ROUSH CleanTech Launches Ford F-450 / F-550 Propane Autogas Fuel System at 2011 NTEA Work Truck Show
Michigan (March 8, 2011) — ROUSH CleanTech announced its newest liquid propane autogas product offering at the 2011 National Truck Equipment Association’s Work Truck Show today at the Indianapolis Convention Center in Indiana.
“We saw tremendous support from the nearly 50 accredited press representatives in attendance today,” said Brian Miller, vice president of sales for Ferrellgas, the nation’s second-largest propane retailer. “It’s energizing to see such affirmation for the work ROUSH CleanTech and its propane autogas partners, including the Propane Education and Research Council, have put into developing an alternative fuel product that meet a wide range of fleet applications without compromising the necessary power and performance to get the job done.”
The new 6.8-liter V10 propane autogas-powered Ford F-550 super duty chassis cab is designed to suit a wide range of uses including dump, landscape, flatbed, construction, waste, utility, freight, and more. A prototype of the vehicle is on display this week in the Ford Commercial Truck booth No. 3431.
The propane autogas fuel system will be available for 2012 and later models of the Ford F-450 and F-550 truck series, and is expected to ship beginning in October of 2011. The system, equipped with a 5-speed automatic transmission, will work on all cab and wheelbase configurations, as well as 4×2 or 4×4 vehicles.
“Going green is not just for light-duty vehicles anymore,” said Joe Thompson, president of ROUSH CleanTech. “This truck has massive capacity, exceptional maneuverability, and rugged construction. It’s a workhorse in the field and economical on paper. Based on today’s fuel prices, a propane autogas Ford F-450 or F-550 can save $30,000 over a 200,000 mile vehicle life, and can reduce the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere by 120,000 pounds or more.”
According to Miller, Ferrellgas has already signed on to boost their propane autogas fleet numbers with the announcement of this medium-duty application. Currently, 26 percent of Ferrellgas’ delivery and service fleet is reaping the benefits of running on propane autogas, and the company will be switching an additional 1,000 vehicles to the eco-friendly fuel over the next five years.
“We are a large proponent of propane in all applications,” said Miller. “Actions speak louder than words and we want our customers to follow our example in reducing our country’s dependence on foreign oil while providing for a greener tomorrow.”
While ROUSH CleanTech is still finalizing the details on tank capacity and options, the plan is to offer up to three tank configurations for the Ford F-450 and F-550 propane autogas fuel system — an in-bed tank and two under-bed tanks. The fuel tank choices will be able to be combined to conform to various body configurations and to meet the range requirements of their customers, another first for ROUSH CleanTech.
The fuel system is currently in development and will be Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and California Air Resource Board (CARB) certified at launch. The system will be available as a Ford ship-through option for installation on new vehicles, or as a retrofit option for vehicles already in service. The factory Ford warranty will be upheld after installation.
ROUSH CleanTech recognizes that increasing costs related to diesel engines, including maintenance and fuel cost, are putting the squeeze on fleet managers. This 6.8-liter V10 engine provides an alternative to fleet managers looking to replace aging diesel vehicles and reduce particulate emissions.
“Propane autogas offers so many benefits to the fleet manager in terms of safety, economics, environmental soundness, and convenience,” assures Thompson. “There are thousands of refueling stations across the U.S., and many fleets are installing low-cost on-site refueling infrastructure to eliminate the need for off-site stations.”
Propane autogas burns cleaner than gasoline or diesel, with 20 percent less nitrogen oxide, up to 60 percent less carbon monoxide, 17 to 24 percent fewer greenhouse gas emissions, and fewer particulate emissions when compared to gasoline. When compared to diesel fuel, the emissions reductions are even greater. Propane autogas also offers up to 40 percent reduction in fuel costs when compared to gasoline.
Other versions of ROUSH CleanTech’s line up of propane autogas work vehicles will be on display at partner booths within the NTEA Work Truck Show, including a Ford E-series cargo van at the Propane Autogas Pavilion (booth No. 5085,) a Ford E-350 dual rear wheel cutaway equipped with a Knapheide KUV body at the Knapheide booth (No. 3741), and a Ford E-450 dual rear wheel cutaway equipped with a Knapheide box in the Green Truck Ride & Drive.
In addition to a new product rollout, Brian Carney, ROUSH CleanTech’s director of marketing, spoke during the Alternative Gaseous Fuel Systems session. The summit’s educational sessions provided insight into funding green fleets, implementing programs, and achieving carbon footprint reduction.
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