Virginia Clean Cities, a nonprofit that encourages fleets to use clean propane fuel via the Southeast Propane Autogas Development Program, is organizing training classes to enhance the knowledge of program fleets to perform repairs and maintenance correctly on propane autogas vehicles.
The two-day training classes are being conducted in Spotsylvania, Virginia from January 31 to February 1, 2012, and will be conducted in Iredell County, North Carolina from February 2 to 3, 2012.
Alliance AutoGas’ co-founding member, American Alternative Fuel is the host organization. Alliance AutoGas offers propane autogas fueling conversion equipment and infrastructure for program fleets, and Blossman Gas, fellow co-founding partner, supplies fuel. Ongoing technical support and training for fleets is an element of the comprehensive program of Alliance AutoGas. At least 1,195 propane autogas vehicle conversions will be completed as per the program by 2012 spring.
Fleets using clean-burning autogas as fuel source will decrease the emissions of adverse pollutants, save costs related fuel and maintenance and improve national energy security. Propane autogas costs are comparatively lesser than that of gasoline, and fueling infrastructure and vehicle conversion are helpful in saving costs for fleets.
Virginia Clean Cities’ Project Director, Peter Denbigh commented that safety training is important for mechanics, technicians and other fleet workers who involve with propane autogas vehicles, similar to that with conventional diesel and gasoline vehicles. Although the technology is different, autogas vehicles are now easy to operate like gasoline vehicles. Maintenance training is essential for personnel who work with a fleet that has an in-house service facility, Denbigh concluded.