Sustainable Fleet Technology Conference – Raleigh, NC, August 14-16 2023
Providers and leaders in fleet technology assembled in Raleigh, NC, to share industry ideas, trends and strategies that improve sustainability of fleet operations.
Stuart Weidie, President and CEO of Alliance AutoGas, had two opportunities to present the significance of using propane autogas for vehicle fleets. With high attendance in both presentations, Advancements in Medium/Heavy-Duty Vehicles and Infrastructure & New Models for Fueling and Charging, Stuart was able to raise awareness of the uses autogas right now and for the future. He discussed the availability of vast vehicle platforms offered, easy deployment of infrastructure, and the approaching availability of renewable propane. Garnering many questions and comments, it was apparent that Stuart sparked the interest of those in attendance.
Michael Naglieri, Fleet Maintenance Manager with Davidson County Transportation, offered one of his vehicles at the conference to represent Alliance AutoGas. The 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD, with an AAG bi-fuel system equipped, attracted many attendees to the vehicle. Michael knows and has seen the true results of using propane autogas for a transportation fleet, which truly resonated with others interested in learning more. Michael said his time at the conference was a great opportunity to raise awareness, “Using propane autogas is a solution that other fleet agencies can take advantage of right now. Being able to help the environment and increase fuel savings allows us to do many things we would not be able to do without the use of propane autogas. And working with Alliance AutoGas gives us a peace of mind that we are making a difference”.
The 2023 Green Fleet Awards, presented by The NAFA Fleet Management Association, recognized Alliance AutoGas customer Blossman Gas, Inc. as the #48 fleet in North America. The Green Fleet Awards recognizes peak-performing fleet sustainability efforts and honors fleets who have enhanced practices to make a positive impact on the environment. Blossman Gas, Inc. has implemented green initiatives and sustainability practices as an organization, while continuing to advocate the use of propane autogas as an alternative fuel. Another customer of Alliance AutoGas, Chesterfield County, VA, came in at #27. They were also awarded a special acknowledgement for their fleet as Best Fuel Technology Integration.
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Since 1961, Roy Jorgensen Associates (Jorgensen) has provided maintenance consultant services, facility maintenance operations, and roadway maintenance services throughout the United States. One of the roadway programs Jorgensen oversees is the Road Ranger Service Patrol Fleet. The Road Ranger fleet provides incident management response services and limited no-cost highway assistance to motorists to improve highway safety for emergency responders and the motoring public. In 2015, Jorgensen collaborated with Alliance AutoGas (AAG) to begin a pilot propane autogas program. Autogas, the name for propane when used as a vehicle fuel, has many benefits including decreased fuel cost per gallon, greater vehicle uptime, and reduced harmful emissions.
“After learning about the work Jorgensen was doing with the Road Ranger fleet and how much mileage their fleet puts on throughout a year, I knew AAG could offer a great autogas program that would improve their operation,” says Ed Hoffman, president of Blossman Services, the autogas system distribution partner of AAG. The autogas vehicles used by the Road Ranger fleet operate throughout Florida’s southeastern coast. There are approximately 40 autogas vehicles in the Road Ranger fleet, and since beginning their program in 2015, the fleet recently celebrated refueling with their one millionth gallon of autogas this past July.
“Our autogas program has been an eye-opener on what alternative fuel can do for fleets,” says Ernie Molina, Vice President for Roy Jorgensen Associates. “The cost saving benefit compared to diesel or gasoline was evident, however, the other benefits make a big difference for the Road Ranger fleet.” One of those benefits include AAG providing the infrastructure for a personal refueling center. “The maintenance vehicles have to refuel often, as they’re providing service 24/7 every day of the year. Having access to our own refueling station for whenever we need it is a game changer,” says Molina.
From extreme temperatures to hurricane season, the Florida climate requires durable transportation. The majority of the vehicles in the Road Ranger Patrol Fleet travel over 100,000 miles per year. “One aspect that we like about our autogas vehicles and working with AAG is how reliable the systems are. We can count on our autogas vehicles no matter what the weather conditions are, and we do not have to worry about fuel prices inflating like gasoline or diesel. We also save on things such as DEF fluid.”
Another key aspect Jorgensen was interested in when they started the autogas pilot program was making a difference environmentally. Propane-converted vehicles emit 25 percent fewer greenhouse gas emissions than vehicles running on gasoline and 80 percent fewer smog-producing hydrocarbon emissions than vehicles running on diesel. For the Road Ranger fleet, using over a million gallons of autogas is the equivalent to planting 280,761 trees that grow for ten years according to EPA calculations.
When asked about surpassing one million gallons of autogas, Molina says “Knowing the environmental difference Jorgensen and the Road Ranger fleet has made by using a million gallons of autogas is quite remarkable. Jorgensen continues to be impressed by the Road Ranger autogas program and we will be mindful of what autogas can provide moving forward.” Hoffman of Blossman Services adds “Jorgensen has been a great partner to work with. The Road Ranger fleet is a great example of autogas shinning in vehicles putting on high mileage, often in extreme weather conditions, and working around the clock.”
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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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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. “AAG was able to quickly deliver and install a propane vehicle refueling station for the town that is as similar to operate as going to your regular gasoline station,” says David Kennedy, Director of Autogas Design at Alliance AutoGas. “The Town of Greeneville officers can easily drive up, activate, and fill their vehicles with propane at their very own convenient AAG propane station.” When speaking on the refueling infrastructure, Smith added, “With the new infrastructure, our officers can refuel their vehicles quickly while being able to easily respond to calls. It makes refueling very convenient for our department.”
The Alliance AutoGas National Network also includes AAG Certified Service and Installation centers. Kyker’s Extreme Automotive, which is owned and operated by Dale and Lisa Kyker, has served the Greeneville area since 1982, and has a long history of servicing the town of Greeneville’s vehicles. As such, it was only natural that Kyker’s became a certified Service and Installation Center so that they were able to continue maintaining the town’s vehicles. “We actually started propane conversions in 1988 for a local fleet, and one of those trucks is still in use today,” said Dale Kyker. “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.”
In times of emergencies, like the current fight against COVID-19, fuel uncertainty is among many concerns for fleets across the country. Propane autogas is produced domestically, which provides a reliable fuel source for all essential employees who are utilizing the alternative fuel. Autogas gives fleets independence by not having to rely on foreign fuel and provides the ability to focus on whatever is needed out of a particular fleet during a crisis. “Having an additional fuel source helps maintain the town’s ability to provide critical services to the residents of Greeneville in times of shortages and emergencies,” says Todd Smith.
Alliance AutoGas member Blossman Gas is the refueling partner in this project. Scott Prewitt, Regional Vice President for Blossman Gas says, “Blossman is proud to have the opportunity to serve the town and this police department. It shows how much their leadership cares about the residents they serve. Autogas gives fleets a peace of mind for the department in knowing they have a sustainable domestic fuel source.” To date, the Town of Greeneville has used 18,500 gallons of autogas, which according to EPA calculations displaces 566 barrels of oil and 448 short tons of greenhouse gas emissions.
Happy Fox, an Alternative Fuel Consultant for AAG says, “The Town of Greeneville has an outstanding team that is committed to serving the local community. They have been great to work with in regards to their autogas program.” When discussing the future of the propane autogas program, Todd Smith added, “Propane now is an option to consider when looking at alternative fuel sources across the Town of Greeneville. We are currently discussing being able to expand our program for local school buses among other departments.”
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Green’s Blue Flame Gas Company is leading by example in the propane industry. In October of 2019, the company finished converting the last of its service and delivery vehicle fleet to operate using propane autogas. This now means that their entire fleet, 100% of their applicable vehicles, are propane equipped. Green’s Blue Flame, one of the first partners of Alliance AutoGas (AAG) in 2010, has been under continuous ownership and operation by the Green family who started the business in 1967.
President of Green’s Blue Flame Gas Company, Joe Green says, “I met Randy Doyle [former CFO] of Blossman Gas [founding company of AAG] back in 2009 through [NPGA] benchmarking. Randy told me about AAG and asked if I was interested. After I said I was, Stuart Weidie called me and I soon found out that we had a lot of common interests. We wanted to run everything we could on propane and make propane more accessible to our customers, and I knew AAG could contribute to that goal.” When speaking upon the impact Green’s Blue Flame has made on the propane industry, Stuart Weidie, President of AAG added, “Joe and Brian Green have been leaders in the US autogas industry for many years. We are honored that they are a major contributor to the AAG network and have set a fine example by deploying autogas in their own fleet.”
Since Bill Green started Green’s Blue Flame Gas Company back in the 1960s, the family business has always utilized propane in whatever way possible. Brian Green, Business Development Manager for Green’s Blue Flame says, “The technology has changed significantly over the years but the constant for our company has been the mentality of doing what is necessary to convert our vehicles and keep them running on propane.” Shawn Hicks, Service Manager for Green’s Blue Flame, has been with the company for almost 40 years and has contributed largely to the success of their autogas program. “Having someone in-house that has the ability to diagnose and repair anything propane related has been key in enabling the company to achieve a 100% propane fleet, not including our propane transport,” says Green.
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. When speaking upon the family’s business, Brian Green says, “The propane industry is working in the background to make sure homes and other essential businesses continue to operate during this difficult time. As a primarily commercial-focused propane service provider, we have many customers critical to the supply chain needed to support households and essential infrastructure. The most notable is a local food bank that distributes food to those that need it.” Garrett Green, Operations Manager for Green’s Blue Flame states, “We made changes to our delivery and invoicing process to provide the safest environment possible for our employees and customers while maintaining a quality service.” Stuart Weidie from AAG adds, “The United States should not allow its transportation sector to be subject to another country’s production of goods and materials. Instead, we should all join the movement to use a domestically produced transportation fuel, propane autogas, to ensure our national security and clean the air.”
This past year, Green’s Blue Flame was able to secure about $65,000 through the Texas Emissions Reduction Plan (TERP) to convert their fleet to the domestic fuel. The TERP program provides financial incentives to eligible individuals, businesses, or local governments to reduce emissions from polluting vehicles and equipment. “Our state is fortunate to have a program like TERP, which provides incentives to fleets who want to utilize a clean-burning fuel such as propane,” says Brian Green.
Green’s Blue Flame has 18 total vehicles in their service and delivery fleet, ranging from bobtail trucks to light-duty services trucks. Fuel savings are adding up quickly; the company is currently saving 60% by using propane in their bobtail trucks as opposed to diesel and saving 50% by utilizing propane in their light-duty vehicles. Green’s Blue Flame is also pleased to see savings on their overall vehicle maintenance. For example, regulations require diesel-powered vehicles to use diesel emissions fluid (DEF) for daily operation to help reduce particulate matter and nitrogen oxide (NOx). Propane autogas burns clean and does not require additional fluids like DEF, which eliminates the expense entirely.
AAG is thrilled to have a Partner like Green’s Blue Flame lead by example in the propane industry. Jessica Johnson, Partner and Projects Liaison for AAG says, “Green’s Blue Flame Gas Company exemplifies how a propane company should aim to do business in today’s industry. We have enjoyed working with them over the years and hope our other partners will strive to convert their fleets to 100% autogas as well, now that they see it can be done.” When speaking on Green’s Blue Flame recent accomplishment, Brian Green added, “Having a fleet where we run everything on propane shows we fully believe in propane as a fleet fuel. By having 100% of our fleet run on autogas, it shows our customers how invested we are in propane.”
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