Propane AutoGas - Alternative Fuel Vehicles Are Thriving
Atlanta, GA. (PRWEB) February 04, 2016 -- Georgia Gas Distributors announces it has committed to the Campbell-Parnell Propane Dual-Fuel system for years to come. CARB/EPA certification has been granted up until 2017 for the Isuzu NPR-HD and this will be the core commitment for Georgia Gas, to make a positive environmental impact with Campbell-Parnell using the Isuzu platform. Further plans are to continue with this vehicle application and continue to provide the system to the Georgia market. Georgia Gas is in negotiation with several companies in the Atlanta market for Propane conversion. The companies involved have a nationwide footprint and an update will be sent in the following weeks to inform the public as to which companies converted.
Propane AutoGas is even more popular than ever, falling gasoline prices have had little to no impact on its influence. Georgia has been particularly active and the popularity of Propane AutoGas has grown in the last six months. But what has caused Georgia to be a hot spot for Propane AutoGas?
When the State of Georgia ended the electric vehicle rebate, other more attractive forms of alternative fuel programs were sought after. The Alternative Fuel Rebate of 50 cents per gas-gallon-equivalent was expected to be renewed for 2016, but it was not known if this would happen. President Obama signed legislation that reduced the Federal Excise Tax on Propane, CNG and other alternative fuels (started on January 1st, 2016) and saves about an additional 5 cents a gallon for Propane users. Both incentives are in full swing, just another way to entice end users to alternative fuels.
Alternative fuels do not carry the energy efficiency of gasoline and the alternative energy sector lobbied Washington to change the tax structure. Taxing alternative fuels the same as gasoline was unbalanced and Washington made corrections. In fact, Propane is about the closest alternative fuel comparatively to gasoline - but burns about 65% cleaner overall. In Georgia, Propane vehicles (Dual-Fuel or Dedicated) are permitted to use the HOV lane with a single occupant, these vehicles are in fact classified as Alternative Fuel Vehicles. After some wrangling at the tag office the vehicles get reclassified as such.
Go Propane Green contacted an AutoGas industry leader in Georgia to ask what was happening, why was AutoGas gaining so much momentum? Steve Newman is the Program Manager of Alternative Fuel Vehicles at Georgia Gas Distributors based out of Sandy Springs. Mr. Newman replied, “Gasoline has dropped, but so has Propane, with the fuel rebate and lower taxes, we have maintained our margin over gasoline….our industry has never been busier...we have nothing to fear.”
Typically Propane has saved 30 to 40% when compared to operating on gasoline alone. The cost of converting a vehicle to Propane “Bi-Fuel or Dual-Fuel” remains the most economical way to operate on alternative fuels. After getting informed by Mr. Newman, this is the take-a-way regarding the AutoGas market.
1. Propane holds the most thermal energy of alternative fuels and provides to closet MPG ratio
2. The Propane system add-on remains the least expensive avenue for conversion
3. Vehicle systems can be installed in a day and refueling centers installed in two days
4. Propane companies pay for the refueling platform, avoiding costly refueling infrastructure
5. Free Peach Pass lane access saving time and money as well as solo occupant HOV lane access
6. The return on investment is dependent on mileage or consumption, but generally about 18 months
7. Systems can be removed and reinstalled on another vehicle without much grievance
8. Propane is abundant and can be “fixed or locked-in” for 6 months or a year
9. Propane is cleaner burning than gasoline
10. Propane is in abundant supply and is not as unstable as the gasoline market
Georgia Gas Distributors was in the right place - right time in 2014 when the company announced a partnership with Campbell-Parnell based out of Phoenix, AZ. With the Dual-Fuel CARB/EPA certification in hand, the company went after the Isuzu NPR-HD vehicle market in Atlanta. The vehicle is one of the bestselling work-horses in North America and it seems to be a gamble that paid off for Georgia Gas. The conversion in under 10k and takes about a day to install, so companies have minimal downtime. One does not need to look very hard to see that Propane AutoGas is alive and well in Atlanta.
Speaking of fixed or locked-in, fixed fuel prices allow a company or end user to forecast fuel expenditures and budget operating cost. Combine this with near record low Propane prices in January, the return on investment appears to be a good business decision. Propane also reduces a companies carbon-footprint; this not only helps the environment, but allows a company to claim it is "Green-Friendly."
The State of North Carolina has extended its rebate incentive for conversion until March 1st and offers substantial incentives to convert. I would contact Mr. Newman if you want to know more as he appears to have what you need to know to get your rebate applied for. Two things consumers can be absolutely sure of: The Federal Government will not provide gasoline rebate to consumers and gasoline prices will remain unstable. Historically, this volatile market is dependent on world events as Propane is not. Propane remains consistent and it certainly doing quite well in Atlanta.
Ironically, just about any gasoline vehicle can operate on Propane – rules and restrictions apply and are monitored by the EPA. An AutoGas representative will have specifics and will be able to help the end user make a legal and informed decision before conversion.
Go Green, Go Propane Green!
Mike Westin, GoPropaneGreen, http://www.gopropanegreen.com, +1 7707551942, [email protected]
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