Propane is a fossil fuel from a group of fuels known as LP gas, or liquid petroleum. Propane is a by-product of petroleum and natural gas processing which takes the form of a gas under normal environmental conditions. For storage and transportation, it is compressed into liquid form.

Most people are familiar with it as a fuel for gas grills, RV appliances and forklifts. But propane offers huge upside as an alternative fuel for vehicles, especially for commercial fleets. If that makes you wonder why its not used more commonly, realize that its low demand is part of what makes it more cost-effective.

Savings

As propane is a by-product of natural gas and crude, the price has a direct relation to the price of fuel. Propane usually hovers between 50-70% of the price of fuel (this could theoretically change if demand were to increase, but it will still be cheaper than gas). On top of a significant reduction in environmental impact, it affects your bottom line in a handful of ways. There’s an upfront investment needed to switch to propane, but it pays itself off -- and quickly -- for commercial vehicles. That expense is what keeps demand for propane low. Why not take advantage and run your vehicle strictly off propane?

The fuel is cheaper. You’ll spend less money on maintenance and repairs, because propane burns cleaner, leaving less residue in your motor. There’s also a logistical advantage: you can store large amounts of propane. This means you can refuel at a strategic location of your choice. No time and fuel need to be wasted on trips to refuel your fleet vehicles. And when the chips fall in your favor, you can buy large amounts of propane when prices are low for further savings. These savings add up fast for commercial fleets with vehicles that run all day. Propane power is an edge that every fleet can take advantage of.

Environmental impact

Propane is a by-product of oil, so in using propane, we’re doing our part to reduce demand. Reducing demand means less oil has to be drilled for, refined, and transported. All of these processes leave a carbon footprint. There’s arguably an advantage over electric vehicles, too. Much of the grid is still powered by fossil fuels, roughly 63% in 2019, according to the Energy Information Administration. So when you charge your Tesla, you’re technically consuming crude anyways.

Additionally, propane itself burns cleaner than gas and diesel. You not only reduce demand, you reduce your carbon footprint by emissions.

Service and conversions in Des Moines area

We’re already servicing local propane powered fleets that service Sea-Tac Airport. Contact us here to discuss conversions or service of propane powered vehicles at ABC Auto Repair in Des Moines.