Propane autogas conversion workshop

Local fleets such as school bus contractors, delivery firms, landscapers, taxi and shuttle operators, and municipalities. Some fuel-cost-minded individual owners of work trucks.

A fixed price per conversion (kit plus labor), plus ongoing inspections, maintenance and repairs. Repeat fleet contracts help keep the bays busy.

• Automotive mechanical or fuel-system experience
• Comfortable following safety and installation procedures
• Able to talk fuel savings with fleet managers

• Aftermarket conversions generally need to use EPA-compliant, certified systems for the vehicle type and year, so check the current rules before you quote any job
• Many states license or certify propane and fuel gas installers and technicians, so check your state's requirements
• Check fire codes, zoning and your lease for rules about working on gas systems in your building
• Garage liability and general liability insurance, plus workers' compensation once you hire, as errors in fuel systems carry serious safety risk
• Kit makers may require training and limit who can sell their systems, so confirm costs and territory terms before you commit
• Demand depends on local fleets and propane fueling stations, so check there is enough nearby before you invest

Startup costs are typically around $15,000 to $60,000, depending on workshop setup, tools, training and kit terms. These are estimates. Kit makers may require training and limit who can sell their systems, so confirm costs and territory terms first.

Monthly revenue is typically around $5,000 to $25,000, depending on how many fleet vehicles you convert and service. Demand depends on local fleets and propane fueling stations, so check there is enough nearby. Plan for around 25 hours a week at minimum.

Check that conversions use EPA-compliant, certified systems for the vehicle type and year. Also check whether your state licenses or certifies propane installers, plus fire codes, zoning and lease rules, and insurance such as garage liability.