Written on: August 14, 2023
Lakes Gas provides complete propane autogas services to businesses, municipalities, and school districts in our Upper Midwest service area.
Our services start with a consultation where we learn about what you will need in terms of autogas services. We install an autogas filling station at your location, and then provide reliable autogas delivery so your vehicles always have the fuel they need.
If you’re unfamiliar with propane autogas, we’ve put together some information about this alternative fuel along with some safety details.
Autogas is propane that is used in vehicles instead of gasoline and diesel. It has become quite popular all around the world because it’s a more sustainable fuel option.
As of 2022, the global adoption of propane autogas has surged, with 27 million vehicles utilizing this eco-friendly fuel.
Propane autogas finds wide application across various industries, powering school buses, municipal vehicles, farm tractors, delivery vans and trucks, as well as commercial vans utilized by skilled tradespeople like electricians, plumbers, painters, and carpenters. Propane autogas filling stations are readily available in all states across America, ensuring convenient access to this eco-friendly fuel source no matter your location. Moreover, refueling your vehicles with propane autogas is nearly identical to the process of filling them with gasoline or diesel, providing a seamless transition to a more sustainable option.
According to the Alternative Fuels Data Center, propane is the choice for nearly 66% of alternative fuel vehicles in the US, ranking as the third most popular fuel after gasoline and diesel. Consequently, there have been significant advancements in vehicles powered by propane autogas in recent times.
Compared with gasoline or diesel, propane autogas is dramatically safer.
For starters, there’s no environmental damage in the rare event of an autogas leak as there is when gasoline or diesel spills. The autogas simply dissipates into the air, with no damage to air, soil, water, plant life, or animal life.
Using propane autogas is also safer for your employees as it does not create harmful emissions. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), exposure to diesel exhaust can have adverse health effects including eye irritation, headaches, and respiratory diseases including lung cancer.
Save money on fuel – Autogas presents a highly cost-effective alternative, with an impressive average savings of 30 to 40% per mile traveled. Notably, it typically comes at a 30% lower price point compared to gasoline. However, given the recent surge in fuel prices, autogas emerges as an even more advantageous option, particularly when compared to diesel. If you oversee a fleet of buses for your school district or municipality, opting for propane autogas is a remarkable and financially prudent choice to maximize the value of taxpayer funds.
Lower operating costs than diesel – Utilizing diesel technology can lead to extra costs associated with purchasing, storing, and replacing diesel emissions fluid. Also, as is common here in Southeastern Wisconsin, extremely cold weather requires diesel-powered vehicles to us anti-gel fluids becomes necessary to prevent fuel filter or line blockages. However, by choosing propane autogas, all of these concerns can be eliminated.
Reduced cost of ownership – Diesel vehicles must have a diesel particulate filter to comply with emission standards, necessitating frequent cleaning. Excessive idling can lead to higher maintenance expenses and overall ownership costs. On the other hand, autogas engines emit zero emissions, require less maintenance, and can have a longer lifespan compared to diesel or gasoline vehicles.
Looking to upgrade to propane autogas for your business, school district, or municipality? Contact the experts at Lakes Gas for a consultation!
