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Fleet owners looking to upgrade to a clean energy source don’t have to wait until they’re ready to invest in new vehicles to reduce their emissions. EPA-certified bi-fuel conversion kits can be installed on gasoline-powered vehicles to allow a driver to operate a vehicle with both propane autogas or gasoline. This dual-fuel capability allows drivers to primarily run the vehicle on propane autogas to take advantage of the lower fuel costs and emissions. But if the propane autogas tank starts to run low, drivers can switch to gasoline with the push of a button to eliminate worries about refueling.
For fleet owners prioritizing cost savings alongside a simple way to transition to a cleaner energy source, bi-fuel conversion kits offer a powerful solution. In fact, 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 Kits Work
The conversion process is straightforward and minimizes fleet downtime. Fleet owners can work with established industry providers such as ICOM, Alliance Autogas, and Roush CleanTech to complete their conversions and begin seeing the benefits right away. Your local propane supplier can help you find 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 between $7,000 and $9,000, including labor, which is significantly cheaper than purchasing new vehicles. However, most fleet owners see a return on investment quickly thanks to propane autogas’s low fuel and maintenance costs. Propane autogas provides fleet owners with the lowest total cost of ownership.
For drivers, the transition is seamless since propane autogas and gasoline vehicles drive similarly. The refueling process for propane autogas is like gasoline, making it easy for drivers to fuel up when needed. Drivers also say it’s easy to switch between the two fuels with the push of a button.
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 resiliency. 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. The county also has multiple propane autogas refueling stations across the county, allowing officers to quickly fill up throughout their jurisdiction.
Since making the switch, PSCO has seen the benefits. In 2020, the department saved more than $142,941 in fuel expenses alone, allowing the department to responsibly use taxpayer dollars in other ways.
Beyond cost savings and convenience, propane autogas has strengthened PCSO’s emergency response capabilities. In the face of hurricanes and other emergencies, officers haven’t had to worry about fuel shortages. The bi-fuel vehicles have a 600-mile range by combining a 20-gallon propane autogas tank with a 20-gallon gasoline tank, limiting how often officers need to refuel. The department also works directly with their propane supplier to ensure fuel is available when it’s needed most by arranging for a bobtail to provide mobile refueling.
The environmental benefits of propane autogas also played a role in PCSO’s decision to convert their fleet. In 2020, the department displaced 2,246 short tons of CO2 emissions by using propane autogas instead of gasoline.
For PCSO, the transition to propane autogas has been a major win for financial savings, environmental responsibility, and serving the community.
What About Diesel Fleets?
While gasoline-powered vehicles can be converted to propane autogas with a bi-fuel system, diesel vehicles require a different approach. Diesel fleet operators looking to take advantage of the benefits of propane autogas will need to purchase new propane autogas vehicles. However, fleet owners will tell you the transition is well worth it, as these vehicles offer the lowest total cost of ownership in the industry.
Propane autogas consistently provides lower fuel and maintenance costs than diesel, reducing a fleet’s overall operating expenses. Compared to diesel engines, propane autogas engines eliminate virtually all particulate matter and cut nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions by up to 96 percent. 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.
Take the Next Step
Whether converting existing gasoline vehicles or investing in new propane autogas models, adding new clean energy options to your fleet is easier than ever. Learn more about vehicle conversions and find the right solution for your fleet at propane.com/vehicle-conversions.
