Propane Autogas Benefits You May Not Know

By Todd Mouw, president of ROUSH CleanTech

The most notable benefits to switching to propane autogas include decreasing both emissions and fleet cost. As an alternative fuel, it’s known that vehicles that run on propane emit fewer harmful emissions than conventional fuels. It’s also known that propane autogas costs less and lowers maintenance costs. Yet, what often gets overlooked is the impact on human health, how safe propane vehicles are, and their energy security.

Human Health Improved: When a fleet uses propane vehicles, they’re investing in the health of its drivers and the communities in which they drive. Propane vehicles lower the amount of nitrogen oxides (NOx) emitted into the air. By reducing NOx, fleets are preventing health problems, such as asthma, bronchitis and other respiratory issues. Additionally, there are no strong-smelling fumes and noise levels are reduced compared to diesel, allowing drivers to focus more on the road ahead.

Safety Built In: Not only are propane vehicles clean, but they are safe. Fuel tanks, which are constructed from carbon steel in compliance with ASME, are 20 times more puncture-resistant than gasoline or diesel tanks. Propane is part of a close-looped system, meaning the fuel is never exposed to air and won’t spill. And, weather doesn’t impact how propane vehicles run operating reliably in all weather conditions, from the hottest days to as cold as -40 degrees or more. The ROUSH CleanTech system is also designed with a thermal management feature. If the system is exposed to extreme heat due to the result of an accident or another cause, it adjusts to a vent cycle to manage pressure and prevent tank integrity from being compromised.

Energy Security Included: When a fleet uses propane, it’s relying on an established fuel system, providing security for its business. Right now, there are more than 27 million propane vehicles across the globe. About 200,000 of them are in the U.S. The nation has thousands of public fueling stations. More than 90 percent of the United States’ propane supply is produced domestically, making it a stable and readily available option.

Propane vehicles offer deep benefits to better our communities. They can improve human health, provide a safe ride for drivers and deliver energy security for fleet operators.

To learn more about ROUSH CleanTech’s advanced clean transportation solutions, please visit ROUSHcleantech.com.