School transportation fleet owners and transportation directors are urged to consider the benefits of propane when it comes to energy resiliency as the Propane Education and Research Council (PERC) celebrates its second annual National Propane Day on Oct. 7.

“Fleet owners need a reliable and resilient energy source they can count on to meet their demanding duty cycles—whether they’re transporting students safely to and from school, ensuring goods are delivered on time, or providing a clean ride for their community,” said Steve Whaley, director of autogas business development at PERC. “Propane autogas keeps fleets running every day as the energy for everyone.”

There are thousands of propane autogas vehicles on the road from coast to coast. It is an ideal energy source for medium-duty (class 3-7) vehicles that need a range of up to 400 miles per day and the ability to carry a heavier payload, all while significantly reducing emissions, PERC reported.

Today’s propane autogas engines are 90% cleaner than mandated EPA standards, with effectively zero particulate matter emissions and 94% fewer nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions than clean diesel engines, according to a PERC news release. When these clean engines run on renewable propane, an ultra-low carbon energy source made from renewable feedstocks, these emissions reductions go even further to move the industry down the path toward zero.

Propane is also helping to electrify America through new propane-powered electric vehicle recharging. The new technology utilizes a propane-powered generator—along with wind and solar power in some cases—to reliably recharge EVs independently of the electric grid.

“The propane industry is always finding ways to innovate to provide the best for fleet owners, their communities, and the environment,” said Whaley. “This year for National Propane Day, I encourage fleet owners to take a look at all the ways propane can change their fleet for the better.”