Contact: Michelle Mills, Director of Communications Phone: 336-380-9976 Email: MMills@alamance-nc.com
The Alamance County Sheriff’s Office recently launched a six-month pilot program with Alliance AutoGas by switching two patrol vehicles to propane autogas. This bi-fuel conversion system is projected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30% and decrease fuel costs by approximately 40%.
Propane is a clean-burning alternative fuel that produces substantially less pollution and greenhouse emissions than gasoline or diesel. It is also one of the safest fuels as it is less flammable due to a higher combustion point, and the high carbon steel tanks are twenty times more impact resistant than traditional gasoline tanks.
By converting two cars into flexible bi-fuel vehicles, the Sheriff’s Office is also able to take advantage of fuel savings as propane will be locked in at a rate of $1.29 per gallon for five years. Due to its clean burn, the Sheriff’s Office will also save on maintenance costs averaging an approximate 60% in savings. An added benefit is the driver’s ability to run both a tank of propane and a tank of gasoline which gives the officer about 600 miles before refueling is needed.
After grant funding, the conversion costs for each vehicle is $2,000. The approximate savings for each vehicle per year is projected to be $2,000 which equates to an average cost savings of $8,000 over the life of the vehicle.
“We decided to enter this pilot program not only as a way to save money but to take steps to improve our environmental impact by using a “cleaner” fuel. This cost-efficient solution is ideal for the number of patrol vehicles and miles our deputies drive each day without sacrificing vehicle performance or power,” says Sheriff Terry Johnson.
“Alliance AutoGas is the only complete program to help American fleets transition from gasoline to autogas, the world’s most popular alternative fuel. The foundation of Alliance AutoGas is a broad network of partners with expertise in autogas fueling, vehicle technology, and high-performance support.” More information is found at https://allianceautogas.com/.
