At the North American Council for Freight Efficiency (NACFE), we mostly focus on heavy-duty trucks, but we also looked at Class 4-7 vehicles in Run on Less – Electric. However, electrification is not the only alternative powertrain for medium-duty trucks.

The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) believes that propane autogas is an energy solution that is ready for medium-duty fleets looking to meet sustainability goals and lower their total cost of ownership.

For one thing, propane autogas costs less than either diesel or gasoline, and there seems to be more pricing stability in that market.

From an emissions standpoint, propane has much lower NOx emissions and near-zero particulate matter emissions. Units are certified at 0.02 g/bhp-hr, which is well below the upcoming 0.035 g/bhp-hr standard that we will see in 2027.

Like any fuel, propane is not right for every application, but it makes sense in medium-duty applications with high mileage operating in return-to-base duty cycles. Propane-powered trucks fit well in areas where ultra-low NOx and PM emissions are critical.

Like any fuel, propane presents challenges when switching from diesel, including the fact that there are fewer fueling stations. In addition, upfront costs can be higher, but low fuel and maintenance costs can offset the initial purchase price over the life of a propane-powered vehicle.

PERC offers a road map for fleets interested in transitioning to propane. The first step is to assess your fleet’s duty cycles and consider deploying propane-powered trucks in duty cycles where you will see the biggest return on your investment compared to your existing vehicles.

The next step is to identify propane-ready vehicles and upfitting partners and meet with them to discuss their offerings. Next, you will need to design a refueling strategy that works with your operation. On-site refueling is one good option if it is practical given your duty cycles.

Look for incentives, tax credits, grants, and other funding opportunities. A key element of successful deployment of propane-powered trucks is making sure your drivers are trained in the safe handling of the trucks and in the proper method of refueling. Ensure that your technicians receive proper technical training.

If you are interested in learning more about using propane in medium-duty trucks, please join us for a webinar on July 29 at 1 p.m. ET. You can register for the event here.

Trucking’s Messy Middle is not just about heavy-duty trucks but rather encompasses the full range of vehicle classes. Solutions that work for one vehicle class might not be right for another. Consider all the possible alternatives—including propane—when switching to a more sustainable trucking model if you are operating a fleet of medium-duty trucks.