Propane conversions from a rented garage bay

Small and mid-size fleets such as couriers, trades companies, landscapers and rural businesses that want lower fuel costs.

A fixed fee per conversion, often agreed in batches with a fleet, plus follow-up servicing and inspection work.

• Automotive mechanical experience
• Fuel system installation and diagnostics
• Quoting and writing up fleet proposals
• Building trust with business customers

• Technician and shop authorization rules vary by province, and a shared space may not qualify, so check first
• Kits generally need to meet emissions and safety standards, so confirm with the supplier and federal regulators
• Check who is liable if something goes wrong, and carry your own commercial general liability insurance
• Fleet customers can be slow to pay and may expect payment terms
• Winter slowdowns and uneven work, so plan your cash flow
• Savings depend on propane versus petrol prices, which can change

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $15,000 to $50,000, depending on bay rental terms, tools, conversion kits and insurance. Ask the garage owner what is included in rent before you commit.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $5,000 to $25,000, depending on how many fleet vehicles you convert each month and how steady the work is. Plan for at least about 20 hours a week.

Technician and shop authorization rules vary by province, and a shared space may not qualify, so check first. Confirm kit emissions and safety standards with your supplier and federal regulators, and check liability and your own commercial general liability insurance.