In 2014, Provide A Ride of Cleveland, Ohio, converted 41 of their gasoline vehicles to run on dual fueled propane.
“The advantages to the dual fuel were obviously the emissions – the environmental aspect of it, including cost savings.” Jason Kern, Fleet Manager of Provide A Ride says. “The drivers don’t even notice the difference between when the vehicle is running on propane or gasoline. It switches over on its own, seamlessly.”
“The drivers don’t even notice the difference between when the vehicle is running on propane or gasoline. It switches over on its own, seamlessly.”
Jason Kern, Fleet Manager of Provide A Ride
Duel-fueled propane vehicles transition from gasoline to propane so seamlessly because with propane, there is no lack of power. You get the same fuel mileage with propane autogas as you would with gasoline and at a cheaper price.
“The maintenance is good. During oil changes, the oil is a lot cleaner during a scheduled maintenance than it was running off of strictly gasoline. We are hoping that will improve the longevity of the vehicle – the engine itself.” Kern says.
“We had an in-service where we tought our drivers propane, of the precautions that need to be taken, and it’s history and it’s safety.” Explains Alan Groedel, Owner and President of Provide A Ride. “In the end, it’s really no different than gasoline. It needs to be treated carefully, and there are precautions we need to take, but no more, no less than with gasoline.”
“Propane is a natural step for anybody who’s able to implement it. There is money to be saved [using propane autogas].”
Alan Groedel, Owner and President of Provide A Ride
“One thing we were pleasantly surprised with was that there are a lot of knowledgeable vendors out there for us to seek out on this project. Once we isolated strong partners to work with, the project was relatively easy.” Groedel says.
“From the clean fuels perspective and the benefits of being able to tell your customers you’re running on clean fuel, that’s great.” Groedel stated. “But when you’re running programs and working for customers who are counting every penny, propane is a natural step for anybody who’s able to implement it. There is money to be saved [using propane autogas].”
Buying propane vehicles or converting your fleets to propane autogas is made easier with the rebates available from the Ohio Propane Gas Association. The OPGA is offering up to $5,000 per entity, $1,000 each for vehicles or mowers.
