Alliance AutoGas Grows its List of EPA Certifications

As the alternative fuel movement continues to accelerate, Alliance AutoGas (AAG) has seen tremendous growth over recent years. To keep up with ever-evolving customer needs, AAG has been committed to the continued research and development of its engineered bi-fuel systems, while simultaneously growing its list of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) certifications. In order to comply with clean air and emissions standards, all alternative fuel system manufacturers are required to obtain EPA Certificates of Conformity before allowing any converted vehicle to operate on public roads. AAG was awarded its first EPA Certificate of Conformity on August 15, 2013, which covered Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra Trucks with the 6.0L V8 engine. Currently, the company has been awarded 253 EPA Certificates of Conformity and 58 Intermediate Age Vehicle Notifications, certifying over 1300 vehicles.

Each AAG-engineered autogas system goes through rigorous testing before receiving EPA certifications. These tests include rolling road dynamometer emissions testing and engine dynamometer cell testing. Each year, AAG engineers build and test autogas systems for new vehicle platforms in order to meet the demands of fleets nationwide. One main feature of the AAG autogas system is that you do not need to change your vehicle in order to upgrade to the environmentally friendly fuel.

Another advantage is that there are no permanent modifications made to the vehicle itself, and the systems can be installed by a Certified Installer in as quickly as one day. Additionally, the bi-fuel system gives drivers the option to operate on gasoline or autogas, which eliminates range anxiety when compared to other alternative fuel vehicles.

“Autogas is a no-compromise fuel solution),” says Ed Hoffman, president of Blossman Services, the distribution partner of Alliance AutoGas. “The technology is proven on a diverse portfolio of vehicle platforms that include all major Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM). We have demonstrated how well autogas can integrate into even the most advanced modern fuel systems. Saying all that, a broad product offering is useless if it can’t be delivered to the customer flawlessly with proper local service support. That is how we will continue to grow.”

As vehicle technology becomes more advanced, the emissions regulations become more rigid, according to Stephen Holland, engineer for Blossman Services. “OEM engine technology has advanced quite a bit since we started applying for EPA Certifications. All of the advancements in OEM technology require our own technology to advance in order to enable our autogas systems to function properly and be emissions friendly. EPA tailpipe emissions requirements continue to grow more stringent as well. In spite of the additional work that these growing regulations require, our team is growing at a faster rate than that of those challenges. We have streamlined our processes greatly since we started acquiring EPA Certifications in 2013 and look forward to what we will accomplish moving forward.”

SOURCE: The Weekly Propane Newsletter, October 1, 2020. Weekly Propane Newsletter subscribers receive all the latest posted and spot prices from major terminals and refineries around the U.S. delivered to inboxes every week. Receive a center spread of posted prices with hundreds of postings updated each week, along with market analysis, insightful commentary, and much more not found elsewhere