Collins Bus Corporation announced today an exclusive agreement with CleanFUEL USA to develop the first Type A small school bus to operate on autogas with a Liquid Propane Injection (LPI) system.
CleanFUEL USA is a world leader in the development of Liquid Propane Injection and the only company that will currently offer an EPA and CARB certified system on the GM 6.0L gasoline engine cutaway chassis. Collins, as the largest builder of Type A school buses will soon be offering this system as an option for several of its GM dual rear wheel models.
Propane fuel, when compared to diesel and gasoline, provides a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and has the potential to reduce fuel costs with the federal tax credit of 50 cents per gallon for propane. The Department of Energy also states that the low carbon and reduced oil contamination of propane has resulted in a higher documented engine life of up to two times that of gasoline engines.
Kent Tyler, President of Collins Bus Corporation stated, "As the largest manufacturer of Type-A school buses in North America, we're thrilled to partner with CleanFUEL USA on this Liquid Propane Injection system. CleanFUEL USA brings the expertise and a proven system to the Type A school bus market that will have market applications throughout our industry. At Collins Bus Corporation, we believe it's imperative to provide our customers with cost effective solutions that also benefit the environment. This new propane-fueled bus not only accomplishes that goal, but will also be a welcome addition to our recently announced hybrid electric offering."
Curtis Donaldson, President and CEO of CleanFUEL USA stated, "Propane is an ideal fleet fuel that offers significant advantages over other transportation fuels, such as diesel and gasoline. With our advanced LPI system, Collins can deliver a quality propane bus option that helps its customers better address green initiatives and reduce transportation costs - propane is roughly 40 to 50 percent less than gasoline/diesel per gallon. Collins is an ideal partner for CleanFUEL USA, and we look forward to the growing market opportunities for propane."