Sales of propane autogas vehicles in 2017 were down just slightly from the previous year, despite low gasoline and diesel prices and the absence of federal incentives for alternative fuels from the federal government.

The autogas fleet vehicles sold during 2017 will consume approximately 36.8 million gallons of clean propane autogas annually, according to the Propane Education & Research Council. Industry officials believe the flat sales in 2017 are signaling more growth for propane autogas vehicles in the near future.

“Propane autogas sales virtually held steady in a year where the conventional fuels held all of the advantages,” said Michael Taylor, director of autogas business development for PERC. “Looking ahead, our forecasts indicate there’s a lot to be optimistic about thanks to a variety of opportunities that will help increase propane autogas vehicle sales in 2018 and beyond.”

Opportunities helping to propel propane autogas sales in the near term include new OEM solutions (both standard and optional equipment packages) for medium- and heavy-duty truck applications, which will impact numerous applications and vocations.