Winnipeg Pilots Propane Trucks for Cleaner City Operations

Winnipeg, the capital city of Manitoba, Canada, is set to begin a pioneering initiative this fall, converting 20 municipal trucks from gasoline to propane. This step is part of the city’s broader strategy to reduce emissions and lower operational costs. The conversion will target light to medium pickup trucks used by the public works department, utilizing a more cost-effective and straightforward modification process.

Adam Campbell, a city spokesperson, explained that the vehicles would undergo a simple yet effective transformation. Each truck will be fitted with a compressed natural gas propane tank and adjustments to the engine’s fueling system, enabling them to run on propane. This conversion process can be completed in just one day by a certified installer.

The project, estimated to cost about $130,000, aims to demonstrate the viability of propane as a cleaner alternative fuel through all four seasons, expecting to last up to two years. Campbell noted that while the city does not have precise figures on potential savings yet, the environmental benefits are clear. Switching to propane is projected to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 25%.

Local officials are currently in the process of selecting a propane supplier, with plans to establish a fueling station within 10 kilometers of the public works facility located at 1220 Pacific Avenue. The pilot will also include a tracking system to monitor propane usage per vehicle, ensuring efficient management and assessment of the program.

Councilor Lukes from Waverley West emphasized the economic advantages of propane over electric vehicles, particularly given the high costs associated with purchasing new electric vehicles and installing the necessary charging infrastructure. “Propane offers a substantial reduction in greenhouse gases and is significantly more economical,” Lukes stated.

If successful, this pilot program could pave the way for more extensive use of propane in the city’s fleet. Campbell expressed his hopes to expand propane use to larger vehicles, including pickup trucks, sand-spreader vehicles, and ladder trucks used by public works. He acknowledged the higher costs and limited availability of electric alternatives for such heavy-duty applications.

Implications for Propane Businesses
This initiative not only highlights the environmental benefits of propane but also presents significant business opportunities for propane suppliers. By demonstrating propane’s effectiveness in reducing both emissions and expenses for municipal operations, propane businesses could see an increase in demand from public sectors seeking sustainable, cost-effective fuel alternatives. This could lead to expanded markets, more extensive contracts, and a stronger presence in municipal sustainability efforts.