More than 13,000 Propane Autogas Vehicles Sold in 2017, Increase in 2018 Predicted

More than 13,000 propane autogas fleet vehicles were sold in 2017, according to data compiled by the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC). The new vehicles will consume about 36.8 million gallons of fuel annually and many displaced fuels with higher emissions like gasoline and diesel.

PERC comments that while the total 13,045 autogas vehicles sold in 2017 was lower than the 14,045 sold in 2016, the relatively flat sales are signaling to industry officials that more propane autogas growth is around the corner. “Propane autogas overcame significant challenges in 2017—from the absence of federal incentives for alternative fuels from the federal government, to incredibly low gasoline and diesel prices throughout much of the year—and we received an overwhelming endorsement for our fuel in all markets,” said Michael Taylor, director of autogas business development at PERC. “Looking ahead, our forecasts indicate there’s a lot to be optimistic about thanks to a variety of opportunities that will help increase propane autogas vehicle sales in 2018 and beyond.”

Opportunities helping to propel propane autogas sales in the near term include new OEM solutions— both standard and optional equipment packages—for medium- and heavy-duty truck applications, which will impact numerous applications and vocations. PERC funded its first propane hybrid for light-duty vehicles in 2017 and it continues to investigate the technology. Additional aftermarket Environmental Protection Agency and California Air Resources Board certifications will be added this year as well.

PERC comments that these new vehicle solutions are expected to not only increase sales, but also balance out OEM-dedicated autogas fleet vehicle sales with aftermarket conversion sales. In 2017, 68% of all autogas fleet sales were aftermarket conversions, but that is expected to be reduced to about 55% by 2021 as more OEM-dedicated vehicles become available.

Information about propane autogas vehicles is available at propane.com/on-road-fleets. Fleet managers or owners interested in learning more, or staying current, can also sign up for the Autogas Refuel quarterly newsletter at propane.com.