Editor’s note: The following article was submitted by the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) and reflects its perspective on propane autogas as a fleet fuel solution. The views and claims presented are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Automotive Fleet.
Have you heard that alternative fuel vehicles are difficult and expensive to maintain? That may be true for some energy sources, but not all of them are created equal. For many fleet owners, making the switch from traditional fuels to propane autogas results in lower fuel and maintenance costs.
While outdated myths like this still circulate about the complexity or serviceability of alternative fuel vehicles, the reality is that propane autogas is easy to maintain, simple to learn, and it can save fleet owners money. Here are the top misconceptions and the facts that prove why propane autogas continues to gain traction among fleet owners.
Myth #1: Propane Autogas Maintenance is Complicated
The truth is, propane autogas maintenance isn’t much different from gasoline and is much simpler than diesel.
Gasoline can degrade over time and create buildup that can contribute to premature wear of engine parts. It also leaves behind more carbon deposits, which can affect performance and longevity. Meanwhile, diesel engines have become increasingly complex due to emissions regulations and complex aftermarket treatment systems. These vehicles rely on diesel particulate filters (DPFs) and diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) to remain compliant. Both components are costly to maintain and can contribute to significant downtime when issues arise.
Propane autogas eliminates both concerns. It is a clean energy source that doesn’t degrade engine components or require additional fluids or filters, exhaust after-treatment, particulate trap systems, turbochargers, intercoolers, or regeneration. Because of this, propane autogas engines experience less carbon buildup on valves and fewer residual contaminants in the oil, resulting in cleaner operation and, in some cases, longer engine life.
With a less complex engine system and a cleaner emissions profile, propane autogas vehicles offer lower maintenance costs. It’s one of the reasons propane autogas consistently delivers the lowest total cost-of-ownership of any fuel.
Myth #2: Special Facilities Are Required for Maintenance
Another common misconception is that propane autogas vehicles require special modifications to service garages. While that is true for some alternative fuels like CNG, if existing buildings are code compliant for diesel and gasoline, typically there are no major modifications required for the maintenance and repairs of propane autogas vehicles. Ventilation may be required if the facility is equipped with a pit used for maintenance, under vehicle inspections, and repairs.
Facility managers should always confirm requirements with their local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ), but in most cases, there’s no need for costly facility upgrades. AHJ’s can assist fleets and define the code requirements, if any, for ventilation, gas detection, sources of ignition, and electrical requirements.
Myth #3: It’s Hard to Find Trained Technicians or Learn Propane Maintenance
Another persistent myth is that it’s difficult to find qualified technicians or train in-house teams to work on propane autogas vehicles. The truth is, propane autogas is one of the most approachable alternative fuels for fleet maintenance, and service technicians can be trained in just a few hours.
Modern propane autogas engines are designed to mirror gasoline engines, using many of the same diagnostic tools, service equipment, and repair protocols. For technicians already experienced with internal combustion engines, the transition is simple and intuitive. Fleet owners interested in training in-house technicians can access in-person or online training resources — many of them free or low-cost — through propane autogas engine manufacturers or the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC). Trade schools and technical programs can also participate in PERC’s Vehicle Inspection Grant Program which provides curriculum resources to help train the next generation of skilled propane autogas technicians.
There is also a wide and growing service network of trained technicians from coast to coast ready to service propane autogas vehicles in local shops. OEMs and fuel system providers offer hundreds of certified service locations across North America.
Whether outsourcing or keeping service in-house, fleet owners have easy access to the tools, training, and support needed to keep their propane vehicles running smoothly.
Real-World Results: McAbee Trucking
McAbee Trucking, Inc., a mail carrier serving the USPS, operates a fleet of propane-powered box trucks across North and South Carolina. Prior to propane autogas, the company operated several diesel vehicles that racked up high maintenance costs to fix expensive regeneration issues tied to diesel emission systems. By replacing diesel with propane autogas, McAbee eliminated those extra maintenance costs and now saves thousands of dollars each year. In fact, the regeneration issues were so costly that owner, Lisa McAbee, estimates she could have purchased three propane vehicles with the money spent on diesel engine repairs over just 18 months.
In addition to lowering maintenance costs, the company has also maintained its 99 percent on-time dispatch rate. McAbee said she’s found the propane vehicles are not only reliable, but easier to manage from a maintenance standpoint.
“One thing I’m grateful for with propane — I’ve had a couple breakdowns with the diesel regen systems. Sometimes the truck had to sit there for an hour. And an hour on a schedule is not good. With propane, I don’t have that issue,” she said.
The Bottom Line
The myth that propane autogas is difficult to maintain doesn’t match the reality. As more fleet owners make the switch, they’re finding fewer breakdowns, simpler service routines, and lower overall operating costs. It’s all backed by a nationwide network of support and opportunities for technicians to learn more. For fleet managers looking to streamline maintenance and boost efficiency, propane autogas is a proven solution. To learn more about technician training, service options, and how propane autogas can support your fleet, visit Propane.com/Fleet-Vehicles.
Joel Stutheit is the senior manager of autogas business development at the Propane Education & Research Council. He can be reached at joel.stutheit@propane.com. For more information, visit Propane.com.
