Our team just returned from an informative and productive weekend in Charlotte, North Carolina, at the National Propane Gas Association’s Southeast Propane Expo. It was a pleasure to spend quality time with our propane industry friends and partners, and I want to share some of the key takeaways from the weekend with you.
We caught up with Todd Mouw from ROUSH CleanTech during NTEA’s Work Truck Week 2025 to talk about the evolving fuel conversation in the fleet space. From the early push for natural gas to the electric wave and now a more uncertain future — ROUSH continues to lead with a common-sense approach.
In recent years, electric school buses have dominated the conversation as the only path to sustainable student transportation. Electrification will continue to play a big role in how we transform our transportation system, but we believe that it is not a silver bullet. There are other technologies and domestic energy choices that reduce harmful emissions and operational costs.
The Rapid, based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, has seen good results from its 62 Ford E-450 propane buses equipped with ROUSH CleanTech systems.
Currently, more than 75% of The Rapid’s paratransit fleet runs on propane, with its propane buses traveling over 1.8 million miles in 2024. These propane buses have seen a 118% fuel savings per gallon, which has allowed the company to tap into federal and private funding to cover the capital costs.
It was great seeing many of you last week at NTEA’s Work Truck Week in Indianapolis. I’m sure those who attended can agree that the keynote speech given by Coach K (Mike Krzyzewski) left quite a mark. With the NCAA’s March Madness around the corner, hearing from him felt more than appropriately timed.
“Autogas is an excellent way to expand gallon growth within one’s market. These gallons are weather independent and provide customers with a clean, affordable fuel.”
Blue Bird Presents its Latest Zero- and Low-Emission Commercial Vehicle Solutions at Work Truck Week
Blue Bird Corporation (Nasdaq: BLBD), the leader in electric and low-emission school buses, highlights its latest zero- and ultra-low emission commercial vehicle solutions at the upcoming Work Truck Week 2025 (WTW25). The company debuts its groundbreaking propane-powered Class 5-6 stripped chassis. In addition, Blue Bird presents its state-of-the-art electric step van at the show’s Ride & Drive. WTW25 takes place on March 4–7, 2025, at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, Ind.
As energy costs rise and emissions standards become more stringent, paratransit fleets are turning to propane autogas. Several recent studies have shown the effectiveness of propane autogas for paratransit fleets seeking to lower both emissions and operational costs while reliably meeting their performance needs.
Well, 2025 is off to quite a start regardless of which side of the aisle you are on.
The crude oil and natural gas tariffs and subsequent 30 day pause for Canada should drive us to look inward as a country and leverage the vast domestic energy resources at our fingertips.
The Engine Technology Forum (ETF) is excited to announce Roush Enterprises, Inc. (Roush) as its latest member. The ETF is a nonprofit group focused on improving the understanding of advanced engines, fuels, and technologies. Members of the ETF are leaders in these critical industries.
