New Propane Autogas Station Supports Clean Energy Access for Virginia Fleets

Virginia’s clean transportation network took a step forward as leaders from across the state gathered to celebrate the opening of a new propane autogas refueling station near Richmond International Airport. It will serve local fleets including Henrico County Schools’ propane-powered school buses and Park ‘N Go’s airport shuttle vehicles. The 1,990-gallon tank and dispenser will deliver a reliable, cost-effective refueling option.

According to research from the Richmond-based Propane Education & Research Council (PERC), propane autogas vehicles reduce harmful emissions by up to 96 percent and cut operating costs by as much as 50 percent compared with diesel.

For Henrico County Schools, the station builds upon the district’s broader effort to modernize student transportation. In January, the district added 10 propane autogas buses to the fleet. The buses transport hundreds of students daily, offering a quieter, cleaner ride while reducing harmful emissions in the neighborhoods they serve.

Park ‘N Go, which operates shuttle services for travelers at Richmond International Airport, has embraced propane autogas as part of its strategy to reduce emissions and fuel costs while maintaining reliable service for customers.

The station’s opening reflects Virginia’s movement toward clean energy technologies. In 2024, the state awarded a contract to fuel its public fleets with propane and renewable propane, a low-carbon alternative made from sustainable sources. The new contract provides school districts, transit systems, and government fleets access to favorable pricing and long-term stability.

The new station was made possible thanks to local propane supplier, Alliance AutoGas.

Vehicles and equipment displayed at the event demonstrated the wide range of applications for propane autogas. These included a school bus, a shuttle van, a transit van, a converted vehicle, a service truck, a truck and trailer with propane-powered lawnmowers, and a propane generator. Several of the vehicles on site demonstrated the latest in bi-fuel technology, which allows fleet owners to operate vehicles on both propane autogas and gasoline. Bi-fuel systems offer flexibility and extended driving range while allowing operators to reduce emissions and fuel costs without altering routes or performance expectations.

For more information, visit www.vacleancities.org.