Also known as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), autogas is the common name for when propane is used as a fuel for an on-road vehicle. Autogas is composed of three parts carbon and eight parts hydrogen making it a highly efficient, low carbon producing fuel.
Where does it come from and how does it work?
Over ninety-nine percent of autogas is produced in America, increasing energy security by reducing America’s dependence on foreign oil. Autogas comes from two domestic processes: it is a by-product of both natural gas processing and the crude oil refining process. Propane is stored as a liquid in a relatively low-pressure tank and travels along a fuel line into the engine compartment. The supply of propane to the engine is controlled by a regulator or vaporizer, which converts the liquid propane to a vapor. The vapor is fed to a mixer located near the intake manifold, where it is metered and mixed with filtered air before being drawn into the combustion chamber where it’s burned to produce power.
Is it an alternative fuel?
Autogas is an approved, alternative clean fuel listed in the 1990 Clean Air Act and National Energy Policy act of 1992. In fact, autogas burns cleaner than gasoline, is largely produced in the United States, and lowers fuel costs when compared to traditional gasoline and diesel.
Is using autogas in my vehicle safe?
Made from high carbon steel, autogas vehicle tanks are 20 times more puncture resistant than conventional plastic gasoline tanks. Autogas is nontoxic, nonpoisonous, not a groundwater contaminant, and has the lowest flammability range of any alternative fuel including gasoline. Autogas is safe and meets the same standards for safety as conventionally fueled vehicles.
Is it environmentally friendly?
One of the best reasons to switch to autogas is that it is an environmentally friendly fuel. Autogas is a cleaner-burning fuel that provides less harmful emissions than gasoline. Autogas can reduce carbon monoxide emissions by up to 20 percent, nitrous oxide emissions by up to 40 percent, and carbon dioxide emissions by as much as 18 percent.
What are the benefits?
Autogas has a number of benefits in several areas such as:
It is less expensive than gasoline or diesel.
It produces fewer harmful greenhouse gas emissions than gasoline or diesel.
Drivers report that compared to conventional gasoline, autogas provides superior performance and equivalent power.
Over a vehicle’s lifetime, autogas provides more vehicle uptime because it’s a clean-burning alternative fuel that doesn’t require the same expensive repairs and replacement parts compared to other fuels such as diesel.
It is domestically produced, increasing America’s energy security.
Refueling infrastructure can be customized to fit each autogas fleet’s individual needs.
Want to learn more about what Alliance AutoGas can do for your fleet? Contact us today!
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As the alternative fuel movement continues to accelerate, Alliance AutoGas (AAG) has seen tremendous growth over recent years. To keep up with ever-evolving customer needs, AAG has been committed to the continued research and development of its engineered bi-fuel systems, while simultaneously growing its list of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) certifications. In order to comply with clean air and emissions standards, all alternative fuel system manufacturers are required to obtain EPA Certificates of Conformity before allowing any converted vehicle to operate on public roads. AAG was awarded its first EPA Certificate of Conformity on August 15th, 2013, which covered Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra Trucks with the 6.0L V8 engine. Currently, the company has been awarded 253 EPA Certificates of Conformity and 58 Intermediate Age Vehicle Notifications, certifying over 1,300 vehicles.
Each AAG engineered autogas system goes through rigorous testing before receiving EPA certifications. These tests include rolling road dynamometer emissions testing and engine dynamometer cell testing. Each year, AAG engineers build and test autogas systems for new vehicle platforms in order to meet the demands of fleets nationwide. One main feature of the AAG autogas system is that you do not need to change your vehicle in order to upgrade to the environmentally friendly fuel. Another advantage is that there are no permanent modifications made to the vehicle itself, and the systems can be installed by a Certified Installer in as quickly as one day. Additionally, the bi-fuel system gives drivers the option to operate on gasoline or autogas, which eliminates range anxiety when compared to other alternative fuel vehicles.
“Autogas is a no-compromise fuel solution. The technology is proven on a diverse portfolio of vehicle platforms that include all major Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM),” says Ed Hoffman, President of Blossman Services – the distribution partner of Alliance AutoGas. “We have demonstrated how well autogas can integrate into even the most advanced modern fuel systems. Saying all that, a broad product offering is useless if it can’t be delivered to the customer flawlessly with proper local service support. That is how we will continue to grow.”
As vehicle technology becomes more advanced, the emissions regulations become more rigid, according to Stephen Holland, Engineer for Blossman Services. “OEM engine technology has advanced quite a bit since we started applying for EPA Certifications. All of the advancements in OEM technology require our own technology to advance in order to enable our autogas systems to function properly and be emissions friendly. EPA tailpipe emissions requirements continue to grow more stringent as well. In spite of the additional work that these growing regulations require, our team is growing at a faster rate than that of those challenges. We have streamlined our processes greatly since we started acquiring EPA Certifications in 2013 and look forward to what we will accomplish moving forward.”
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Alliance AutoGas (AAG), a national coalition of businesses providing the fuel, technology, and ongoing support to autogas fleets across the country, and Blossman Gas, AAG founder and the largest privately owned propane company in the nation, will be participating in a ribbon-cutting ceremony for their new refueling station on Tuesday, September 29th in Kingsport, TN.
The ceremony will be unveiling a new autogas refueling location for Northeast Tennessee Rural Public Transportation (Net Trans). In 2016, Net Trans implemented an autogas program with AAG, and continues to support the surrounding community with their fleet of autogas transit vans. The regional public transit system serves numerous counties in the northeast region of Tennessee, along with urbanized areas outside the city limits for Bristol, Kingsport, and Johnson City. The company is a not for profit, working as part of the First Tennessee Human Resource Agency. The agency mission is to improve the quality of life for the people of Northeast Tennessee through effective delivery of social services.
This will be the third refueling center in the region for Net Trans, and will be located at the U-Haul location in Kingsport, TN. U-Haul, who started refilling propane cylinders in 1984 for customers and currently supplies propane to thousands of people daily across North America, has identified a future in autogas and provides support for propane infrastructure for autogas programs across the nation. Happy Fox, Alternative Fuel Consultant for Alliance AutoGas, says, “It is exciting to see how far Net Trans’ autogas program has progressed since coming on board with AAG. The East Tennessee region has emerged as a leading area in the movement towards alternative fuel use. AAG looks forward to helping more fleets make the transition to operating on autogas.”
Net Trans was named the 2017 winner of the annual Propane Autogas Fleet Award from the Propane Education and Research Council (PERC). This award recognized NET Trans’ strong commitment and successful transition to propane use as a member of fleet transit. Candace Gump, Director of Net Trans, says, “We continue to see a need for our service, and autogas is helping us fulfill that need. Net Trans is proud to be adding a refueling location in Kingsport, TN.”
What: Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Where: 1805 East Stone Dr, Kingsport, TN (U-Haul)
When: 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 29th
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Alliance AutoGas (AAG) has seen tremendous growth over recent years, as the movement to transition to alternative fuels has become more and more mainstream. As the autogas segment continues to develop, AAG has been committed to growing its National Network of service and installation centers, adding 23 new locations in 2019 alone. To date, 127 service center locations nationwide are trained and certified to maintain and install the Alliance AutoGas Engineered system. By continuing to grow its Conversion and Installation Center Network, AAG is assuring growth of the autogas movement for years to come, and adding to their already significant foundation of support for the more than 200,000 autogas vehicles already on the road.
Of these service center locations, Kyker’s Extreme Automotive, which is owned and operated by Dale and Lisa Kyker, has served the Greeneville, TN area since 1982. “We actually started propane conversions in 1988 for a local fleet, and one of those trucks is still in use today,” said Dale. Kyker’s Extreme Automotive became a Certified Conversion Center for AAG in 2018. “Working with AAG has been simple, straight-forward, and the training was top notch. The AAG conversion systems are relatively flawless and very well designed. We believe propane is a great alternative fuel with less of a carbon footprint than gasoline. It can save the taxpayer money and increase our officer’s ability to stay on the scene, which makes it a win for everyone involved.” The Town of Greeneville, TN police fleet is currently utilizing 18 Alliance AutoGas engineered systems, which were installed by Kyker’s Extreme Automotive.
Advanced VTech, located Buffalo Grove, IL, did not have a traditional start like most Automotive Care Services. David Hagopian and his partner Ron Sheble founded the business in 2012 after wanting a change from their corporate careers. “I was doing chemical engineering, and Ron was in finance at the time. We knew we wanted to do something on our own, and I always carried an interest in alternative fuel. I couldn’t help but notice how much it was utilized internationally throughout my travels, and I also have family who farm in California that run everything on propane.” Advanced VTech discovered Alliance AutoGas at the annual NTEA Work Truck Show. “I met Ed Hoffman [President of Blossman Services, the distribution partner of AAG] at the show, and was very intrigued with everything he had to say. The training AAG did at our service center was great. Their conversion systems are top of the field in design. There are fewer wiring harness failures, and installation does not involve cutting or stripping,” says David. Advanced VTech enjoys supporting several fleets including the Town of Elmhurst, IL.
Don Cusson, who owns and operates Cusson Automotive in Windsor CT, had some initial reservations about working with alternative fuel vehicles. Before opening his own business 27 years ago, Don had worked in a variety of automotive businesses, including a Ford Dealership. “We have seen it all as long as we have been in business. In the 80s and 90s, alternative fuels had potential, however, propane autogas did not have consistent systems and the return on investment was questionable,” he says. After hearing about and seeing the technological advancements AAG has made with its engineered autogas systems, Don knew he wanted to collaborate as a partner. “Every step of the process has been seamless with AAG. Stacey Snyder [Equipment Conversion Technician for Blossman Services] came up and spent a week with us, and he was very thorough. From training our staff, covering every detail of the conversion process, and answering all of our questions, I believe it made a big difference for our business,” said Cusson. Regarding the system’s performance, he adds, “The plug and play format is a remarkable advancement for the autogas industry. Our customers have been very pleased with the conversions we have completed with the AAG technology.” Cusson Automotive works to support several fleets throughout the northeast, including the Town of Greenwich, CT.
AAG is grateful for all its Conversion and Installation Center Networks across the county. These partnerships help unite the movement to make domestically produced autogas prevalent in the United States. Ed Hoffman, president of Blossman Services – the distribution partner of Alliance AutoGas, says “Any vehicle technology will fail without proper field support for the end user. All of our premier service centers are handpicked and matched to meet the expectations and culture of our customers. I am very proud of these relationships and enjoy working together towards a common goal.”
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Many companies rely on a fleet of cars, trucks, or vans to run their organization. Despite the variety of vehicles used and products or services delivered, management professionals are facing a common problem – how to produce fewer harmful emissions.
From August 2016 through January 2017, the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) worked with the Gas Technology Institute (GTI) to execute a comparative emissions analysis study on emissions created through on road transportation vehicles. The study found that the emissions reductions by using propane autogas were significant for a variety of fleet classifications.
Light-duty trucks produced 36% less Nitric Oxide (NOx) emissions when using autogas compared to diesel and 5% less when compared to gasoline. For medium-duty trucks, it was found that autogas systems produced 4% less NOx emissions, and 12% less Greenhouse Gases (GHG) emissions when compared to diesel.
As of last year, more than one million students across 48 states ride autogas buses to school. One of the many reasons why school districts across the country are tuning to autogas is due to its environmental benefits. In Type C buses, it was found autogas produced 15% less NOx emissions compared to diesel and 24% less compared to gasoline.
A recent study by Georgia State University directly links exhaust fumes and noise from traditional school buses to lower test scores. Previous studies proved that diesel exhaust contributes to allergies, asthma, and bronchitis.
More information on autogas school bus fleets, click HERE.
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With the first day of school around the corner, everyone involved is bracing for the challenges ahead. School transportation is no exception to those challenges, as many school districts will be seeking cost-effective solutions to achieve maximum comfort and safety for their riders, whenever buses begin operation again.
While schools plan for the future, many Southeast school systems currently benefit from the financial, environmental, and operational benefits of using alternative fuel in their school bus fleets. With the school year upon on us bringing difficult challenges both financially and operationally, autogas school buses can provide needed solutions for school districts.
Henry County Schools, near Atlanta, GA, selected Blossman Gas to provide the fuel needed for their autogas bus fleet. Blossman Gas, along with partner Superior Energy Systems, provided the county with refueling infrastructure to ensure the school district had the capability of refueling on-site. “We are excited about the 33 propane buses now in the fleet, all of which have completed the annual inspection and are ready for the opportunity to transport our students to school when that time comes,” says Cliff Shearouse, Executive Director of Transportation for Henry County Schools.
“The autogas buses have proven to have a lower cost of ownership as the maintenance and fuel costs are less to operate compared to our diesel buses. Our district will save approximately $60,000.00 this year by operating the 33 propane fueled buses rather than the equivalent diesel buses. These savings will help offset the costs associated with our required COVID-19 cleaning procedures as well as the budget reductions, which stem from the expected economic effects of the pandemic,” says Shearouse.
Propane Autogas Benefits
Autogas is less expensive than conventional gasoline and diesel, with an average savings between 30-50%, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. The price volatility of gasoline and diesel can make it challenging to predict a budget cost for school administrators. With additional funds now needed in school districts for sanitization materials, providing personal protective equipment (PPE) to both students and school employees, and having to possibly increase both custodial employees and school nurses, cost-effective solutions such as autogas can be a ready solution for school systems.
Additionally, when compared to gasoline or diesel, autogas substantially reduces greenhouse gases (GHG) such as carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen oxide (NOx). This is substantial because NOx emissions are a known accelerator for issues like asthma, bronchitis, and other respiratory problems students may be facing. According to EPA calculations, the 84,000 gallons of autogas used by Henry County Schools has displaced 2,615 barrels of oil, and 2,072 short tons of GHG emissions.
Operational Benefits of Propane Autogas Buses
When looking at operational benefits, propane 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 new student schedules.
While schools were out of session due to COVID-19, Phillips Energy, partner of Alliance AutoGas, a nationwide network providing autogas vehicles equipment and infrastructure, helped ensure school-aged children were delivered meals while not being able to attend school. Newport News Public Schools, a customer of Phillips Energy, used propane-powered buses to deliver meals for students daily while school was out of session due to the COVID-19 shutdown. The bus drivers and staff members were able to practice social distancing, while also providing a small degree of normalcy for students who experienced disruptions in their education. Brian Hanna, Teacher for Newport News Public Schools, says “With the shut-down of public schools amid the COVID-19 pandemic, The City of Newport News used propane-powered buses to deliver meals for students daily. We used propane buses because they are more reliable and do not require diesel to operate.”
School districts are all looking for certainty from their fleet of buses, and autogas can provide that certainty. As of last year, more than one million students across 48 states ride propane autogas buses to school. Providing financial, operational, and sustainable solutions across the board, autogas buses provide benefits for school districts that are readily available to be utilized.
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Stuart Weidie, President of Alliance AutoGas, has recently been featured on multiple radio shows to promote the benefits of autogas.
On August 8th, Weidie was featured on Transport Topics Radio, which is aired on SiriusXM Channel 146 every Saturday at 1:00 p.m. Host Dan Ronan, Transport Topics Associate News Editor, brings listeners up-to-date news from all sectors that impact the transport industry including government, business, and logistics. In the interview, Weidie and Ronan focus on the importance of alternative fuels in the trucking industry, listen HERE.
Weidie also discussed the latest autogas trends with the World LPG Association (WLPGA) on its LPG Talks podcast series. The WLPGA series explores current opportunities and trends in the LPG industry. Listen to the podcast HERE.
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After a four month hiatus in the ChampCar Endurance Series due to COVID-19 restrictions, FiveTales Racing, which consists of Blossman Gas employees Scott Prewitt and Jake Weidie, as well as Alliance AutoGas employee David Kennedy, was eager to be back on track. The team competed in the Racing Radios 14 Hours on July 11th at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
Race Start
Weidie started behind the wheel in the morning for the first stint of the race. After starting 4th, he quickly worked his way to the lead by the end of the first lap and remained on top of the leader board when the day’s first full course yellow flag fell a few laps later. As the cars and drivers began to settle into the race, FiveTales Racing remained inside the top five until a piece of bodywork on the front end of the car started to separate from the splitter. After a few stops to try and fix the issue with no success, the team decided to send the car back out as it was.
Midway
The afternoon phase of the race saw the rate of attrition begin to increase as competitors battled hot temperatures and mechanical issues. Several teams throughout the early afternoon were forced to make lengthy repairs in the garage area. However, not much had change in the FiveTales pit box as the car made lap after lap without fault. Thanks to consistent driving from all three drivers, FiveTales had jumped back into the top five and were running second in class. This pace continued into the evening as driver changes and pit stops continued to go smoothly.
Home Stretch
As the sun fell behind the grandstand of Charlotte Motor Speedways front stretch, the cool air brought new life into the drivers who were looking to bring their cars to the finish. David Kennedy, who had driven an incident free race and ran consistent lap times throughout the day, pulled the car back down pit road to end his final stint of the race with two and a half hours remaining.
Next to climb back into the car for his final stint was Scott Prewitt, who similarly ran a clean and consistent race throughout the day. The added difficulty of running at night did not interfere with that consistency and Prewitt was able to bring the car back to pit road for the team’s final pit stop. As Prewitt exited the car for the last time, it was Weidie who would race to the finish. As he brought the car to the finish line, and after fourteen hours of racing between the team, FiveTales Racing completed its best finish yet in the ChampCar Endurance Series coming in at 4th place.
“Overall, the team was able to avoid trouble and mistakes throughout the day and ran a consistent pace. All of us felt confident that we had a fast car coming into the race, and I am glad we were able to finish top 5,” says Weidie. The next event for FiveTales Racing is currently unknown with COVID-19 restrictions still being in place. All sponsors of the team, including Everdure by Heston Blumenthal, Blossman Gas, and Alliance AutoGas congratulate FiveTales Racing on a great race at Charlotte!
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The entire world is facing both personal and professional challenges in the fight against COVID-19. While social distancing and staying at home are key parts of winning this fight, many businesses and organizations deemed essential must continue to operate. In this unique time, Phillips Energy, partner of Alliance AutoGas (AAG), helped ensure school-aged children were delivered meals while not being able to attend school.
Newport News Public Schools, a customer of Phillips Energy, used propane-powered buses to deliver meals for students daily while school was out of session due to the COVID-19 shutdown. The bus drivers and staff members were able to practice social distancing, while also providing a small degree of normalcy for students who experienced disruptions in their education. More importantly, they were able to bring nutritious lunches and breakfasts to children who rely on meals provided at school.
Brian Hanna, Teacher for Newport News Public Schools, says “With the shut-down of public schools amid the COVID-19 pandemic, The City of Newport News used propane-powered buses to deliver meals for students daily. We used propane buses because they are more reliable and do not require diesel to operate.”
Phillips Energy is one of the many partners of AAG who has demonstrated quality customer service during this challenging time. AAG appreciates Phillips Energy commitment to providing for the students of Newport News Public Schools.
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The COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant disruption to life as we know it, and that includes the worldwide sporting calendar. The racing series that FiveTales Racing competes in, and the ChampCar Endurance Series is no exception to that. The FiveTales race team represents four team members from Alliance AutoGas and Blossman Gas who decided to take teamwork one step further. Jake Weidie, Scott Prewitt, Steve McCoy, and David Kennedy applied their talents and experience to champ car racing five years ago and have enjoyed the high speeds ever since.
FiveTales Racing did compete in an event earlier in the year, the 12 Hours of VIR (South) on March 7th at Virginia International Raceway. “The car ran great throughout the day and we were running in the top 5,” says race team member Jake Weidie. “Unfortunately, we ended up failing to finish due to a brake caliper seal failure. It was good to see the speed the car had before we ran into our mechanical issues.”
Everdure by Heston Blumenthal, a valued partner of Blossman Gas, is sponsoring the race team for a second year in a row along with Alliance AutoGas and Blossman Gas. FiveTales Racing is tentatively set to return to racing on July 11th at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
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