Give Gasoline Fleet Vehicles New Life With Propane Autogas

Fleet owners don’t have to wait until vehicle replacement to begin adding propane autogas to their operations. EPA-certified bi-fuel systems can convert eligible gasoline vehicles to run on either propane autogas or gasoline, allowing fleets to take advantage of lower fuel costs and emissions while retaining gasoline as a backup fuel source.

More than 60 percent of propane autogas vehicles on the road today were converted using a certified aftermarket bi-fuel system.

How Bi-Fuel Conversion Systems Work

The conversion process is straightforward and minimizes fleet downtime. Fleet owners can work with established industry providers such as Alliance Autogas, and ROUSH CleanTech to complete the work. A local propane supplier can also help identify a partner in your area.

With advance scheduling, a gasoline vehicle can be converted to a propane autogas bi-fuel system in a single day. The cost of converting a Class 1–4 vehicle ranges from $7,000 to $10,000, including labor, which can be significantly less than purchasing a new vehicle. Lower propane autogas fuel and maintenance costs can also help fleets offset the upfront investment over time. Together, these savings can help reduce total cost of ownership.

For drivers, the transition is straightforward. Bi-fuel vehicles operate much like conventional gasoline vehicles, and drivers can switch between propane autogas and gasoline with the push of a button. Propane autogas also refuels quickly, helping minimize disruption to daily operations.

Real-World Success: Polk County Sheriff’s Office

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) in Florida invested in bi-fuel propane autogas vehicles to deliver cost savings, an extended range, and operational resilience. The department operates nearly 200 bi-fuel police pursuit vehicles, including Chevy Impalas and Dodge Chargers, along with more than 20 bi-fuel K9 Ford Explorers. PCSO also has multiple propane autogas refueling stations, allowing officers to quickly refuel throughout their jurisdiction.

Since making the switch, PCSO has seen the benefits. In 2020 alone, PCSO reported saving more than $142,000 in fuel expenses, freeing taxpayer dollars for other priorities.

Beyond cost savings and convenience, propane autogas has strengthened PCSO’s emergency response capabilities. During hurricanes and other emergencies, the bi-fuel system provides flexibility when gasoline availability may be limited. The vehicles have a 600-mile combined range from a 20-gallon propane autogas tank and a 20-gallon gasoline tank, reducing the frequency of stops. The department also coordinates with its propane supplier to provide mobile refueling when needed.

The environmental benefits of propane autogas also played a role in PCSO’s decision to convert their fleet. In 2020, the department reported eliminating 2,246 short tons of CO2 emissions by using propane autogas instead of gasoline.

What About Diesel Fleets?

While eligible gasoline vehicles can be converted to propane autogas with an EPA- or EPA/CARB-certified system, diesel vehicles require a different approach. Fleets looking to transition from diesel can replace those vehicles with new propane autogas models.

Those models offer lower fuel and maintenance costs while eliminating DPF, DEF, and regeneration cycles.

Compared with diesel engines, propane autogas engines eliminate virtually all particulate matter and emit up to 36 percent fewer nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions than diesel vehicles. The technology is especially well suited for medium-duty fleet applications, including delivery trucks, paratransit vehicles, and school buses, where fleet owners can maximize the cost and environmental benefits.

Get More From Your Existing Fleet

Convert eligible gasoline vehicles to propane autogas to help lower fuel costs and emissions without waiting for your next vehicle replacement cycle.

Explore Vehicle Conversions