Whether you are working with smaller, car-sized vehicles or school buses and vans, it is crucial that you use the proper fuel to operate them. The right fuel can determine how well a vehicle performs, how it affects your budget, and even the impact its emissions have on the environment. While it might seem like fleet owners only have a few options when looking to run their vehicles, there are various fuels to consider. As such, be sure to take your time and research the different types of fuel transport vehicles use to make the right decision for your needs.
Gasoline
Gasoline is what many people use in cars, and as such, is one of the most dominant fueling substances used in the United States. Since this specialized fossil fuel runs on specific types of car engines, you will most often find it used in taxis and other sedan or crossover-level vehicles. It is quick to combust, making it highly desirable for those who need to quickly accelerate while driving.
However, it is important to remember that while it is easily attainable and quick to burn, gasoline emissions are one of the leading causes of environmental pollution. As a result, greener alternatives are slowly replacing gasoline to reduce this environmental impact. If your transportation vehicles are currently running on this fuel, it is best to only do so until finding an alternative method.
Ethanol
Ethanol is a popular alternative to gasoline and many know it for cutting down on toxic car emissions. This fuel consists of a mixture of all-natural ingredients such as sugar cane, corn, and barley to get the cleanest output possible. In addition, Ethanol can fuel gasoline engines without modifications, making the transition quick and easy for many of your drivers. Though cars can run entirely on ethanol fuel, it can also be just as effective when mixed into gasoline. In fact, many states require the use of this fuel in certain concentrations to reduce their local emissions contribution.
Liquefied Petroleum
Also known as propane, liquefied petroleum is another gasoline alternative. Though less commonly used in the United States, it produces less pollution when burned and, overall, generates less smog as a result. Propane is also cheaper than gasoline and diesel, making it a great choice for cost-conscious fleet owners. However, while usable in gasoline engines, you will need to manually convert your vehicle to handle burning this fuel. As such, the transition period can be a bit longer than first anticipated when converting an entire fleet of vehicles.
Diesel
Among other types of fuel transport vehicles use, diesel fuel is a popular choice for those working with larger-capacity vehicles such as buses, vans, trucks, and boats. This is because it runs cleaner than gasoline and provides better overall fuel efficiency. Since this is also the default fuel for many of these larger vehicles, diesel is better at preserving the lifespan of your machines and keeps them running more efficiently. However, be sure to keep in mind that diesel fuel, like gasoline, is not renewable and can become costly to continuously replenish.
Bio-Diesel
If you want to reduce your carbon footprint even further, bio-diesel is a great option for fleets of large buses and vans. Made from sugar beet, grapeseed, or palm oil, this concoction runs even cleaner than diesel and can further extend your fleet’s life. Since it runs on oil, many have even taken up the activity of recycling restaurant fryer oil and using it to run their vehicles. This versatility makes bio-diesel extremely accessible and promotes recycling in a new way. But despite these benefits, it is important to note that the increased production of these ingredients could lead to other sustainability issues, such as deforestation and water deficiency.
Compressed Natural Gas
One of the most useful qualities of natural gas fuel is that you can modify gasoline and diesel-powered engines to handle it. Clear, odorless, and non-corrosive, natural gas can run combustion engines in liquid and gas states. As such, it is very versatile and can raise a vehicle’s performance when properly converted. Natural gas also produces significantly fewer carbon emissions than gasoline, making it a great eco-friendly option as well. While this gas is great to run vehicles with, it is often difficult to find places that sell it for this purpose.
Electricity
Last, but certainly not least, electricity-powered vehicles are rapidly rising in popularity throughout the country. The most environmentally friendly of all fuel options, this method is great for industries out on the road all day as it will cut down on their emission contributions. Plus, electric buses are not only eco-conscious, but they are also very cost-effective. In fact, electric alternatives cut back on how many times you need to refuel a vehicle. Further, when it does need fuel, it costs less to recharge a battery then fill a tank. However, be aware that you will need to have a trained professional convert your vehicles to take electricity, as it is a complicated process.
How to Choose a Fuel
Once you are aware of your fuel options, it can often be difficult to decide which would work best in your situation. Fortunately, it can be quite simple once you know what your business priorities are. If you are looking for something affordable and easy to obtain, it might be more realistic to utilize easily available fuels such as gasoline, diesel, or bio-diesel. However, for those looking to get a jump on the transition to sustainable energies, consider trying one of the greener alternatives. No matter which fuel you end up deciding on, it is important that you meet your needs first before considering secondary benefits.
At Schetky Bus and Van Sales, we aim to provide you with the best transport vehicles for your fleet. Whether you are looking for a school bus or a luxury bus, we have transport buses for sale that are sure to fulfill your needs. Our buses also run on high-quality diesel and electricity to ensure you are getting the best output while driving and maintain peak performance expectations.
