STATESVILLE, NC – A new report from the North Carolina Solar Center found that the Iredell County Sheriff’s fleet in North Carolina is reducing greenhouse gas emissions by up to 52% and will ultimately displace 296,400 gallons of gasoline with its 13 propane autogas cruisers.

The Iredell County Sheriff’s Office converted 13 Ford Crown Victoria patrol cars to bi-fuel autogas systems in 2011. The vehicles are expected to drive between 40,000-45,000 miles per year and displace about 2,850 gallons of gasoline per vehicle. Across 13 vehicles and for a service life of eight years, the propane-autogas fleet will displace 296,400 gallons of gasoline.

The Iredell County Sheriff’s fleet is experiencing 40-50% fuel savings, as well as reduced maintenance costs. Additionally, as propane-autogas vehicles displace nitrogen oxides by 50%, carbon monoxide by 52%, particulate matter by 40%, and carbon dioxide by 14% compared to gasoline vehicles.

Since the first 13 vehicles were converted, the fleet has added 16 additional autogas cruisers, for a total of 29 propane autogas fleet vehicles. The Sheriff Office aims to increase this number to 50 autogas vehicles within the next few years.