Days
Hours
Minutes
Seconds
International Buses:
Blue Bird Buses:
Thompson Buses
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Full-size pickups, crew-size pickups, SUVs, transit vans, delivery vans, beverage trucks, large walk-ins, refrigerator vans, and semi-trucks.
$50,000
3.5 years
15.8 short tons
Package Delivery Trucks (UPS, DHL, FEDEX, ect.):
Ave. Life Span 7-15 years, using 3,000 to 10,000 propane gallons/year
Work Trucks:
Ave. Life Span 5 – 7 years, utilizing 2,500 to 7,500 propane gallons/year
Important Note:
Class 2 is subdivided into 2A (6,001-8,500 pounds) and 2B (8,501-10,000 pounds).
Sources:
Altnerative fuels Data Center (AFDC)
AFLEET Online Calculator / Argonne National Laboratory
West Virginia University Alternative Fuels: Comparison of Maintenance Cost of Medium and Heavy-Duty Comparison
ICOM North America March 2023 Article; BPNews: The Ever-Growing Case for Autogas – Albie Venezio
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Full-size pickups, crew-size pickups, SUVs, utility vans, transit vans/buses, landscape trucks, bucket trucks, and garbage trucks.
$43,500
3.5 years
5 short tons
Work Trucks:
Ave. Life span 5 – 7 years, utilizing 2,500 to 7,500 propane gallons/year
Important Note:
Class 2 is subdivided into 2A (6,001-8,500 pounds) and 2B (8,501-10,000 pounds).
Sources:
Altnerative fuels Data Center (AFDC)
AFLEET Online Calculator / Argonne National Laboratory
West Virginia University Alternative Fuels: Comparison of Maintenance Cost of Medium and Heavy-Duty Comparison
ICOM North America March 2023 Article; BPNews: The Ever-Growing Case for Autogas – Albie Venezio
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Sedans, Crossovers, Hatchbacks Full-size pickups, Crew-size Pickups, SUVs, Utilities Vans, Paratransit Vans/Buses, Ambulances, Fire Trucks.
$34,000
7 years
21.1 short tons
Dodge Charger:
Ave. Life Span of 3 – 4 years, using 2,300 to 2,600 propane gallons/year
Work Trucks:
Ave. Life Span 5 – 7 years, using 2,500 to 7,500 propane gallons/year
Important Note:
Class 2 is subdivided into 2A (6,001-8,500 pounds) and 2B (8,501-10,000 pounds).
Sources:
Altnerative fuels Data Center (AFDC)
AFLEET Online Calculator / Argonne National Laboratory
West Virginia University Alternative Fuels: Comparison of Maintenance Cost of Medium and Heavy-Duty Comparison
ICOM North America March 2023 Article; BPNews: The Ever-Growing Case for Autogas – Albie Venezio
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Mini Bus, Paratransit Vans/Buses, City Delivery Trucks, Ambulances.
143 short tons
Shuttle Buses:
Ave. Life Span 5-8 years, using 3,000 – 8,000 propane gallons/yr.
Sources:
Altnerative fuels Data Center (AFDC)
AFLEET Online Calculator / Argonne National Laboratory
West Virginia University Alternative Fuels: Comparison of Maintenance Cost of Medium and Heavy-Duty Comparison
ICOM North America March 2023 Article; BPNews: The Ever-Growing Case for Autogas – Albie Venezio
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Full-size pickups, crew-size pickups, SUVs, transit vans, delivery vans, beverage trucks, large walk-ins, refrigerator vans, and semi-trucks.
143 short tons
Package Delivery Trucks (UPS, DHL, FEDEX, Etc.):
Ave. Life Span 7 – 15 years, using 3,000-10,000 propane gallons/year.
Sources:
Altnerative fuels Data Center (AFDC)
AFLEET Online Calculator / Argonne National Laboratory
West Virginia University Alternative Fuels: Comparison of Maintenance Cost of Medium and Heavy-Duty Comparison
ICOM North America March 2023 Article; BPNews: The Ever-Growing Case for Autogas – Albie Venezio
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Full-size pickups, Crew-size Pickups, SUVs, Mini Bus, Utilities Vans, Paratransit Vans/Buses, City Delivery Trucks, Landscape Trucks, Bucket Trucks, Garbage Trucks, Ambulances, Fire Trucks.
143 short tons
Shuttle Buses:
Ave. Life Span of 5 – 8 years, using 3,000 – 8,000 propane gallons/year
Work Trucks:
Ave. Life Span of 5 – 7 years, using 2,000 – 5,000 propane gallons/year
Important Note:
Class 2 is subdivided into 2A (6,001-8,500 pounds) and 2B (8,501-10,000 pounds).
Sources:
Altnerative fuels Data Center (AFDC)
AFLEET Online Calculator / Argonne National Laboratory
West Virginia University Alternative Fuels: Comparison of Maintenance Cost of Medium and Heavy-Duty Comparison
ICOM North America March 2023 Article; BPNews: The Ever-Growing Case for Autogas – Albie Venezio
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| Fuel Type | Light Duty | School Buses | Paratransit | Single Unit Short-Haul Truck | Single Unit Long-Haul Truck |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Propane |
$60,000 |
$140,000 |
$160-180,000
|
$104,000 |
$89,000 |
|
Electric |
$93,000 |
$410,000 |
$350-375,000
|
$250,000 |
$185,000 |
|
Diesel |
$63,000 |
$138,000 |
N/A |
$90,000 |
$75,000 |
|
Gasoline |
$52,000 |
N/A |
$120-140,000
|
$90,000 |
$75,000 |
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| Propane | Gasoline | Diesel | Electric | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Chemical Structure |
C3H8 (majority) and C4H10 (minority) |
C4 to C12 and Ethanol ≤ to 10% |
C8 to C25 |
N/A |
|
Fuel Material (feedstocks) |
Fats and oils from sources such as soybeans, waste cooking oil, animal fats, and rapeseed |
Crude Oil |
Crude Oil |
Natural gas, coal, nuclear, wind, hydro, solar, and small percentages of geothermal and biomass |
|
Gasoline or Diesel Gallon Equivalent (GGE or DGE) |
1 gal = 0.74 GGE 1 gal = 0.66 DGE |
1 gal = 1.00 GGE 1 gal = 0.88 DGE |
1 gal = 1.12 GGE 1 gal = 1.00 DGE |
1 kWh = 0.030 GGE 1 kWh = 0.027 DGE |
|
Energy Comparison (GGE = Gasoline Gallon Equivalent) |
gallon of propane has 73% of the energy in 1 GGE due to the lower energy density of propane. |
1 gallon of gasoline has 97%–100% of the energy in 1 GGE. Standard fuel is 90% gasoline, 10% ethanol. |
1 gallon of diesel has 113% of the energy in 1 GGE due to the higher energy density of diesel fuel. |
A typical battery that is the same size as a gallon of gas (0.134 ft3), when used for transportation, can store 15.3% of the energy in 1 GGE. [6][7] |
|
Energy Content (lower heating value) |
84,250 Btu/gal (c) |
112,114– 116,090 Btu/gal (c) |
128,488 Btu/gal (c) |
3,414 Btu/kWh |
|
Energy Content (higher heating value) |
91,420 Btu/gal (c) |
120,388– 124,340 Btu/gal (c) |
138,490 Btu/gal (c) |
3,414 Btu/kWh |
|
Physical State |
Pressurized liquid (heavier than air as a gas) |
Liquid |
Liquid |
Electricity |
|
Cetane Number |
N/A |
N/A |
40–55 (d) |
N/A |
|
Pump Octane Number |
105 (g) |
84–93 (f) |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Flash Point |
-100° to -150°F (j) |
45°F (j) |
165°F (j) |
N/A |
|
Autoignition Temperature |
850° to 950°F (j) |
495°F (j) |
~600°F (j) |
N/A |
|
Maintenance Issues |
|
|
Lubricity is improved over that of conventional low sulfur diesel fuel. For more maintenance information see, the Biodiesel Handling and Use Guidelines—Fifth Edition. (d) |
|
|
Energy Security Impacts |
Approximately half of U.S. LPG is derived from oil, but no oil is imported specifically for LPG production. |
Manufactured using oil. Transportation accounts for approximately 30% of total U.S. energy needs and 70% of petroleum consumption. (l) |
Manufactured using oil. Transportation accounts for approximately 30% of total U.S. energy needs and 70% of petroleum consumption. (l) |
Electricity is produced domestically from a wide range of sources, including through coal-fired power plants and renewable sources, making it a versatile fuel. |
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| Fuel Type | School Buses |
|---|---|
|
Propane |
$108,000 |
|
Electric |
$300,000 |
|
Diesel |
$100,000 |
|
Diesel HEV |
$160,000 |
|
CNG |
$130,000 |
|
Gasoline |
|
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47 usable gallons
67 usable gallons
93 usable gallons
$140,000
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| Chassis | 7.3L Version | GVWR | 0.05 NOx |
|---|---|---|---|
|
E-350 |
Premium |
10,050 |
N/A |
|
E-350 |
Economy |
10,050 |
N/A |
|
Economy |
E-450 |
14,000 |
N/A |
|
Premium |
E-450 |
14,200 |
Yes |
|
E-450 |
Premium |
14,500 |
Yes |
| Chevy/GMC | Ford |
|---|---|
|
32 Gallons |
40 Gallons |
$108,000
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Propane engines are spark-ignited, internal combustion engines, designed much like gasoline vehicles. There are two types of propane engines: dedicated (100% propane) and bi-fuel (50% gasoline, 50% propane).
Propane is generally 30% cheaper over gasoline. Private fleets with their own propane pumps and tank pay a much lower price than the retail fuel pump cost.
Example: If regular gasoline is at an average of $4.50/gal, autogas propane is at an average of $3.59/gal. If you run on 20 gallons of regular gasoline per week for instance, you could save over $70 per month and over $800 per year on propane.
In addition to a reduced fuel cost, propane engines require less oil and filters. That’s because there’s minimal carbon buildup from propane. Overall oil, filters and labor are significantly less on a propane engine.
Fleets owners save nearly 50% on fuel and maintenance costs compared to gasoline or diesel.
Yes, the EPA considers propane as a clean alternative fuel under the Energy Policy Act of 1992.
Propane autogas vehicles cut significantly more NOx (nitrogen oxides) and greenhouse gas emissions compared to diesel and gasoline. The EPA considers propane a clean fuel. Propane is known as the number one alternative fuel around the world.
Propane vehicles have been widely used and refined for decades, and a propane vehicle’s power, acceleration, and cruising speed are similar to those of conventionally fueled vehicles.
Propane autogas is nontoxic, has a lower flammability range than conventional gasoline, and odorized forceasy detection. Their containers are equipped with safety devices, including pressure-relief valves, shut-off valves that detect fuel line ruptures (due to collisions on the road), and overfill protection. As well as being constructed from carbon steel and are 20 times more puncture-resistant than conventional gasoline and diesel tanks.
You can either buy a propane vehicle with a dedicated propane engine or you can have your vehicle converted with a bi-fuel engine so it runs on both gasoline and propane.
1 gallon of propane is equivalent to 0.67 gasoline gallon equivalent.
1 gallon of propane is equivalent to 0.59 diesel gallon equivalent.
One reason is fueling station development throughout the country. Most have been built around delivering gasoline and as a result, has driven the bulk of the automobile market toward gasoline. In recent years, however, autogas stations have continued to grow across the state.
The Michigan Propane Gas Association offers a $4,000 rebate (up to $16,000) to Michigan residents who are either buying a new propane vehicle OR converting their vehicle to propane.State and federal funds are available. CLICK HERE.
Propane engines are spark-ignited, internal combustion engines, designed much like gasoline vehicles There are two types of propane engines: dedicated (100% propane) and bi-fuel (50% gasoline, 50% propane).
A dedicated propane engine is an engine installed in a vehicle so that it runs solely on propane and can be ordered or purchased straight from the manufacture or your local dealership.
A bi-fuel propane engine is an engine installed in a vehicle where it runs on propane and the original fuel (gasoline or diesel). Vehicles can be converted by a qualified system retrofitter (QSR) to light, medium or heavy-duty vehicles and can installed in a little as one day.
The most common systems are the vapour sequential injection and liquid injection systems.
The vapour sequential injection system injects the fuel in a gaseous phase but aligns the gas injections to what the original electronic gasoline controls of the car command.
The liquid injection system exactly replicates gasoline systems and injects the fuel in a liquid phase without prior vaporisation. This enables more precise metering of the fuel and an injection timed to the opening of the intake valves.
Vehicles equipped with ROUSH CleanTech’s propane autogas fuel systems retain equivalent horsepower, torque, towing capacity and warranty coverage as gas and diesel counterparts.
A propane vehicle’s power, acceleration, and cruising speed are similar to those of conventionally fueled vehicles.
Follow the manufacturer’s recommended oil change intervals, but be aware that the oil may not look like it needs changing because propane burns cleaner. The oil still needs to be changed at the recommended interval, there are necessary protective additives in engine oils that can still wear out. Some regular propane fuel users report that they can wait until 15,000 miles before needing an oil change.
No. Burning propane in your engine should extend its life compared to burning gasoline. Propane burns cleaner than gasoline, so there are fewer impurities in the cylinder to cause wear and the engine oil stays cleaner and lasts longer. Most fleet managers report longer engine life on their propane-equipped vehicles versus gasoline.
An engine that runs on propane will generally run longer and require less maintenance than running on gasoline. Propane is a lot easier to vaporize in the carburetor and propane, being gaseous at atmospheric pressure and temperatures, won’t leave deposits behind.
The operation with alternative fuels have no negative effects on engine wear rates and durability. Engine thermal loads are equivalent to 100% diesel operation, no excess wear of combustion chamber components.
Most conversion kits feature a tank specially designed to fit in a vehicle’s spare tire carrier location. If you don’t want to sacrifice your spare tire room, extended range tanks of 50 to 80 gallons are available for mounting in truck beds or frame mounting on vehicles that have space available for it. For vehicles converted to a dedicated propane system, a propane tank can usually be fitted where the gasoline tank was previously.
The pressure in the engine goes down due to the propane tank losing pressure from the lack of propane. Each injector in the engine, that once ran on propane, turns to run on gasoline automatically. This process does not hurt the engine while you are driving.
No, the manufacturer’s’ warranty is not affected when you get your vehicle converted to propane.
Alliance Autogas offers a 5-year / 100,000-mile warranty covering all parts of the system.
The ROUSH CleanTech propane auto-gas fuel system is covered by a limited 1-year / 12,000-mile warranty
Check with your propane autogas manufacturer to see if they offer a warranty for the conversion system you chose.
Propane parts are available from original equipment manufacturers (OEM’S) or contact your local propane conversion company.
The ICOM propane conversion does not splice into the factory wiring harness or fuel system at all, and will not cause any warning lights to come on. The only wiring into the vehicle is to the battery and 1 wire to a spark plug for RPM monitoring.
Since holes must be drilled into the intake manifold for injector placement, (for a bi-fuel conversion) reversing a conversion may require installing a new intake manifold or plugging these holes in some other way.
A properly installed and tuned conversion should, in most cases, not cause any trouble for a vehicle’s onboard diagnostic systems or ECM/ECU.
On average, a propane vehicle conversion can cost anywhere from $6,000 to $9,000 depending on the vehicle and kit installed.
Michigan has 6 Propane Autogas conversion locations.
Michigan has over 60 public fueling stations and 3 private/keycard locations to fill up your propane autogas vehicle.
Michigan has 25 repair propane autogas service centers. Conversion centers also repair their own systems that they install.
You can contact your local propane marketer and they can offer an inexpensive lease of the tank, pump, and dispensing equipment in return for a fuel supply contract. OR, you can contact an infrastructure manufacture, like IPS, to purchase your own fueling equipment and shop around for propane fueling prices.
Unlike diesel’s one-year shelf life and gasoline’s 3 to 6 month shelf life, propane can be stored indefinitely so it is highly effective and convenient for both residential and commercial sectors.
Normal refueling rates are typically 5 and 8 gallons per minute but may vary depending on the ambient temperature conditions and pump capacity go the refueling equipment being used.
If fueling issues are noticed then it is recommended to contact your fueling provider.
The Michigan Propane Gas Association offers a $4,000 rebate (up to $16,000) to Michigan residents that are either buying a new propane vehicle OR converting their vehicle to propane.
State and Federal funds are available. Go here: MiAutogas.com
Learn what make and model vehicles here.
Michigan has 6 Propane Autogas conversion locations. Click here to view map.
You can purchase propane vehicles straight from the manufacture or your local dealership; just let them know you would like to purchase a propane vehicle.
Yes, the EPA considers propane as a clean alternative fuel under the Energy Policy Act of 1992.
Propane autogas vehicles cut significantly more NOx (Nitrogen oxides) and greenhouse gas emissions compared to diesel and gasoline. The EPA considers propane a clean fuel. Propane is known as the number one alternative fuel around the world.
Propane vehicles have been widely used and refined for decades, and a propane vehicle’s power, acceleration, and cruising speed are similar to those of conventionally fueled vehicles.
There are over 700 propane buses and over 33,000 propane vehicles in operation around the state of Michigan. Twenty-five school districts are currently using propane in their bus fleet, but that number is growing.
Propane Autogas is nontoxic, has a lower flammability range than conventional gasoline, and odorized for easy detection. Propane containers are equipped with safety devices, including pressure-relief valves, shut-off valves that detect fuel line ruptures, and overfill protection. As well as being constructed from carbon steel and are 20 times more puncture-resistant than conventional gasoline and diesel tanks.
When you switch your bus fleet to propane, you not only save on fuel costs, but maintenance costs as well. Propane does not require extra fuel conditioners like diesel, requires less oil by volume, does not require an engine block heater and engines last longer due to propane’s clean properties.
The Michigan Propane Gas Association (MPGA) is offering schools $4,000 rebates—up to $16,000—when purchasing new propane buses or $2,000 rebates—up to $4,000—when purchasing used propane buses.
Vehicles equipped with Roush CleanTech’s propane autogas fuel systems retain equivalent horsepower, torque, towing capacity and warranty coverage as gas and diesel counterparts.
Propane shines in cold temperatures. It does not require a block heater, unlike diesel, and heats the bus up quicker in the cold. Frank Miller, Fleet Manager for Brown City Community Schools in Brown City, MI, stated that their propane buses performed “absolutely perfect in the frigid cold.”
The average mileage a Type C propane school bus can get on one tank of propane is 300-350 miles.
On average, the size of a propane tank on a Type C school bus holds about 67-93 gallons of usable propane.
Yes, Roush CleanTech offers online, onsite and a 2-day training factory workshop for your bus mechanics to get trained to work on propane buses.
On average, a Type C propane school bus costs about $108,000.
Once you have decided to make the switch to propane, reach out to your local propane supplier or propane bus dealer and they will get you started on converting your fleet to propane.
Unlike diesel’s one-year shelf life and gasoline’s 3 to 6 month shelf life, propane can be stored indefinitely so it is highly effective and convenient for both residential and commercial sectors.
Contact your local propane marketer and they can offer an inexpensive lease of the tank, pump, and dispensing equipment in return for a fuel supply contract. Or, they can contact an infrastructure manufacture to purchase your own fueling equipment and shop around for propane fueling prices.
The Michigan Propane Gas Association (MPGA) is offering schools $4,000 rebates—up to $16,000—when purchasing new propane buses or $2,000 rebates—up to $4,000—when purchasing used propane buses.
Yes, we encourage all existing fleets to apply for the MPGA’s propane vehicle rebate. However, the rebate program rewards new propane vehicle owners as a higher priority, and then considers existing propane fleets at the end of the year.
You can purchase propane vehicles straight from the manufacture or your local dealership; just let them know you would like to purchase a propane school bus.