With fuel costs still relatively low across the U.S., pupil transportation providers may be wondering whether propane can still provide as much of a cost benefit. Here, the Propane Education and Research Council’s (PERC's) Michael Taylor discusses the ways in which, compared with diesel, propane can save transportation providers money beyond just in fuel costs.

Q: I’ve heard that propane fuel is less expensive than diesel. But how does the total cost of ownership compare with traditional fuels?
A: Fuel savings alone with propane autogas are a big incentive for school districts and private contractors, especially those facing budget cuts. Recently, the U.S. has witnessed a dramatic drop in diesel and gasoline prices; however, propane is still consistently less expensive than both fuels. On average, propane is 30% less expensive per gallon than gasoline and costs 50% less than diesel.

Comparing fuel prices at the pump is a requirement for fleet managers today; however, “fuel” is only one of 3 “Fs” that are having a significant impact on a fleet’s operations, maintenance, and repair budgets.

In compliance with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) clean air standards, diesel engines are required to install a complex emissions-after-treatment system, which includes additional fluids and filters. The emissions-reduction system adds complexity as well as increased repair and maintenance costs for diesel buses. Propane burns clean, produces fewer emissions, and requires a simple three-gas catalyst, similar to your personal vehicle, to comply with EPA standards. This is one of many reasons that propane provides the lowest overall total cost of ownership for school districts and private contractors.
 
“Fluids” are the second “F” that fleet managers must investigate prior to purchasing a vehicle. Unlike propane, diesel engines require more fluids, which have a direct impact on operations and maintenance budgets over the life of the bus. Diesel engines require more oil by volume and SCR engines require diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) for proper operation.  And lastly, don’t forget the fuel conditioners that are required in cold temperatures to prevent clogging of fuel filters and lines. Propane engines require less oil by volume and do not require DEF or fuel conditioners, which makes them more affordable to operate and maintain.  
   
The final “F” to investigate is “filters.” To ensure compliance with EPA emissions requirements, a diesel particulate filter (DPF) is required for final stage regeneration of emissions before they exit the exhaust.  DPFs require periodic cleanings to avoid clogging. As the system ages, annual cleanings are recommended by the OEM. Why? A clogged DPF will de-rate the engine RPMs and render the bus inoperable. This increases downtime and repair costs.

Even in the presence of disciplined maintenance programs, today’s diesel engines require repairs and replacement parts that propane buses do not. Today’s diesel engines are designed for minimal idling, which should not exceed five minutes. Excessive idling increases diesel emissions regenerations and damages injectors, EGR valves and coolers, turbochargers, and diesel particulate filters. This increases downtime, maintenance, and repair expenses.

If your school district endures sub-freezing temperatures, there’s one more costly expense to consider when operating diesel buses: electric block heaters. In cold climates, block heaters are a required option for diesel engines. Technicians or drivers are required to “plug in” every day or risk the possibility of a bus not starting for morning or afternoon routes.  Often overlooked in TCO analysis, engine block heaters are “hidden costs” that increase operational expenses in the form of higher electricity bills and increased staff wages for technicians and drivers.   

Propane increases a school district’s uptime and productivity by eliminating downtime directly linked to diesel’s extra repairs and maintenance. On top of low fuel prices, the total cost of ownership with propane accelerates a school’s return on investment and frees up funds to invest elsewhere, like in the classroom or hiring teachers.  

For more information on propane-powered school buses, visit propane.com.

Michael Taylor is the director of autogas business development for the Propane Education & Research Council. Prior to joining PERC in 2012, Taylor served as director of fleet management at Heritage Propane for four years. Preceding his tenure at Heritage Propane, he enjoyed a 22-year career in the school transportation industry.