Transport Expo Praises Propane Autogas

US President Barack Obama has issued a presidential decree ordering all new federal vehicles to run on alternative fuels by 2015. (image: femiajets.com)

A big transport expo in Florida this week has been highlighting the environmental and economic benefits of propane autogas.

The 11th annual National Motor Vehicle and Aviation Workshops and Exposition for federal fleet managers was held in Orlando at the Rosen Shingle Creek Resort.
The expo is a chance for the nation’s fleet managers to learn how propane autogas can cut down on their operating and maintenance costs without harming performance or affecting the reliability of their vehicles, torquenews.com reported.

Our friends at the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) gave a presentation on the unique role that propane has in helping wean Americans off expensive gasoline by making the switch to a cheaper and cleaner-burning alternative vehicle fuel.

“Propane offers on and off-road options for government fleets that are cost-effective, clean and readily available for immediate adoption,” said PERC vice-president Brian Feehan.

“This conference provides a real-world look into the variety of applications and refueling options available for fleet managers, especially those charged with bringing home an alternative fuel solution.”

Expo attendees got to check out a Roush CleanTech Ford E-250 cargo van fueled by autogas and a propane-fueled lawn mower from Heritage Propane was also on display. Fleet managers got behind the wheel of a 2010 Ford F-250 pickup from Ferrellgas, a bi-fuel 2009 Dodge Charger R / T police car from AmeriGas and a 2010 Ford E-350 XLT Super Duty 15-passenger van supplied by Heritage Propane.

As regular Propane.pro readers will know, propane autogas-powered vehicles are much clearer-running than those that guzzle gasoline and diesel, significantly cutting down on smog-producing hydrocarbons like carbon monoxide, particulate emissions and greenhouse gases.

“With reduced maintenance costs and federal and local incentive programs available, domestically-produced propane autogas makes economic sense while also offering sustainability and environmental benefits,” Feehan said.

Propane autogas is the most widely used alternative fuel on American roads. More than 15 million vehicles worldwide run on autogas, which is the biggest-selling vehicle fuel behind gasoline and diesel.

A popular commercial vehicle fleet fuel here in the US, propane autogas is now embraced by many big companies, including NASCAR, in part because it is nearly 100 percent domestically-produced, which reduces America’s dependence on foreign oil imports.

A recent presidential decree by Barack Obama ordered that all new federal fleet vehicles are to be powered by alternative fuels like propane by 2015.

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