In increasing numbers, beverage and food fleets are shifting the commonly accepted fuel source of today to the use of propane auto gas. Companies in the beverage and food vocation (like Alpha Baking Company, Bimbo Bakeries, and more) are taking a new look at this domestic alternative fuel and seeing definite benefits.
Why Use Propane As Auto Fuel?
To hear propane manufacturers tell it, peace of mind is gained by propane users because “the factory warranty is still in place”. Reportedly, propane liquid injection uses a technology that allows torque curves and horsepower to mirror that of gasoline. Also assisted by liquid injection is the elimination of cold start problems in extremely frigid weather. With the older vapor propane systems, say between 20 and 15 years ago, fleets had numerous, repetitive cold start issues. But, no more, thanks to today’s propane technology.
Due to its common use as a domestic energy source, nearly everyone is familiar with propane. For the past several months, researchers have worked feverishly to develop, from a NOx perspective, a clean burning engine utilizing minimum duty space. When you couple the maintenance savings and fuel savings with a fuel that burns cleaner, you have the ideal fit for delivery applications classified as Class 4-7. In the beverage and food industry, these types of delivery applications are used every day.
At relatively low pressures, propane is moved as a liquid. What this means is that, without compromising a truck’s utility, enough can be packaged onto/into a vehicle to give it a range that is comparable to diesel and gasoline.
Gasoline Vehicles Using Propane Auto Fuel
Do the trucks that use propane differ in appearance and utilitarianism from conventional trucks? No. Because they are packaged under the Class 6-7 delivery truck steps, the fuel tanks have no exceedingly discernible differences. It is inexpensive to maintain and install the propane-appropriate fuel infrastructure. The equipment needed to do so can even be leased by some propane companies. Work out a fuel contract with them, and you may get it at no charge.
What’s more, there are probably no modifications required in order for a maintenance garage to work on propane fueled vehicles. The same garage used by beverage and food fleets will likely be up to code. It is recommended, however, that before beginning the process, you speak with the local fire marshal.
The Future of Propane
Over the last several decades, the price of propane has been more stable than ever. It has trended between 50% and 40% less than diesel. The gap between diesel and propane, and its price stability, should continue to widen, based on current supply and demand. Annually, more than 21 billion gallons of propane is produced in the United States alone. But through various energy uses, such as transportation, forklifts, home heating, etc., only about 90 billion gallons is consumed. Should this continue, which is expected, fleet customers can expect great value pricing as a result.
Bringing you the latest news in the trucking and transportation industry, Mickey Genuine Parts also provides trailers (both new and used), custom and common parts and accessories, excellent service at our centers located throughout the United States, and much more. Contact us today to talk to one of our knowledgeable representatives so that you, too, can experience the Mickey difference.