Roush CleanTech expands alternative fuel technology product offerings with new propane autogas fuel systems for Ford F-59, F-53 and E-450 stripped chassis. As the first Ford Qualified Vehicle Modifier (QVM) to offer fuel systems for these platforms, Roush CleanTech fills the growing market demand in a variety of industries for a less expensive, clean-burning, domestic alternative fuel option.
The Ford F-59 commercial step van chassis and the Ford E-450 stripped chassis adapt to numerous fleet delivery applications, such as bakery, textile, multi-stop package delivery service, linen and medical services. The Ford F-53 platform offers a flexible commercial platform for trolleys, lunch trucks and more. The size and cargo capabilities of all three platforms are customizable for specific business vehicle applications.
"With excellent vehicle range and affordable price points, these platforms are a home run for hub and spoke model fleets," said Todd Mouw, vice president of sales and marketing for ROUSH CleanTech. "These commercial stripped chassis platforms operating on propane autogas can help companies save $35,000 or more in fuel and operating expenses over the vehicle's lifetime. And whether fleets use public fueling stations or install onsite private refueling, they'll find refueling is inexpensive and easy."
Built on a 2013 model year or newer chassis with a 6.8-liter, V10 engine, the ROUSH CleanTech propane autogas powered Ford F-53 and F-59 feature a 67-usable gallon propane autogas fuel tank. The Roush CleanTech propane autogas powered Ford E-450 stripped chassis comes equipped with a 41-usable gallon propane autogas fuel tank.
Each of the three Roush CleanTech fuel systems fulfill certification requirements in all 50 states by the California Air Resources Board and Environmental Protection Agency and achieve the same torque, towing and horsepower as conventionally fueled models.
An early adopter of the propane autogas fueled F-59 stripped chassis includes the City of Laguna Beach, Calif., for city trolleys.
"We've experienced high demand for alternative fuel options within the delivery, and propane autogas is the ideal fuel," said Sean Connolly, general manager of Green Alternative Systems, a certified Ford QVM alternative fuels installer and primary installation partner for the Roush CleanTech propane autogas powered Ford F-59 and F-53 stripped chassis. "These stripped chassis with the ROUSH CleanTech system run clean and reduce maintenance, fuel expenses and imported oil usage."
Roush CleanTech propane autogas vehicles emit 20 percent less nitrogen oxide, 60 percent less carbon monoxide and up to 25 percent less greenhouse gases. Historically priced 30 to 40 percent less than gasoline, propane autogas is readily available through a growing nationwide network of refueling infrastructure. Federal tax credits provide an additional 50-cents-per-gallon savings on fuel costs.
Next month at the NTEA Work Truck Show in Indianapolis, Roush CleanTech will display the first propane autogas Ford F-59.
All three platforms are available for immediate order through Roush CleanTech, and the vehicles' production and delivery begins in May.
This is the first of many new Ford product announcements to come from Roush CleanTech this year. "Ford continues to show leadership in the alternative fuel industry by providing gaseous fuel-prepped engine options that allow us to design, engineer and manufacture more and more propane autogas product offerings," said Mouw.
