The Propane Council of Texas (ProCOT) is getting the word out that substantial incentives are available to encourage companies to try propane as a vehicle fuel.
ProCOT, which operates under the auspices of the federally mandated Propane Education & Research Council (PERC), has been administering a special PERC-backed incentive program targeted specifically to private fleets since 2010, and funding has been reauthorized for 2014.
The grants – $5,000 toward a propane autogas vehicle conversion and/or $7,500 toward the purchase of an OEM propane vehicle – are available to companies that have three or more vehicles registered in the state and do not already have propane vehicles in their fleet. Companies can access up to $15,000, with grants available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Jackie Mason, ProCOT's education and marketing director, tells NGT News that the goal of the program is simple: help interested fleets defray the upfront cost of propane vehicles, allow them to experience the cost savings associated with propane and, in turn, spur them to invest in additional propane vehicles down the line.
All vehicle types – light-, medium- and heavy-duty – are eligible for grant funding. Any OEM vehicle that is purchased or a vehicle that is converted must have less than 40,000 miles on the odometer, and the autogas system must be EPA- or CARB-certified. If pursuing a conversion, the installer must be licensed by the Railroad Commission of Texas.
Mason says ProCOT encourages fleets to get pre-qualified before buying new vehicles or performing autogas conversions. To start the process, fleets can click here to access program guidelines and review the applicable forms, or call her at (800) 325-7427.
