Propane Autogas: Driving Cleaner Transportation Across Michigan

Propane autogas is a proven, cost-effective alternative fuel that continues to play a crucial role in powering vehicles across Michigan and the U.S. With lower emissions, reliable performance, and cost savings, propane remains a top choice for school districts and fleets. Recent trends show notable changes in propane autogas consumption and fueling infrastructure that highlight growth opportunities.

Trends in Propane Autogas Infrastructure and Consumption

The graph above illustrates changes in propane autogas consumption and station counts from 2018 to 2022, broken down by census regions (Source: PERC, AFDC, ICF). Across the U.S., primary autogas stations have expanded to meet growing demand in certain regions, while others show steadier trends.

In Michigan, propane autogas remains a crucial fuel, particularly in rural areas where infrastructure for electric vehicles is limited. With consistent investments in fueling stations, Michigan continues to be a leader in propane adoption for transportation.

Propane Autogas Stations vs. Sales: A National View

The second graph demonstrates how propane autogas sales have aligned with changes in primary and secondary autogas station counts over the years. While the total number of stations has remained steady, sales have shown resilience, particularly in colder climates where propane’s reliable performance is a key advantage.

For Michigan school districts and fleet operators, these trends reinforce the value of propane as a reliable, cost-efficient fuel option for buses, vans, and trucks. Propane delivers consistent performance in sub-zero temperatures unlike diesel or gasoline, making it ideal for Michigan winters.

Why Propane Autogas?

Michigan’s propane marketers and school business officials should take note of the unique benefits propane autogas provides:

Lower Costs: Propane offers significant fuel and maintenance savings compared to diesel or gasoline.
Environmental Impact: Reduced greenhouse gas emissions and pollutants make propane a cleaner choice.
Cold-Weather Performance: Unlike electric vehicles, propane engines start reliably in cold temperatures, ensuring uninterrupted service.
Infrastructure Availability: Propane fueling stations are affordable and quick to set up, making them an accessible solution for rural and urban areas alike.

What’s Next for Michigan’s Propane Industry?

The data clearly shows propane’s continued relevance in a competitive alternative fuel market. However, growth opportunities depend on collaboration between propane marketers, school districts, and fleet operators. By showcasing propane’s cost-effectiveness and reliability, Michigan’s propane community can strengthen its position as a leader in clean transportation.

If you’re ready to explore how propane autogas can benefit your fleet or community, contact [insert organization name] for more information. Together, we can drive a cleaner, greener future with propane.

Figure 1: Changes in autogas consumption and station counts across U.S. census regions from 2018 to 2022. (Source: PERC, AFDC, ICF)

Figure 2: The relationship between autogas stations and sales trends from 2018 to 2022. (Source: PERC, AFDC, ICF)

Fuel Type	Light Duty	School Buses	Paratransit	Single Unit Short-Haul Truck	Single Unit Long-Haul Truck
Propane	$50,000	$108,000	$48,000	$78,000	$89,000
Electric	$93,000	$300,000	$93,000	$150,000	$185,000
Diesel	$53,000	$100,000	$53,000	$70,000	$75,000
Gasoline	$42,000	N/A	$42,000	$68,000	$75,000

	Propane	Gasoline	Diesel	Electric
Chemical Structure	C3H8 (majority) and C4H10 (minority)	C4 to C12 and Ethanol ≤ to 10%	C8 to C25	N/A
Fuel Material (feedstocks)	Fats and oils from sources such as soybeans, waste cooking oil, animal fats, and rapeseed	Crude Oil	Crude Oil	Natural gas, coal, nuclear, wind, hydro, solar, and small percentages of geothermal and biomass
Gasoline or Diesel Gallon Equivalent (GGE or DGE)	1 gal = 0.74 GGE 1 gal = 0.66 DGE	1 gal = 1.00 GGE 1 gal = 0.88 DGE	1 gal = 1.12 GGE 1 gal = 1.00 DGE	1 kWh = 0.030 GGE 1 kWh = 0.027 DGE
Energy Comparison (GGE = Gasoline Gallon Equivalent)	gallon of propane has 73% of the energy in 1 GGE due to the lower energy density of propane.	1 gallon of gasoline has 97%–100% of the energy in 1 GGE. Standard fuel is 90% gasoline, 10% ethanol.	1 gallon of diesel has 113% of the energy in 1 GGE due to the higher energy density of diesel fuel.	A typical battery that is the same size as a gallon of gas (0.134 ft3), when used for transportation, can store 15.3% of the energy in 1 GGE. [6][7]
Energy Content (lower heating value)	84,250 Btu/gal (c)	112,114– 116,090 Btu/gal (c)	128,488 Btu/gal (c)	3,414 Btu/kWh
Energy Content (higher heating value)	91,420 Btu/gal (c)	120,388– 124,340 Btu/gal (c)	138,490 Btu/gal (c)	3,414 Btu/kWh
Physical State	Pressurized liquid (heavier than air as a gas)	Liquid	Liquid	Electricity
Cetane Number	N/A	N/A	40–55 (d)	N/A
Pump Octane Number	105 (g)	84–93 (f)	N/A	N/A
Flash Point	-100° to -150°F (j)	45°F (j)	165°F (j)	N/A
Autoignition Temperature	850° to 950°F (j)	495°F (j)	~600°F (j)	N/A
Maintenance Issues			Lubricity is improved over that of conventional low sulfur diesel fuel. For more maintenance information see, the Biodiesel Handling and Use Guidelines—Fifth Edition. (d)
Energy Security Impacts	Approximately half of U.S. LPG is derived from oil, but no oil is imported specifically for LPG production.	Manufactured using oil. Transportation accounts for approximately 30% of total U.S. energy needs and 70% of petroleum consumption. (l)	Manufactured using oil. Transportation accounts for approximately 30% of total U.S. energy needs and 70% of petroleum consumption. (l)	Electricity is produced domestically from a wide range of sources, including through coal-fired power plants and renewable sources, making it a versatile fuel.

Fuel Type	School Buses
Propane	$108,000
Electric	$300,000
Diesel	$100,000
Diesel HEV	$160,000
CNG	$130,000
Gasoline

Chassis	7.3L Version	GVWR	0.05 NOx
E-350	Premium	10,050	N/A
E-350	Economy	10,050	N/A
Economy	E-450	14,000	N/A
Premium	E-450	14,200	Yes
E-450	Premium	14,500	Yes

Propane Autogas: Driving Cleaner Transportation Across Michigan

Trends in Propane Autogas Infrastructure and Consumption

Propane Autogas Stations vs. Sales: A National View

Why Propane Autogas?

What’s Next for Michigan’s Propane Industry?

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