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Choosing the right fuel for fleet vehicles has evolved far beyond simply purchasing one from a manufacturer. Today, fleet owners face complex decisions shaped by sustainability goals, operational needs and a growing focus on environmental impact. From gasoline and diesel to propane autogas and electric, each fuel option comes with its own set of benefits and trade-offs.
To make informed choices, organizations need to dive into the specifics of these fuel sources to decide on a solution — or solutions — that best fits their needs.
Evaluating Each Fuel
When it comes to choosing a fuel source, factors include availability, cost performance alongside environmental impact. When evaluating emissions, it’s not just about what comes out of the tailpipe. A true “well-to-wheel” approach considers the entire lifecycle of an energy source — its production, transportation and use — providing a clearer picture of its environmental impact. Here’s how each fuel stacks up.
Gasoline
With widespread availability, gasoline offers convenience, good mileage and familiarity. However, volatile prices and significant environmental drawbacks are prompting many fleets to reconsider its use.
Gasoline has been a long-standing fuel choice for light-duty and some medium-duty vehicles, but its environmental costs are steep. From the extraction and refining process to combustion in engines, gasoline generates significant amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2) and harmful pollutants like nitrogen oxides (NOx) and carbon monoxide (CO), contributing to air pollution. Its substantial lifecycle emissions make it one of the less sustainable options.
Diesel
Another familiar fuel, diesel is a popular choice for medium- and heavy-duty applications like trucking and shipping. While diesel engines are powerful and durable, their high emissions and reliance on exhaust treatment systems are notable disadvantages, as the fuel’s volatile prices.
Diesel engines are known for their efficiency in these applications. But that efficiency comes with a cost. Diesel produces slightly less CO2 per gallon than gasoline but releases higher levels of NOx and particulate matter — pollutants linked to smog and respiratory issues. Its overall lifecycle emissions remain high, raising concerns about air quality and health impacts.
Electricity
Electricity has become a leading choice for both personal and fleet vehicles. Electric vehicles (EVs) offer high efficiency and low maintenance requirements. However, challenges like limited range, long recharge times and inconsistent charging infrastructure remain barriers for widespread adoption, particularly in rural areas.
EVs do shine when it comes to tailpipe emissions — they have none. However, it’s important to remember that they do have lifecycle emissions related to energy and battery production. Even though EVs are cleaner than vehicles running on diesel or gasoline the impact of manufacturing, transporting, and recharging their batteries need to be factored in as well.
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, about 60 percent of electricity generation comes from fossil fuels, including coal, petroleum and natural gas. Renewable energy sources, like wind and solar, make up about 21 percent of electricity generation. So, while EVs are taking a step in the right direction, there is still work to be done to reduce their overall environmental impact.
Propane Autogas
Propane autogas is a cost-effective and efficient fuel for many applications, including school buses, delivery trucks and municipal vehicles. It provides lower emissions and comparable performance to diesel in light- to medium-duty applications. Additionally, propane autogas’s lower emissions make it a popular choice in regions with strict air quality regulations.
An approved alternative fuel under the Clean Air Act, propane autogas stands out with significantly lower lifecycle emissions compared to gasoline and diesel. Propane autogas vehicles can produce up to 22 percent fewer greenhouse gas emissions than gasoline vehicles throughout the full fuel cycle. Propane autogas vehicles can emit up to 36% fewer NOx emissions than diesel vehicles, resulting in a cleaner operation and reduced overall greenhouse gas output.
In addition, more than 90 percent of U.S. propane supplies come from domestic production, making it a readily available alternative to imported oil.
Propane Autogas Stands Out
When you compare environmental impact with operational needs, propane autogas emerges as a compelling option for many fleets. Its lower lifecycle emissions, clean performance and growing availability make it a strong candidate for light- and medium-duty fleet vehicles. In fact, according to a 2020 survey of fleet end users, propane autogas is the most popular alternative fuel for school bus, paratransit, shuttle and delivery vehicle fleets, with over 50 percent of fleet operators choosing propane vehicles over compressed natural gas, battery electric and fuel cell electric vehicles.
Making Mindful Fuel Decisions
The world of fuel options is always evolving, and fleets are eager to find the perfect mix of energy sources to make their operations more efficient. While gasoline and diesel are still common choices for many fleets, the environmental impact of these fuels is pushing fleet managers to explore other alternatives. Electric vehicles are becoming more popular for shorter trips, while propane autogas is proving to be a reliable and eco-friendly option for longer routes with heavier loads.
The key is to stay informed and consider the environmental and practical implications of each fuel. By aligning fuel choices with sustainability goals and operational priorities, fleets can drive toward a cleaner, more efficient future.
