2015 Fall Propane Autogas Roundtable - Port Washington Police Department Presentation

Propane in Law Enforcement Port Washington Police Department

Alternative Fuel Project

Presented by: Mike Keller, CaptainPort Washington Police Department

262-284-2611 or

[email protected]


• Department currently operates a fleet of 6dedicated patrol vehicles.

• Due to volatile gasoline prices in 2011, we found ourselves $24,000+ over budget in our fuel account.

– As a result, in 2012 began researching alternative fuel options for police fleet use.

– Annual fuel budget in excess of $60,000 in 2013.

– Switching to an alternative fuel seen as a practical means to significantly reduce annual fuel and fleet operating expenses over time.


• Considered compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquefied propane gas (LPG), also known as autogas, as alternative fuels.

• Visited Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department– LPG fueled patrol fleet for more than 20 years.

• Based upon considerable research, selected LPG bi-fuel conversion system (vapor injected) manufactured by Technocarb, along with a 26 gal. tank manufactured by Manchester Tank.

• Cost, availability, infrastructure needs, space needs, and vehicle platform/design were all factors.


• Investigated availability and compatibility of conversion kits, equipment, and willingness of local area vendors to assist with project.

• Became a member of Wisconsin Clean Cities coalition, a non-profit organization whose mission is to reduce dependence on petroleum-based fuels, promote the use of alternative fuels and technologies, and improve air quality in Wisconsin.

• Networked with others who had, or were working on similar projects.


• Based upon research, projected the potential existed to save 30%-40% on annual fuel costs.– Based on gasoline costs at time of project

implementation and anticipated savings, projected a ROI of between 8-10 months on the conversion kit costs (approx. $5k).

• Arranged to include lease of skid-mounted, 1,000 gal. propane tank along with purchase of dispensing station in the project (took advantage of federal 30% federal tax credit available at the time for infrastructure expenses).


• Presented project, plans, and projected cost savings to Police and Fire Commission for review and approval, followed by presentation to the Common Council, seeking the required funding for the project of approximately $25,000.– Presented as a “green ($$), green” solution!

• Good for the budget (taxpayers) and the environment.

– Enthusiastically and unanimously approved by both Boards, in the fall of 2013.

Propane in Law EnforcementPort Washington Police Department

• Partnered with Boehlke Bottled Gas Corp. (infrastructure and autogas) and Freistadt Automotive (conversion installation) on project.

• Following site approval and permitting process, purchased and installed dispensing station along with a leased, skid-mounted fueling station (bulk tank).

• In late 2013 purchased and installed first conversion kit on a new 2014 Ford Police Interceptor Utility (PIU).


• The first converted squad, a 2014 Ford Police Interceptor Utility (PIU) was placed into service in late December, 2013.

• During first month of operation, experienced fuel savings of approximately $500 over a like quantity of gasoline.

• Two, additional new 2014 replacement squads (PIU) were converted in early 2014 and began operating on propane as primary fuel in July of 2014, following initial break-in period (3k miles).


• In early 2015 took delivery of a new 2015 squad (PIU). Aftermarket bi-fuel conversion kit was installed. Went live using propane as primary fuel in July, following initial break-in period. Brought our fleet inventory of alternatively fueled, dedicated patrol vehicles to 4.

• Will order a replacement squad, 2016 Ford (PIU) in coming months which will also be converted, leaving one remaining dedicated patrol vehicle (Impala) in fleet that will be rotated out of service in time and replaced with a new vehicle and autogas conversion.

Our Experience• To date, we have nearly 130,000 miles of experience

fueling/operating the squads on propane.

• Fuel economy, as expected, is slightly lower than on gasoline, due to propane’s lower energy content.– Averaging 10.5 mpg vs. 12 mpg for same vehicles burning

gasoline (Squads do experience significant engine idling time, which contributes to reduced fuel economy).

– However, fuel cost savings far outweigh minor reduction in average fuel economy.

• Significantly reduced annual fuel costs.– Price of propane historically more stable than gasoline.

– Each additional vehicle conversion we deploy acts as a “force multiplier,” resulting in additional fuel cost savings.

Outcomes• Since the inception of the program, with the exception

of the propane “shortage” of early 2014, our per gallon cost for propane has been at least 50% less than that of gasoline.

• Based on current fuel costs and savings, we expect to save approximately 54% over our typical annual fuel expenses.

• 2015 savings have already enabled us to pre-purchase our entire 2016 supply of propane out of our existing 2015 fuel account!

• Additional benefits include reduced vehicle maintenance costs, less frequent oil and filter changes, anticipated longer vehicle life, and a reduction in emissions and greenhouse gases into the environment.


• Questions?

Contact Info:

Mike Keller, Captain

Port Washington Police Department

Phone: 262-284-2611

Email: [email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

Education

2015 Fall Propane Autogas Roundtable - Port Washington Police Department Presentation