Alliance AutoGas fuels North Carolina nonprofit

Adult Life Programs, a nonprofit organization in Hickory, North Carolina, that offers adult day services and transportation to individuals, is leading the way in its local community through the adoption of alternative fuels.

Adult Life Programs has a Ford E-350 passenger van and two Ford Transit passenger vans currently running on propane autogas. Photo courtesy of Alliance AutoGas

Last year, Adult Life Programs began looking for an alternative fuel option for its fleet of vans as a way to set an example in reducing emissions. Through its search, the nonprofit decided on autogas.

“A top priority for our organization is to be a leader in the community,” says Mark Bumgarner, executive director of Adult Life Programs. “We saw an opportunity to set an example for the area in being more environmentally conscious with our fleet, and we are happy that the decision was made.”

After deciding to implement an alternative fuel program, Adult Life Programs started working with Alliance AutoGas (AAG), based in Asheville, North Carolina, in April 2019. AAG provides the technology to convert a fleet’s existing vehicles to run on propane autogas, in addition to the refueling infrastructure, and then partners with a propane provider for the fuel. Alliance AutoGas member Blossman Gas was chosen as the refueling partner in this project.

Vehicles converted by AAG are bi-fuel, meaning they can run on propane as well as gasoline in the event that the driver is out of range of an autogas refueling location.

Adult Life Programs has a Ford E-350 passenger van and two Ford Transit passenger vans currently running on propane autogas.

“Our drivers were hesitant at first,” Bumgarner says. “However, they were pleased to discover how simple the refueling process is. The Blossman Gas store in Hickory has been very accommodating to our autogas needs and answering any questions we have.”

“It has been a pleasure for our store in Hickory to take care of Adult Life Programs’ autogas fuel needs,” says Jimmy Daley, manager of Blossman Gas in Hickory. “They provide important services to our community, and we want to make sure they can continue providing those services. Blossman looks forward to helping the adult day services bring better air quality to the community while saving on fuel prices by using autogas.”

Adult Life Programs has used more than 1,200 gallons of autogas since converting its vehicles last year.