Rhoads Energy adds two propane-powered Ford F-750s to fleet

Rhoads Energy has put two new propane-powered Ford F-750 trucks into service in Lancaster, Pa., expanding its autogas fleet to 16 vehicles. The move highlights lower fuel costs and emissions as the company grows its bioheat and propane operations.

Why it matters: - Rhoads Energy is betting that propane can cut operating costs for heavy-duty trucks while also lowering emissions. - The new trucks add to a fleet strategy that already includes serving bioheat customers and fueling propane-powered school buses across the region. - Pennsylvania grant money helped pay for the vehicles, showing state incentive programs can speed fleet fuel switching.

What happened: - Rhoads Energy announced it has put two new Ford F-750 trucks into service in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. - The trucks run entirely on propane. - Rhoads will use the trucks to deliver bioheat to customers. - With the additions, Rhoads Energy now operates 16 propane vehicles. - Propane vehicles now make up nearly 10% of Rhoads Energy’s 166-vehicle fleet.

The details: - Rhoads Energy says it pays about $1.60 per gallon for autogas, the propane used to fuel vehicles. - Diesel currently costs about $5.50 per gallon, according to the EIA. - Rhoads says the fuel-price gap creates significant savings for fleets that run propane vehicles. - EPA tests show propane vehicles can deliver an 80% reduction in exhaust coarse particulate matter compared with gasoline engines. - EPA tests also show a 95% reduction in evaporative volatile organic compounds. - EPA tests further show about 50% fewer toxins and smog-producing emissions. - Rhoads Energy says it supplies propane fuel for more than 250 propane-powered school buses in the region. - The company received $45,098 through Pennsylvania’s Alternative Fuels Incentive Grant program. - Rhoads used that money to help cover the cost of the two F-750s. - Pennsylvania’s Department of Environmental Protection runs the AFIG program. - The Propane Education & Research Council says more than 200,000 propane-fueled vehicles are in service in the U.S. and more than 28 million are in service worldwide.

Between the lines: - The announcement shows propane is still being positioned as a practical middle ground between diesel cost pressure and emissions goals. - Rhoads Energy is tying its fleet decisions to both economics and regional air-quality benefits. - The school bus and bioheat business lines suggest the company is building a broader propane ecosystem, not just converting a few trucks. - CEO Michael DeBerdine III said the company plans to keep growing the share of its fleet that runs on propane. - DeBerdine said the company’s shift to cleaner alternative fuels has been smart financially and for the region’s environment. - DeBerdine said commercial fleet operators and school districts should explore propane’s advantages.

What’s next: - Rhoads Energy plans to continue increasing the portion of its fleet that runs on propane. - The company is likely to keep pairing fleet expansion with fuel sales to school buses and other regional customers.

The bottom line: - Rhoads Energy is using propane not just as a fuel choice, but as a fleet and business strategy built around lower costs, lower emissions, and incentive-backed expansion.