled patrol car was rear ended in the first year, both officer and community fears were allayed because there was no unusual or unexpected damage or danger to the officer different from a gasoline fueled vehicle. Overall, the city and department leaders were pleased with the autogas program, but continued to face serious challenges with officer acceptance, a long-distance service station, and a difficult pumping system.
The police department leadership continued to look for a practical solution to their alternative fuel program, so they could fully realize the benefits of using autogas. They turned to Alliance AutoGas in 2015. The AAG team moved in quickly for what Assistant Chief Robert Abraham later described as a “hassle free process.” The leadership was very impressed with AAG’s “plug and play” autogas conversion systems which allow for quick fueling, and make daily use easy to manage, thereby winning over even the most resistant officer. In addition, AAG also addressed and resolved challenges experienced in the initial rollout by offering technical training to the City of La Crosse garage mechanics. La Crosse is now able to service their own autogas vehicles, eliminating the inconvenience of driving to Mankato, MN (about a five hour round trip) for vehicle service.
Autogas runs farther and longer, is a lower cost investment, and cheaper fueling option than gasoline or diesel. La Crosse has their own refueling station provided by AAG, and fueled by AAG partner, Premier Cooperative. Savings historically average a dollar or more gallon per gallon when compared with gasoline, which allows the department to invest savings back into officer and public safety. Specifically purchased items from fuel savings include ballistic shields, thermal imaging, cameras in cars, automatic license plate readers and light packs.
More Stories to Read
If you enjoyed reading about these success stories, you can find additional details as well as other stories on our website. Follow this link to learn more!
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If your business utilizes propane for motor vehicles, you can now get tax credits thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. The new law extends the Alternative Fuel Tax Credit which is available to individuals and businesses that buy, sell and use propane in their motor vehicles.
Propane autogas fleet operators who apply for the tax credit will be able to claim a credit for every gasoline gallon equivalent of propane autogas purchased, or about 37 cents per gallon. Tax credits are available for any propane used for motor vehicles in 2022, through December 31, 2024.
The new law also extends the Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Credit, which allows operators to claim up to six percent or $100,000 of the cost of installing qualified alternative fuel vehicle refueling property, including propane autogas refueling equipment.
“Thousands of fleets across the country rely on propane autogas every day for environmental sustainability, and these credits provide another opportunity for fleets to ensure they’re also realizing financial sustainability,” said Steve Whaley, director of autogas business development at PERC. “Even without the credits, propane autogas provides the lowest total cost-of-ownership. As an abundant and available energy source, propane autogas can make a difference in communities around the nation today.”
Now more than ever is the time to convert your fleet to propane. Not only for the tax credit, but because propane is more safe, more efficient and less expensive when compared to gasoline. If you are interested in converting your vehicle or fleet to propane, follow this link. (link)
All fleets should consult their tax advisers regarding any claims for credits or refunds.
Americans are scrambling again to adjust to rapidly escalating costs for gasoline and diesel. These costs have been creeping into the supply chain for months, affecting everything from food to clothing and medications. The best solution available right here and right now is in plain sight – propane autogas – a transportation fuel used by more than 29 million vehicles globally.
Economic Efficiency
AutoGas has 50% less CO2 emissions than an electric vehicle when considering the source of electricity in our country. The fuel cost savings are an average of 35% lower than gasoline and autogas is domestically produced. Sadly, we are exporting enough propane out of the United States to fuel more than 5 million commercial vehicles.
Domestic Energy
Global issues and disruptions in far-away lands are affecting the lives of people here at home. These events illustrate that energy security is important. It has been for decades. Why wouldn’t our US fleets use a transportation fuel that is better for the environment, more cost effective than traditional fuels, and reduces our dependence on foreign countries? Every company moving essential products and providing services should ask themselves this question.
Alliance AutoGas is ready to help your company make a transition to autogas, with our world-class technology that can be installed on new or existing vehicles. Don’t change the vehicle, change the fuel and make the switch to propane autogas now.
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Alliance AutoGas (AAG), a national alternative fuel company based in Asheville, NC, and Bass Pro Shop’s Big Cedar Lodge, a premier Wilderness Resort in the Ozark Mountains, are highlighting their new partnership at this year’s NTEA Work Truck Week (WTW22) event. An autogas hybrid Big Cedar shuttle van will be displayed in the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) booth. Work Truck Week, North America’s largest work truck event presented by the National Truck Equipment Association (NTEA), takes place March 8–11, 2022, at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Located in Ridgedale, MO, Big Cedar was ranked as the “#1 Resort in the Midwest” for four years in a row in Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards. AAG, in collaboration with the Missouri Propane Gas Association, partnered with Big Cedar in November of 2021 to convert two of their guest shuttles to autogas. Autogas, the third most popular automotive fuel in the world, is the name for propane when used as a vehicle fuel. When compared to gasoline, autogas substantially reduces greenhouse gases such as carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, non-methane hydrocarbon and nitrogen oxide. From transporting its guests between their resort golf courses, to picking up guests from the airport, Big Cedar shuttles stay on the road 18 hours a day. Each one of the converted vans runs an average of 120,000 miles per year, resulting in CO2 emissions reductions from one van alone being the equivalent of 584 trash bags of waste being recycled instead of going to the landfill, or the carbon sequestered by 16.8 acres of US forest in one year.
The passenger shuttle on display is a 2021 Chevrolet G3500 with 6.6 liter direct-injected engine, converted with an Alliance Engineered System featuring technology from Prins, a pioneer in fuel system development for more than 35 years. The autogas shuttles in the Big Cedar fleet are bi-fuel, hybrid vehicles, also operating on gasoline, eliminating range anxiety. AAG is the exclusive distributor of Prins Alternative Fuel Systems in the US.
Josh Budworth, Business Development Manager for AAG, says “Big Cedar Lodge has an outstanding team that is committed to focusing on sustainability throughout their entire operation. We are excited to partner with Big Cedar to develop their autogas program and look forward to helping them reduce their carbon footprint.”
AAG will be holding a press conference on Wednesday, March 9th in the Propane Education & Research Council booth #5591 beginning at 3:10 p.m. The event will cover the autogas program in further detail and showcase one of the Big Cedar converted autogas shuttles.
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While it is often assumed that full electrification of our energy sources will lead to full decarbonization, there has been little thought on how electricity is currently generated, stored, transmitted, and consumed. Electricity is a delivery method of energy, not an energy source itself. Based on the state average energy mix for electricity generation and assuming a 10 percent charging loss, the graphs below show the carbon intensity of electricity compared to conventional and renewable propane.
Read the full study HERE. Download the chart HERE.
Graphs Below Represent the Carbon Intensity of Electricity Compared to Conventional and Renewable Propane
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Alliance AutoGas (AAG), an alternative fuel company based in Asheville, NC, has received their second patent for their refueling innovation of liquefied petroleum (LP) gas in a vehicle tank. Alliance Autogas was founded in 2010 by Blossman Gas, which is comprised of over 70 locations and two headquarters, one in Swannanoa, NC and the other in Ocean Springs, MS. As more and more commercial fleets across the U.S., including school districts, are turning to propane autogas as the alternative fuel of choice, Alliance AutoGas saw the need for increased efficiency and safety while servicing these vehicles.
This type of innovation will allow autogas vehicles to refuel themselves without autogas specialized infrastructure. Utilizing a vehicle’s in-tank fuel pump, control valves pull fuel from the remote fuel valve rather than inside the tank. The pump then pushes fuel outside the tank, towards the engine, where it is diverted and redirected back in the storage tank through an OPD valve. This allows the in-tank fuel pump to move liquid propane from an external tank to itself instead of requiring an external dispensing pump. This type of innovation will allow autogas refueling with a residential tank at a residence with just a hose connection.
Fleets are choosing autogas over traditional gasoline and diesel for a variety of reasons, including cost efficiency, environmental benefits, and the desire to use a domestic fuel. Propane autogas engines significantly reduce engine CO2 and NOX emissions, particulate matter, and Black Carbon, which dramatically improves air quality in local communities. While propane autogas is a clean burning fuel, normally requiring less engine maintenance than its gasoline and diesel counterparts, autogas vehicles will still require occasional fuel system repair. This is where Alliance found the need for a better way to service these vehicles.
Jessie Johnson, retired in 2017 as Vice President of Sales and Marketing of Blossman Gas after 46 years in the industry, and David Kennedy, Director of Autogas Design at Alliance AutoGas, are the inventors of the patent. “Throughout my time at Blossman Gas and Alliance AutoGas, I always enjoyed being a part of the groundbreaking innovation that we worked towards,” says Johnson. “David Kennedy and I, along with everyone else involved with the company, is pursuing technology that will enable the growth of the autogas industry and bring it closer to residential opportunity.”
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Renewable propane is significantly lowering emissions in even more states with Virginia investing in their first gallons. The city of Petersburg’s police and shuttle vehicle fleets, partnered with Alliance AutoGas, are converting 49 vehicles from gasoline to run on the even cleaner, ultra-low emissions energy source. Representatives from Virginia Clean Cities, Alliance AutoGas, Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) and the City of Petersburg attended a ceremonial ribbon-cutting event on 9/23/2021 to speak on the importance of the fuel technology.
“We want to celebrate and acknowledge the leadership that made this move to clean energy possible,” said Alleyn Harned, director at Virginia Clean Cities. “Transportation represents Virginia’s highest area of harmful emissions and is the costliest energy sector. Renewable propane is a major step forward to reduce emissions and lower the city’s fleet operating costs. As a transportation fuel, renewable propane brings improved energy security for Virginia and the region.”
Vehicle fleets around the nation have been significantly lowering their emissions by running on conventional propane autogas for decades. Now, renewable propane is growing in popularity as an even more sustainable and carbon neutral energy source. Propane autogas vehicles operating with renewable propane have a lower lifetime carbon footprint than electric vehicles charged using the electric grid in Virginia. Plus, they’re able to provide these low-emissions benefits at a fraction of the cost of electric vehicles.
“Renewable liquid fuels will be an important factor in reducing transportation sector emissions in the next 30 years,” said Stuart Weidie, CEO of Blossman Gas, the founding member of Alliance AutoGas. “The carbon intensity of renewable propane is lower than a battery electric vehicle and provides both a near and longer-term option to provide positive benefits for our environment. I am grateful for all the progression we have made to get to this point today and look forward to continuing our advancement with renewable propane.”
“Renewable propane autogas is already being used with great success by several fleets throughout the nation,” said Tucker Perkins, president and CEO of PERC. “Widespread use would significantly magnify emissions reductions today without additional costly infrastructure upgrades. Because the chemical structure and physical properties are the same as conventional propane, renewable propane can be used for all the same applications.”
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With gas prices rising and emissions regulations growing, both sustainability leaders and fleet managers are emphasizing the need to accelerate decarbonization today by utilizing renewable fuels, including propane. Energy leaders, especially those in the propane industry, are looking at the viability and production of renewable propane in the United States right now. Nearly identical to traditional propane in terms of its chemical structure and physical properties, there is only one big exception: it’s not made from fossil fuels. As a result, renewable propane solves a variety of environmental problems while offering the additional benefits of traditional propane.
The environmental advantages of renewable fuels are easy to find. Recycling cooking oil and meat fats into biodiesel and renewable propane helps cut the amount of waste deposited into landfills. An additional benefit is that it can be scaled up while remaining an ultra-low carbon intensity process. In vehicle engines, renewable propane has a carbon intensity of 19%, which is five times better than diesel and gasoline. Also, renewable propane’s carbon intensity score is 14, compared to 39 for an electric vehicle, 78 for fossil propane and 86 for gasoline.
and service, has been at the forefront of utilizing renewable propane since 2018. To date, 12 million gallons of renewable propane have brought into the transportation sector between Blossman Gas and Blue Star Gas, a West Coast partner to Blossman. Mobile County Public School Systems (MCPSS) in Alabama has over 200 autogas buses in its fleet currently. MCPSS transports around 26,000 students daily during the school year, and Blossman Gas provides the propane to fuel the buses. In 2018, Blossman Gas and MCPSS partnered together to begin utilizing renewable propane in the county school buses.
When looking at operational benefits, autogas has an edge over other alternative fueled vehicles, such as electric buses. Autogas buses don’t have the range restrictions of electricity, which could require buses to return to recharge in the middle of a route. This could be a key factor this upcoming school year, as routes may change from day to day depending on potential pandemic-related student schedules. See more benefits HERE.
Director of Transportation at MCPSS. “We were excited for the opportunity to fuel our buses with renewable propane. Reducing our carbon footprint and providing a clean bus ride for our students is vital to what we want to accomplish in our school bus fleet.”
Stuart Weidie, CEO of Blossman Gas, is excited when he looks to the future of the propane industry. Weidie says “If we expect to grow gallons while ignoring public perception and policymakers’ goals, we risk losing the status as a viable energy source in the future. It is past time that we initiate a serious discussion on renewable propane if we intend to position our energy source as a modern fuel.”
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