ROUSH CleanTech’s Ford E-450 Cutaways Fueled by Propane Autogas Receive CARB Approval, Make First Shipment
Michigan (February 22, 2011) — The first shipment of ROUSH CleanTech’s brand new propane autogas fuel system for Ford E-450 cutaway vans will leave Michigan this month. The system has received certification by both the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and California Air Resources Board (CARB) for sale in all 50 states.
Southern California-based AvcoGas Propane Sales and Service, a ROUSH CleanTech-certified propane autogas conversion center, will deliver the vehicles to Marquez & Marquez Foods, a manufacturer and deliverer of corn chips and snacks, located in South Gate, Calif.
Funded in part by the Propane Education & Research Council, the ROUSH CleanTech propane autogas-powered Ford E-450 dual rear wheel cutaway meets the stringent standards set by both the EPA and CARB for improving air quality and reducing the public’s exposure to air contaminants. The fuel system isavailable for 2010 and 2011 model years equipped with the 6.8-liter V10 engine and 158-inch or 176-inch wheelbase vehicles. The system’s fuel tank carries a usable capacity of 41 gallons and sits aft of the rear axle, in the same location as Ford’s gasoline tank. It is backed by Ford’s warranty and reputation for dependability and reliability.
“We are completely focused on turning out fresh products to reach new markets in 2011, and the Ford E-450 cutaway liquid propane autogas fuel system is a perfect example of a clean, green, EPA- and CARB-certified solution for airport shuttles, delivery vehicles, and buses,” said Todd Mouw, vice president of sales and marketing at ROUSH CleanTech. “This vehicle will help public and private fleets in their efforts at diesel displacement.”
“AvcoGas is a champion for ROUSH CleanTech’s propane autogas products,” said Ray Alvarado, president and owner of AvcoGas. “When driving a Ford truck or van equipped with ROUSH CleanTech technology, our customers immediately notice there is no loss in horsepower, torque, or towing capacity.”
AvcoGas’ initial shipment of 25 units will displace more than 550,000 gallons of gasoline and more than 2.4 million pounds of carbon dioxide over the life of the vans. “The delivery vehicles we will be retrofitting for Marquez travel in excess of 200,000 miles in their lifetime,” said Alvarado. “By switching to propane autogas, Marquez is not only reducing the amount of foreign oil the company consumes, but they are doing their part to clean the air in the neighborhoods they service – all without compromising vehicle performance.”
Propane autogas burns cleaner than gasoline or diesel, with up to 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. The switch to propane autogas comes with impressive savings as well, including lower operating and maintenance costs; lower fuel costs, in part due to a $.50 per gallon federal tax credit; and increased engine longevity.
The Ford E-450 cutaway platform lends itself to growth in the propane autogas vehicle industry. Currently, it is the same platform being used by Micro Bird for their Type A school bus fueled by propane autogas.
About the company: Based in Plymouth Township, Mich., ROUSH CleanTech offers dedicated liquid-propane injection fuel systems for a variety of light- and medium- duty Ford vehicles, including the F-150, F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 truck series, and the E-150, E-250, E-350, and E-450 cutaway van series. Currently offered through authorized Ford dealerships around the country, the ROUSH CleanTech propane system delivers the same factory Ford performance characteristics, warranty coverage, and serviceability. Customers can reduce operating costs significantly while reducing vehicle emissions. Complete details on ROUSH CleanTech propane offerings can be found online at www.roushcleantech.com or by calling 800-59-ROUSH.
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