Propane Bus

If you’re thinking Alternative Fuel for your bus, Carpenter Bus Sales has the following recommendation…

Go With a Dual Fuel Propane Bus!

Today, propane is the number one alternative fuel for the automotive sector, and it powers more than 10 million vehicles in more than 38 countries. The reasons are clear: propane provides a cost-effective, clean, safe and reliable alternative fuel. Plus, more than 90% of all propane used in the United States is produced domestically, reducing our dependence on foreign fuel.

What is a Dual Fuel Propane Conversion?

It is an option available on most of the new buses from Carpenter Bus. With this option, your bus can use either gasoline or propane. When you choose the Dual Fuel Conversion option, a liquid propane injection system is added to your engine. This option allows you to use either gasoline or propane. Just flip the switch. You will love the large selection of propane buses for sale in our inventory.

Since costs regularly fluctuate to convert to propane, talk to your salesman to get current pricing.

Many propane vehicle users have reported 2 to 3 years longer service life, and less required maintenance. In the future, there will likely be excise tax credits on the cost of fuel, as well as tax credits for the conversion costs. These benefits will help offset the initial costs of going green.

• It’s Clean

Propane exhaust creates 60% to 70% less smog-producing hydrocarbons than gasoline.

• It’s Safe & Reliable

Propane has been used as a motor fuel for more than 80 years, and is the third most widely used motor fuel in the world (behind gas & diesel fuel). It has a relatively low working pressure. Propane tanks are 20 times more puncture resistant than gas or diesel tanks.

• It’s Cost-Effective

With longer vehicle life and lower maintenance, along with the likely tax credits for fuel and conversion costs, going green can actually save you some green!

• It’s Plentiful

The US has the largest propane storage capacity in the world, as well as an existing infrastructure of pipelines, processing facilities and refueling stations. And propane refueling equipment is very affordable.

• It’s Produced in USA

More than 90% of all propane used in the US is produced in the US.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Propane?

Propane, also known as Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), is a by-product derived from refining natural gas and crude oil. Propane is appreciated for its environmentally-friendly, clean-burning properties. It’s higher octane rating (104 compared to premium gas at 91-92) allows for a higher compression ratio in the engine and greater engine efficiency, which leads to reductions in certain exhaust emissions, such as carbon monoxide.

How does Propane affect Performance?

Propane vehicles have the longest driving range of any alternative fuel – more than 250% farther than compressed natural gas, about 60% farther than methanol and 25% farther than ethanol. Those who drive propane-powered vehicles assert that there are no significant driving differences between propane vehicles and gasoline-powered vehicles. Horsepower and torque capabilities are comparable to that of a gasoline engine.

Is Propane a Proven Motor Fuel?

Propane has been used as a motor fuel since the 1920’s. Currently more than 10 million vehicles worldwide use propane as motor fuel. Many US fleets have operated on propane for more than 20 years, such as Yellow Cabs (in certain cities) and home delivery services and school bus fleets. These fleet owners are enthusiastic about using propane, not only because of the environmental value, but also because of safety, performance and savings.

How does Propane compare to CNG?

Compressed natural gas (CNG) has many of the same environmental benefits as propane, and may one day become a viable alternative fuel. But currently CNG is just not readily available. And the cost to install dispensing equipment (more than a million dollars) will likely make the growth of its availability slow. Also, the cost to convert an engine to burn CNG is more than double the cost of converting to propane. Propane, with its existing infrastructure of pipelines, processing facilities, storage facilities and refueling station, is viable now.

Where would I Refuel?

There are currently nearly 10,000 propane refueling sites across the country, with new ones being added daily. To find a refueling site near you, you can go online to: www.afdc.energy.gov/stations And if you operate multiple buses using propane, you may be interested in installing your own refueling equipment. Carpenter Bus has a recommended vendor to help you with installation.

How does the Dual Fuel Capability Work?

When you choose the Dual Fuel Conversion option, a liquid propane injection system is added to your engine. This option allows you to use either gasoline or propane. Just flip the switch.