Propane & CNG Conversion

Okapro Automotive's roots are in alternative fuel systems. When the company was founded in 1987, it operated as Okanagan Propane & Automotive, a name that reflects the core expertise that has distinguished this shop from general repair facilities for nearly four decades. While the shop has grown into a full-service automotive facility serving European, Asian, and North American vehicles, our propane and CNG conversion and maintenance capabilities remain unmatched in the Kelowna region. No other shop in the Okanagan combines this depth of alternative fuel experience with comprehensive general automotive service.

Propane autogas (LPG) is the world's most widely used alternative vehicle fuel. Over 25 million vehicles globally run on propane autogas, and for good reason. Propane delivers compelling economics: propane fuel costs have historically run 30–50% below gasoline prices in Canada, and the price stability of propane is generally better than gasoline because it is less exposed to crude oil market volatility. For fleet operators — delivery companies, utility crews, municipal services, agricultural operations — the fuel savings on high-mileage vehicles can represent tens of thousands of dollars annually. For individuals who drive significant annual mileage, the payback period on a propane conversion investment is often under two years.

Beyond economics, propane offers genuine environmental benefits. Propane combustion produces significantly fewer particulate emissions than gasoline or diesel, lower NOx emissions, and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. In terms of energy source security, propane produced in Canada doesn't carry the geopolitical supply risk associated with petroleum imports. British Columbia has supported alternative fuel vehicle adoption through rebate programs — our team can advise on current provincial incentives available for propane and CNG conversions.

A propane vehicle conversion involves replacing or supplementing the gasoline fuel system with a propane delivery system. Modern bi-fuel conversions allow the vehicle to run on either propane or gasoline — the driver selects the fuel or the system switches automatically when one tank is exhausted. This flexibility eliminates range anxiety and ensures you can always fuel up even in areas without propane fuelling infrastructure. Dedicated propane conversions, where the vehicle runs exclusively on propane, offer maximum system simplicity and cost savings but require reliable access to propane fuelling. Kelowna and the surrounding Okanagan have reasonable propane fuel availability.

The conversion process begins with a thorough evaluation of your vehicle to confirm it's a good candidate for propane conversion. Not all vehicles are equally well-suited — engine type, existing fuel system condition, intended use, and annual mileage all factor into the recommendation. We consider the vehicle's emissions certification, whether the conversion will maintain compliance with BC emissions requirements, and the practical infrastructure of propane fuel availability for your driving patterns. For fleet operators, we also consider maintenance schedules and driver training requirements.

Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) is another alternative fuel option we service. CNG vehicles run on the same natural gas that heats homes and businesses, stored at high pressure in purpose-built cylinders. Natural gas is the cleanest-burning fossil fuel, producing very low particulate and CO2 emissions. CNG is particularly compelling for vehicles that return to a central depot each day — the home-fuelling or depot-fuelling model works well for CNG because of the fuelling infrastructure requirements. Transit fleets, refuse vehicles, and large delivery fleets in Canada have adopted CNG widely. For the right application, CNG delivers outstanding operating economics and emissions benefits.

Okapro Automotive services existing propane and CNG systems as well as performing new conversions. Propane systems require periodic inspection of fuel cylinders (hydrostatic testing per Transport Canada regulations), fuel line condition, regulator function, vaporizer service, injector cleaning, and ECU calibration. We perform this specialist maintenance to keep alternative fuel systems safe, compliant, and performing optimally. Call us at (250) 861-4354 to discuss whether a propane or CNG conversion makes sense for your vehicle or fleet.