• Alliance AutoGas welcomed Ohio-based Arrick’s Propane, which will provide clean propane autogas fueling and conversions to fleets in three states.

• A dry cleaners in Georgia is the first in the Columbus area to go green with propane-powered service vehicles.

• Mississippi’s governor signed several energy bills this week, some of which are related to alternative fuel vehicles.

• The UPS fleet’s shift to more natural gas vehicles will impact regional automotive and clean fuel businesses as well.

• Metro magazine has an update on a Kansas government fleet’s conversion to autogas.

• Rutgers held an alternative fuel conference this week for industry experts to discuss the use of clean fuels to help reduce pollution and save energy.

• Colorado vehicle fleets are now required to purchase alternative fuel vehicles as part of their usual vehicle replacement programs.

• The federal government plans to double its hybrid vehicle fleet.

• The Appling County Board of Education in Georgia announced it has obtained two Blue Bird propane autogas-fueled school buses, which should save the school district around $51,000 in fuel costs over the lifetime of the vehicles.

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Here are the top five reasons fueling fleets with propane autogas is a piece of cake:

1) Affordable onsite fueling stations
Because switching to alternative fuel shouldn’t be a hassle, Alliance AutoGas will provide onsite fueling at a fleet’s home base at no upfront cost to make the transition to autogas a seamless process. Installing propane autogas infrastructure is much more affordable compared to compressed natural gas: 15 to 20 autogas stations can be built for the cost of a single CNG station!

2) Safe and easy refueling
Autogas fueling is easy with no-spill, zero-emission equipment that operates similar to a gasoline fuel pump and also takes a similar amount of time to dispense. Alliance AutoGas provides staff safety training as part of its complete program, educating drivers and other staff on how to effectively operate and refuel their new clean vehicles. Autogas vehicle tanks are also 20 times more puncture resistant than gasoline tanks, and propane autogas is nontoxic, nonpoisonous, and has the lowest flammability range of any alternative fuel–even lower than gasoline.

 
3) Year-round fuel supply
Alliance AutoGas keeps fleets up and running on propane autogas with a guaranteed year-round fuel supply through its network of experienced fuel providers. Fleets can conveniently fuel vehicles at their home base and save upwards of $2 per gallon on fuel compared to gasoline.

4) Versatile bi-fuel autogas systems
Converting vehicles to run on propane autogas through the Prins VSI autogas system is an attractive option for many fleets because it offers versatility and peace of mind. For example, if the autogas tank happens to run low out of range of a fuel station, drivers can switch to gasoline with the push of a button. This eliminates what’s commonly known as “range anxiety” among drivers of electric and hybrid vehicles, which is especially important for high-mileage and law enforcement fleets. Also, the bi-fuel autogas systems can be switched from older, retiring vehicles to newer models with similar engines in practically no time.

5) Widespread network of fuel stations nationwide
There are already more than 2,500 propane autogas fueling stations already in place throughout the U.S.–including more than 2,000 public stations–a number that continues to grow as more fleets adopt this viable clean fuel. Visit the U.S. Department of Energy’s website to find an alternative fueling station near you.

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–Fleet Director of ROUSH CleanTech fleet customer Dish Network

Whether it’s from a dedication to environmental responsibility or a need for fuel cost savings, more fleets than ever are choosing to run their vehicles on propane autogas. The alternative fuel technology experts at ROUSH CleanTech have created a video highlighting company activities during 2012, with a special focus on the many propane-powered fleets that are saving thousands on fuel costs and significantly reducing emissions with new clean-burning autogas vehicles.

Hear from real-life fleet managers and transportation directors who are pleased with the performance of their new autogas vehicles, from clean Blue Bird Vision school buses to Ford trucks and vans with ROUSH autogas systems.

U.S. autogas fleets are currently saving around $1.75 on fuel compared to gasoline; and because autogas is a cleaner burning fuel, many fleets also report reduced maintenance needs and even increased engine life.

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Each session will cover the details of converting to propane autogas for an array of industries, including law enforcement fleets, lawn and landscaping companies, public transportation fleets, taxis and limousines, HVAC companies and many more. Hear experts from Alliance AutoGas discuss the only complete program to switch fleets to autogas, while the skilled professionals at Force 911 share information about versatile bi-fuel propane autogas vehicle technology and conversions for your fleet.

The webinar will be held on the first Tuesday of every month at 2 p.m. EST, beginning March 5. Visit Force 911 online for more information, or link directly to the webinar registration page here.

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• Fleets in the Southeast Propane Autogas Development Program saved $1.62 per gallon on fuel costs last quarter.

• A Georgia school district is very pleased with its propane autogas school buses–so pleased, they’re already considering adding more.

• Alternative fuel vehicles are growing in popularity with Colorado fleets.

• GE has purchased 2,000 Ford C-Max Energi plug-in hybrids for their fleet and will partner with Ford and researchers from Georgia Institute of Technology to study  driver habits with plug-in vehicles.

• Municipal and government fleets in Arizona are looking for ways to save money, including switching to alternative fuel vehicles like propane autogas and natural gas and taking measures for fuel efficiency.

• The police department of La Crosse, Wis., bought five new patrol cars they’re planning to convert to run on propane autogas.

• Those surveyed in the transportation sector say they’re concerned with the impact fuel price volatility will have on their businesses.

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In the aftermath of a natural disaster, the agility of state and local emergency responders is more critical than ever. But events like this week’s storm can threaten the dependability of our fuel supply. That’s just one reason many law enforcement agencies have seen significant success with propane autogas.

Autogas is American-made and costs significantly less than gasoline, but it is also a highly portable fuel that can be readily relied upon in times of critical need. Autogas proved the best answer for Sheriff Stan Evans of Jackson County, who wanted a supplementary fuel supply for his deputies. After the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, Sheriff Evans came face-to-face with the threat fuel scarcity could pose, particularly for emergency responders in states directly impacted by such a catastrophic event.

Evans appreciated the reliability of propane autogas supply and the flexibility afforded by autogas vehicle technology. The Jackson County sheriff vehicles use the bi-fuel Prins system from Alliance AutoGas so deputies can switch readily between autogas and gasoline as needed. And with fuel cost savings of $1.50 per gallon with autogas, as well as a 30 percent reduction in harmful emissions, it’s no wonder the Sheriff’s office has transitioned well over half of its vehicle fleet to run on autogas.

This week has presented a solemn reminder of our vulnerabilities; but we are optimistic that as our nation’s energy portfolio diversifies to include more of clean and domestically produced transportation fuels like propane autogas, we will be better equipped for the road ahead.

• Today, hundreds of events promoting clean transportation are taking place across the nation in recognition of National Alternative Fuel Vehicle Day Odyssey. The kickoff event is being held in Indianapolis, sponsored by Alliance AutoGas, Honda, ROUSH, Toyota and Vectren Energy.

• Virginia Clean Cities is hosting two Odyssey Day events in Virginia, one in Harrisonburg and one in Chesapeake, the latter of which will also feature the Virginia Propane Autogas Roadshow. Va. Governor Bob McDonnell recently announced part of the state fleet will be transitioning to autogas, and the alt fuel experts making this happen–Alliance AutoGas and ROUSH CleanTech–will display propane-powered vehicles at the roadshow and discuss the benefits of clean propane autogas for fleets.

• A new fuel station opened near Eugene, Ore., that offers 10 different fuel choices.

• The Sunbelt Ag Expo in Georgia highlighted clean propane autogas technology for farmers. Alliance AutoGas representatives brought along a propane truck to display autogas technology.

• The Southeast Louisiana Propane Autogas Roadshow, the latest in the SPADP roadshow series, will take place next Thursday in New Orleans.

• CBS News takes a look at why the issue of energy matters in this year’s presidential election.

• Michigan’s Mass Transportation Authority is adding more alternative fuel vehicles to their fleet. The board recently approved the purchase of 60 propane autogas-powered mini buses, making it the largest autogas fleet of any public transit agency in the country. MTA will have a total of 72 autogas vehicles in their fleet.

• Recycling and waste company Republic Services will invest $25 million to bolster its CNG vehicle fleet in the St. Louis area.

• The Greater Baton Rouge Clean Cities Coalition is hosting an event Thursday to “highlight alternative fuel successes in Louisiana, talk about legislative issues and hear several announcements about the future of alternative fuel in the state.”

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The national kickoff event is hosted by the Greater Indiana Clean Cities Coalition in Indianapolis Thursday, where around a thousand expected attendees will have the opportunity to test drive alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicles. Propane autogas experts from Alliance AutoGas will be on hand at the Indianapolis kickoff event to display propane-powered vehicles and speak about this affordable clean fuel for fleets.

More than 150 other Odyssey events will also take place across the country that day. Virginia Clean Cities is hosting two separate events: the Harrisonburg Clean Energy Day Odyssey and the Hampton Roads Clean Energy Day Odyssey, featuring the Virginia Propane Autogas Roadshow.

The Virginia Propane Autogas Roadshow will highlight fleets in the Southeast Propane Autogas Development Program and offer presentations from industry leaders Alliance AutoGas, ROUSH CleanTech, the Propane Education and Research Council, and VCC. Alliance AutoGas provides autogas fuel supply, fueling infrastructure and vehicle conversion equipment for Program fleets, and Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell recently signed an agreement with Alliance AutoGas extended partners to switch state fleet vehicles to autogas.

The Hampton Roads Odyssey Day event will also feature a variety of clean vehicle technology, including two Chesapeake CNG waste haulers, a 2013 Chevy Volt, a 2013 Nissan LEAF and a Hampton Roads Transit hybrid/electric bus. Click here for a full list of Odyssey Day events near you.

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According to a fleet case study from SPADP, Community Counseling Services will save approximately $35,000 in fuel costs annually with the 17 autogas vans, while displacing more than 22 tons of greenhouse gas emissions each year. And when all of the fleet’s 29 vans are operating on autogas, the company expects to save more than $60,000 in fuel costs and displace approximately 40 tons of greenhouse gas emissions annually.

Last quarter, the Community Counseling Services fleet saved $1.63 per gallon on autogas versus gasoline, and will displace around 30,000 gallons of gasoline each year running all of its vans on autogas.

“I really couldn’t be happier with our fleet’s transition to propane autogas,” said Lin Newell, facilities and maintenance supervisor for Community Counseling Services. “Our fuel savings are enormous, and our employees are proud to be a part of something that will help cut down on our carbon footprint and keep the earth cleaner.”

Alliance AutoGas partner Force 911 in Ocean Springs  performed the van conversions, and the network also installed a 1,000-gallon autogas fueling station for the fleet’s private use at its Columbus location.
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For fleets looking to make the transition to alternative fuel, there’s no better way than through a streamlined program that covers everything from vehicle conversions to fueling to safety training and technical support. The Alliance AutoGas complete program for fleets provides an autogas education for in-house technicians and drivers, as well as the technical, safety and ongoing support fleets need to be successful as they make the switch to clean propane autogas. This includes:

• Operational training for drivers and other personnel
  

  An Alliance AutoGas maintenance training session

• Autogas safety training for operators, drivers, technicians and other personnel
• Autogas fueling training for drivers and other personnel
• Any necessary maintenance training
• For larger fleets, Alliance AutoGas certified conversion technicians can also train in-house mechanical teams to perform conversions

Check out the Alliance AutoGas website to learn more about just how easy it is for fleets to get running on affordable, American-made autogas.

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