Ann Arbor, Michigan
Zingerman’s in Ann Arbor is helping their city meet their Living Cabon Neutrality Plan by running their delivery trucks on propane.
Propane: A Solution to Reach Ann Arbor’s Climate Goals
Data from Argonne National Labs reveals propane’s environmental and financial potential when applied to Ann Arbor’s school bus fleet.
Ann Arbor’s ambitious Living Carbon Neutrality Plan aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030, moving from traditional fuel sources to electrical energy. This link leads to Ann Arbor’s Living Carbon Neutrality plan. The plan outlines how the Ann Arbor region will reach its environmental goals
Data shows that propane is the cleanest and most cost-effective way for Ann Arbor to reach its aggressive environmental goals.
Data was collected by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Argonne National Laboratory and applied to Ann Arbor Public School District’s 131 diesel/electric school buses. The findings illustrate the major differences in cost and environmental impact between electric and propane alternatives.
DTE Energy Electricity Generation Sources 2023*
Emissions Source: GREET Calculator 2022, Argonne National Laboratory.
For instance, electric buses produce 630 metric tons of pollutants compared to 507 metric tons from propane vehicles.
Department of Transportation:
Bus Lifecycle Cost Model for Federal Land Management Agencies
Moreover, electric buses in Ann Arbor are reported to cost 320% more than propane-fueled buses.
Department of Transportation:
Bus Lifecycle Cost Model for Federal Land Management Agencies
The overall total cost of ownership for these electric buses would be $37 million more than propane.
In contrast to the city’s focus on electrification, transitioning fleet vehicles to propane aligns with the broader goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions effectively and economically.
Resources:
Argonne National Laboratory Data
U.S Department of Transportation’s Fleet Data
Michigan Fleet Operator Testimonials
Ann Arbor’s Electric School Bus Pilot Program Results
Michigan’s Propane Clean Energy
