Don’t Get Left in the Cold: Why Fleets Choose Propane Autogas
See how propane autogas helps fleets maintain reliable performance when temperatures drop.
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Cold weather can create real operational challenges for fleet managers. Propane autogas delivers dependable performance in below-zero temperatures, helping fleets keep vehicles moving when winter conditions put other technologies to the test.
Dependable Start-Up in Cold Climates
Propane autogas vehicles can start reliably in temperatures as low as -40°F, helping fleets stay operational even in extreme cold.
Propane autogas can also simplify cold-weather fleet preparation compared with diesel. Diesel fuel can thicken in extreme cold, requiring additives to help prevent gelling and filter clogging, while engine block heaters may add labor and energy costs. Propane autogas does not require diesel fuel additives and can eliminate reliance on these cold-weather measures.
Cold weather can also affect electric-vehicle range as energy is used to maintain cabin comfort and keep the battery within its optimal temperature range. For fleets operating long routes or in extreme winter conditions, propane autogas provides a reliable alternative with dependable range and fast refueling that does not rely on charging infrastructure.
Faster Cabin Heat in Cold Weather
“Our propane [autogas] buses perform flawlessly,” said Brian Swestka, director of transportation for Howard-Winneshiek Community School District in Cresco, Iowa. “They warm up substantially quicker than our diesel buses. The propane [autogas] buses are ready to go in just a few minutes compared with 20–30 minutes for diesel to warm up.”
Keeping drivers and passengers warm and comfortable is as important as being able to start the vehicle. In a ROUSH CleanTech thermal test conducted in Duluth, Minnesota, a new propane autogas school bus was compared with a new diesel school bus at an outside temperature of -5°F following overnight temperatures of -18°F. Under the same conditions, the propane autogas bus reached an interior cabin temperature of 32°F in about 30 minutes, while the diesel bus reached that temperature at the one-hour mark.
ROUSH CleanTech also asked drivers for feedback and found that they preferred the propane autogas buses because they build heat faster and maintain cabin heat longer, providing a more comfortable ride.
Jeff Schwepker, director of transportation for Fort Zumwalt School District in Missouri, expressed the same sentiment. “The drivers enjoy driving them. The drivers were a little tentative at first. But that dissipated quickly when they realized that the new [propane autogas] buses warmed up the cabins quickly, a major plus in our Midwest winter cold.”
Lower Emissions in Cold-Weather Operations
Fleet decisions can also affect local air quality. During periods of stagnant winter air, pollutants can remain concentrated near the communities where vehicles operate, making lower-emissions transportation especially valuable.
“Being in the Pacific Northwest, we endure some rough winter conditions,” said Ron Mountain, fleet manager of Whatcom Transportation Authority. “Transitioning our paratransit fleet to propane [autogas] is one of the most effective ways we can reduce our emission footprint.”
Propane autogas is a low-carbon alternative fuel recognized under the Clean Air Act. It is nontoxic and can reduce harmful emissions compared with conventional fuels. Propane autogas vehicles can also reduce NOx emissions by up to 36 percent versus diesel vehicles.
Keep Your Fleet Moving When Temperatures Drop
From cold-weather starting performance to faster cabin heat and consistent range, propane autogas can help fleets maintain service through demanding winter conditions.
See What Propane Autogas Could Mean for Your Fleet
A propane autogas specialist can help evaluate fleet fit, vehicle and refueling options, funding opportunities, and practical next steps for adoption.
