Ohio Propane School Buses
One-stop for huge savings on vehicle fuel, maintenance, fueling infrastructure, and tailpipe emissions
STEP 1: Propane Bus Types
Cost Per Mile - Type C
| Fuel | Propane | Electricity | Diesel | Gasoline | Natural Gas |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
COST/MILE |
$0.63 |
$2.02 |
$0.86 |
$0.85 |
$0.76 |
More Uptime
MINIMIZE
Unexpected Downtime for Repairs
SUPERIOR PERFORMANCE
in Cold Weather
Lowest Total Cost-of-Ownership
NO
Volatile Pricing
NO
Additional Fluids or Filters
Safer for Kids, Teachers & Parents
MORE PLEASANT
Journey for Everyone
NOTICEABLY QUIETER
Operation than Diesel
No more black smoke for kids
With propane fuel (autogas), school districts are providing healthier environments for students, drivers, and their neighborhoods by substantially reducing tailpipe emissions.
Propane is a clean-burning alternative fuel that’s been used for decades to power light, medium, and heavy-duty propane vehicles.
Source: AFDC.energy.gov
Propane Out-preforms Electric
See the numbers for yourself
The affordability and scalability of propane autogas refueling options are unmatched compared with electric. These examples compare the typical expected costs of propane fuel (autogas) refueling infrastructure with comparable recharging infrastructure for electric school bus fleets.
| Fuel | Propane | Electric | Diesel |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Purchase Cost |
$140,000 / bus |
$420,000 / bus |
$136,000 / bus |
|
|
$20K – $60K $1,500 – $15K |
$80K – $480K |
N/A |
|
Fuel Range |
up to |
up to |
up to |
|
Fueling / Charging Time |
6-8 min. |
6-8 hours |
6-8 min. |
|
Cost Per Mile* |
$0.63 |
$2.02 |
$0.86 |
School Bus Weight Comparisons
(based on 72-passengers school buses)
| Fuel | Weight |
|---|---|
|
Propane |
18,887 LBs |
|
Diesel |
19,237 LBs |
|
Electric |
22,679 LBs |
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, the EPA considers propane as a clean alternative fuel under the Energy Policy Act of 1992.
Propane autogas vehicles cut significantly more NOx (Nitrogen oxides) and greenhouse gas emissions compared to diesel and gasoline. The EPA considers propane a clean fuel. Propane is known as the number one alternative fuel around the world.
Propane vehicles have been widely used and refined for decades, and a propane vehicle’s power, acceleration, and cruising speed are similar to those of conventionally fueled vehicles.
There are over 700 propane buses and over 30,000 propane vehicles in operation around the state of Ohio. Twenty-nine school districts are currently using propane in their bus fleet, but that number is growing.
Propane Autogas is nontoxic, has a lower flammability range than conventional gasoline, and odorized for easy detection. Propane containers are equipped with safety devices, including pressure-relief valves, shut-off valves that detect fuel line ruptures, and overfill protection. As well as being constructed from carbon steel and are 20 times more puncture-resistant than conventional gasoline and diesel tanks.
When you switch your bus fleet to propane, you not only save on fuel costs, but maintenance costs as well. Propane does not require extra fuel conditioners like diesel, requires less oil by volume, does not require an engine block heater and engines last longer due to propane’s clean properties.
The Ohio Propane Gas Association offers a $4,000 rebate (up to $20,000) to Ohio residents that are either buying a new propane vehicle (including school buses), or converting their vehicle to propane.
STEP 2: Propane Engines & Conversions
Micro Bird G5 School Bus
Peak Power & Torque
| Chassis Type | Power | Torque |
|---|---|---|
|
2022 E-350 |
325 hp @ 3750 rpm |
450 ft-lbs @ 3750 rpm |
|
2022 E-450 |
300 HP @ 3,800 |
425 lb-ft @ 3,250 |
Blue Bird Type C School Bus
Peak Power & Torque
| Governed Speed | Power | Torque |
|---|---|---|
|
4250 rpm |
320 hp |
460 lb-ft |
PURCHASE NEW / USED SCHOOL BUSES AND MAINTENANCE THROUGH ROUSH AND CARDINAL BUS SALES & SERVICE, INC.
Frequently Asked Questions
Vehicles equipped with Roush CleanTech’s propane autogas fuel systems retain equivalent horsepower, torque, towing capacity and warranty coverage as gas and diesel counterparts.
Propane shines in cold temperatures. It does not require a block heater, unlike diesel and heats the bus up quicker in the cold. Shawn Dawson, Fleet and Operations Manager at Westerville City Schools in Westerville, OH, stated, “Our propane buses performed phenomenally in the freezing cold. We did not have to plug in heaters for the buses, and they started right up.”
The average mileage a Type C propane school bus can get on one tank of propane is 300-350 miles.
On average, the size of a propane tank on a Type C school bus holds about 67-93 gallons of usable propane.
Yes, Roush CleanTech offers online, onsite and a 2-day training factory workshop for your bus mechanics to get trained to work on propane buses.
On average, a Type C propane school bus costs about $108,000.
Once you have decided to make the switch to propane, reach out to your local propane supplier or propane bus dealer and they will get you started on converting your fleet to propane.
STEP 3: Fueling & Infrastructure
Private (fleet owned or propane supplier owned) and Public Options Available
| Options | Onsite Standard Private station | Onsite Advanced Private station |
|---|---|---|
|
Fleet Size
|
Best for a fleet of less than 50 |
Best for 50+ vehicles |
|
Set-Up
|
Onsite 1,000 – 3,000-gallon tank |
Larger gallon tank, canopy & multiple dispensers |
|
Propane Supplier Owns Infrastructure |
The fleet is responsible for site preparation: crash protection and electrical.
Cost for Fleet: $1,500-$15,000 (site preparation) |
The fleet is responsible for site preparation: crash protection and electrical for a two-dispenser setup.
Cost for Fleet: $5,000-$75,000 (site preparation) |
|
Fleet Owns Infrastructure |
The fleet will need to account for purchasing the propane tank, pump, motor, and dispenser.
Cost for Fleet: $20,000-$60,000 (infrastructure) + $1,500-$15,000 (site preparation) |
The fleet is responsible for site preparation: crash protection and electrical for a two-dispenser setup.
Cost for Fleet: $60,000-$225,000 (infrastructure) + $5,000-$75,000 (site preparation) |
|
Private or Public Network |
|---|
|
Fleets with limited space, or fleets needing more fueling locations along their routes can take advantage of this option with no infrastructure investment. Network refueling stations are accessible 24/7 through a card lock system.
If a network is not currently available in your area, a propane supplier may create one for your fleet, if it’s large enough. Alternatively, multiple fleets can team up to provide adequate load for requesting a refueling network. |
Onsite Standard Private station
- Best for a fleet of less than 5o
- Onsite 1,000 – 3,000-gallon tank
Option 1: Propane Supplier Owns Infrastructure
The fleet is responsible for site preparation: crash protection and electrical.
Cost for Fleet: $1,500-$15,000 (site preparation)
Option 2: Fleet Owns Infrastructure
The fleet will need to account for purchasing the propane tank, pump, motor, and dispenser.
Cost for Fleet: $20,000-$60,000 (infrastructure) + $1,500-$15,000 (site preparation)
Onsite Advanced Private station
- Best for 50+ vehicles
- Larger gallon tank, canopy & multiple dispensers
Option 1: Propane Supplier Owns Infrastructure
The fleet is responsible for site preparation: crash protection and electrical for a two-dispenser setup.
Cost for Fleet: $5,000-$75,000 (site preparation)
Option 2: Fleet Owns Infrastructure
The fleet is responsible for site preparation: crash protection and electrical for a two-dispenser setup.
Cost for Fleet: $60,000-$225,000 (infrastructure) + $5,000-$75,000 (site preparation)
Private or Public Network
Fleets with limited space, or fleets needing more fueling locations along their routes can take advantage of this option with no infrastructure investment. Network refueling stations are accessible 24/7 through a card lock system.
If a network is not currently available in your area, a propane supplier may create one for your fleet, if it’s large enough. Alternatively, multiple fleets can team up to provide adequate load for requesting a refueling network.
Work With Your Propane Provider to
Get the Lowest Cost Per Mile
There are 263 Propane Marketers in Ohio, Use the Map to Find One in Your Local Area
Propane Public Fueling Stations & Service Centers
Propane Public Fueling Stations
& Service Centers
Frequently Asked Questions
Unlike diesel’s one-year shelf life and gasoline’s 3 to 6 month shelf life, propane can be stored indefinitely so it is highly effective and convenient for both residential and commercial sectors.
Contact your local propane marketer and they can offer an inexpensive lease of the tank, pump, and dispensing equipment in return for a fuel supply contract. Or, they can contact an infrastructure manufacture to purchase your own fueling equipment and shop around for propane fueling prices.
STEP 4: Funding Options
OPGA Offers up to $20,000 for Propane Vehicles, up to $5,000 for Mowers
Limit of five (5) rebates per single entity
I. Propane Vehicles and Lawn Mowers
The Ohio Propane Gas Association (OPGA) is offering Ohio propane customers $4,000 rebates, up to $20,000, for the purchase of new propane vehicles or new propane vehicle conversions. $1,000, up to $5,000, is being offered for new propane lawn mowers or mower conversions. Propane companies and their employees are also eligible to apply. Rebates are available first come, first serve, while funding lasts.
Vehicle qualifications (EPA approved engines / conversions) include:
- School Buses registered and operated in Ohio
- New propane buses
Used Propane School Buses, 2019 or newer
New propane conversion vehicles (current model year or previous model year with less than 15,000 miles)
- New propane OEM lawn mower
- New propane converted mower (less than 250 hours)
Funding qualifications include:
- Limit of five (5) rebates per single entity
- All eligible purchases or propane retrofit installations must occur within 2024, as program closes Dec. 31, 2024
- Before receiving an OPGA Autogas rebate, all federal and state incentives must be applied, and funds may be used for incremental cost of propane vehicle vs. gasoline or diesel vehicle only.
- A completed initial survey and final survey is required for each vehicle incentive
- Recipient agrees to maintain and submit a report one-year after rebate received:
- Miles driven for vehicles or hours used for mowers
- Gallons of propane used
- Anecdotal performance characteristics
- 50% rebate funds disbursed after initial survey, 50% rebate funds disbursed at final survey
(The OPGA uses data for vehicle performance vs. gasoline)
- Vehicle Information
- Applicant information
- Propane Marketer information
- Attach invoice for new propane vehicle or propane retrofit system
Return completed application in one-of-three ways:
- Email to: OPGA@kdafirm.com
- Fax to: (517) 485-9408
- Mail to:
OPGA
605 N. High St. #214
Columbus, OH 43215
Opened: Tuesday, May 7th, 2024
Deadline: Friday, December 6th, 2024 at 11:59 PM ET
Includes propane vehicles. Eligible diesel vehicles, engines, and equipment include School buses, Class 5 – Class 8 heavy-duty highway vehicles, Locomotive engines, Marine engines, Non-road engines, equipment or vehicles used in construction, handling of cargo (including at ports or airports), agriculture, mining or energy production (including stationary generators and pumps).
CONTACT:DERA Helplinedera@epa.gov877-623-2322
National Tax Credit Information
Good news for fleets running on propane! You can claim a $0.37 per gallon tax credit for propane used to fuel your vehicles through December 31, 2024. This applies to propane purchased after December 31, 2015, and is calculated using the gasoline gallon equivalent (GGE), which equals 5.75 pounds of propane.
Even tax-exempt entities like state and local governments can benefit if they use propane from on-site fueling stations. To qualify, you must be registered with the IRS and can apply this credit against your alternative fuel tax liability, with any excess available as a direct payment.
Want to claim your credit? Check out IRS Form 4136 for details.
If you’re installing propane fueling infrastructure between January 1, 2023, and December 31, 2032, you may qualify for the Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Credit. Businesses can receive:
- 6% of installation costs (up to $100,000), or
- 30% of installation costs (up to $100,000) if labor and apprenticeship rules are met.
This credit applies to fuel dispensers and essential parts like installation labor. Tax-exempt entities, including state and local governments, may also qualify for the same credit.
For residential installations, consumers can claim a credit of up to 30% of the cost (up to $1,000) for propane fueling equipment installed at their homes.
To qualify, fueling equipment must be installed in a low-income or rural area. Check if your location qualifies using the 30C Tax Credit Eligibility Locator.
For more information, see IRS Form 8911.
Certain uses of propane in vehicles are exempt from federal fuel taxes. If propane is used in any of the following ways, it may qualify for an exemption:
- On farms for agricultural purposes
- In specific intercity or local buses
- In school buses
- Exclusively by non-profit educational organizations
- Exclusively by state or local governments
Note that tax-exempt entities that don’t pay excise taxes on transportation fuel are not eligible. For further information, refer to IRS Publication 510.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Ohio Propane Gas Association offers a $4,000 rebate (up to $20,000) to Ohio residents that are either buying a new propane vehicle (including school buses), or converting their vehicle to propane.
- – Entities residing in Ohio where on-road vehicles are registered and operated in Ohio
- Any new propane school bus
- New vehicles have no more than 5,000 miles.
Yes, if you already have propane school buses and would like to expand your fleet of propane, you qualify for the OPGA’s propane vehicle rebate.
You can purchase propane vehicles straight from the manufacture or your local dealership; just let them know you would like to purchase a propane school bus.
