In a recent Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) emissions test, the Ford Transit showed dramatic reductions of harmful emissions while performing on propane autogas when compared to the same engine operating on gasoline.
What is the significance of EPA testing?
EPA testing is required for any alternative vehicle fuel system operating in the United States. Without this complex certification process, alternative fuel manufacturers and vehicle operators would be liable for emissions tampering on vehicles, which can result in significant fines. Not only does this process look at tailpipe emissions directly, but also builds in emissions deteriorations factors to 120,000 miles, meaning the emissions standard will be met for the entirety of a typical vehicle’s lifecycle.
The results
Through this rigorous EPA testing protocol, propane autogas has clear, proven benefits over gasoline:
- Reduces carbon monoxide (CO) by 79.45 percent
- Reduces carbon dioxide (CO2) by 22.39 percent
- Reduces nitrogen oxide (NO?) by 42.31 percent
- Reduces non-methane hydrocarbons (NMHC) by 53.97 percent
Why should this matter to your fleet?
With more and more companies mandating sustainability goals for their companies, fleets can be confident that propane autogas is a measurable and legal way to comply with these initiatives. This, compiled with the addition cost savings of operating on propane autogas, make it a viable alternative fuel that fleets can take advantage of right now.
As Stuart Weidie, President of Alliance AutoGas, notes, “Propane autogas helps company owners and fleet managers produce immediate results for their sustainability programs – and reduces operating costs at the same time.”
* Emissions testing conducted on a 2015 Ford Transit equipped with 3.7L port fuel injected engine. Testing conducted at Roush Laboratories at avg temp 76.15 degress, April 2, 2015 with odometer reading of 2088 miles.
