ATLANTA, Aug. 27, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Sandy Springs Police Department in Georgia recently switched 25 Ford Crown Victoria cruisers to propane autogas, saving more than $11,000 in fuel costs and displacing nearly 10 tons of greenhouse gas emissions over a period of three months. Alliance AutoGas is providing vehicle conversions and fueling for a total of 65 cruisers, with funding through the Southeast Propane Autogas Development Program.
"The City of Sandy Springs needed a reliable fuel source in case of natural disasters, and propane autogas offers the most viable combination of an American-made clean fuel that also helps reduce our fuel budget," says Captain Bart Humble, who had originally researched alternative fuel in his former capacity as Lieutenant Commander of Homeland Security. "Because of the rising cost of gasoline, our fleet fuel costs nearly doubled in six years. Now, we're saving $1.70 per gallon or more filling up our patrol cars with autogas."
Alliance AutoGas partner Force 911 handles the bi-fuel autogas vehicle conversions for Sandy Springs, and Alliance also installed a centrally located autogas station for the fleet. Capt. Humble reports that his fleet drives on autogas 96 percent of the time, displacing thousands of gallons of gasoline every month.
"Some officers only had one gasoline receipt for the entire second quarter of 2012," says Humble. "Feedback from officers driving the propane vehicles has been extremely positive. The key to the program's success has been strong commitment from the top of City administration all the way down to the officers in the field."
Autogas-powered fleets like Sandy Springs help reduce our nation's dependence on foreign oil because 98 percent of the U.S. autogas supply is made in America. Propane autogas produces significantly fewer harmful pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions than gasoline, and many autogas fleets report their vehicles require less maintenance. Autogas is also more affordable to implement and offers better range compared to other alternative fuels like compressed natural gas.
"There's no comparison between propane autogas and compressed natural gas," says Humble. "We tested CNG vehicles when I was in another department, and the performance was not nearly like running on autogas. You had to refill every 100 miles, and the trunk space was nonexistent. With autogas vehicles, you have a very similar experience to driving traditional gasoline vehicles, and my officers can still carry around the equipment they need."
About Alliance AutoGas
Alliance AutoGas enables fleet managers nationwide to use clean, economical, American-made autogas through vehicle conversions, on-site fueling and ongoing safety training and technical support. For fleets interested in new propane autogas-powered vehicles, Alliance also provides OEM vehicles through partnerships with automotive experts at ROUSH CleanTech as part of the complete program. Public and private fleets nationwide are saving thousands on fuel costs and helping to ensure clean air for future generations through Alliance AutoGas. The Alliance partner network of U.S. propane marketers and conversion centers is experiencing tremendous growth, currently spanning 40 states and Washington D.C. Learn more at: www.allianceautogas.com. For general questions, contact David Finder, National Energy Programs Manager, dmfinder@allianceautogas.com or (828) 251-0027.
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