2016 Autogas Vehicle Sales Increase 8%, 80,000 additional autogas vehicles by 2020

Propane autogas vehicle sales increased by nearly 8% in 2016 compared with 2015 figures, according to data compiled by the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC). The more than 14,000 vehicles sold in 2016, including light-, medium-, and heavy-duty trucks—OEM dedicated or aftermarket conversions—constituted the most vehicles sold in a single year since 2012.

PERC notes that over the past four years the total number of autogas vehicles on the road has grown by more than 35%. As of 2016, there were nearly 200,000 vehicles being driven in the U.S. by both private and public fleets. “We’re thrilled to see so many new fleets take advantage of all propane autogas has to offer,” said Michael Taylor, director of autogas business development at PERC. “We don’t expect propane autogas sales to slow down in the future, especially as more fleet owners and managers experience the lower cost of ownership of the fuel compared to other options out there.”

In 2016, the majority of the autogas vehicle sales, about 67%, were aftermarket conversions compared with 33% for OEM dedicated vehicles. Light-duty vehicles also made up a majority of sales at 62% compared with medium- and heavy-duty models, which combined made up the other 38%. Forecasts by PERC show continued growth for autogas in the public and private fleet markets. By 2020, another 79,900 autogas vehicles are expected to be added to U.S. roadways.

More information about propane autogas vehicles is available at propane.com/on-road-fleets. Fleet managers or owners interested in learning more, or staying in touch with industry news, can also sign up for the Autogas Refuel quarterly email newsletter.