Roush CleanTech launches Ford F-450, F-550 propane autogas fuel system
Roush CleanTech has announced its newest liquid propane autogas product offering - a liquid propane autogas fuel system for Ford’s medium duty F-450 and F-550 truck series.
Roush CleanTech already offers dedicated liquid-propane injection fuel systems for Ford F-150, F-250 and F-350 truck series; the E-150, E-250, E-350 and E-450 cutaway van series; and the Transit Connect.
“Going green is not just for light duty vehicles anymore,” said Joe Thompson, president of Roush CleanTech.
The new 6.8-liter V10 propane autogas-powered Ford F-450s and F-550s will be available for 2012 and later models. The first units are expected to ship beginning this October.
The liquid propane autogas fuel system is equipped with a 5-speed automatic transmission. It will work on all F-450 and F-550 cab and wheelbase configurations, as well as 4x2 or 4x4 models.
Based on today's fuel prices, Thompson said 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.
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 customers, another first for Roush CleanTech, he said.
The fuel system is currently in development and will be Environmental Protection Agency and California Air Resource Board 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, said Thompson. The 6.8-liter V10 autogas engine provides an alternative to fleet managers looking to replace aging diesel vehicles and reduce particulate emissions.
“Propane autogas offers many benefits to the fleet manager in terms of safety, economics, environmental soundness and convenience,” said 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.”
Autogas benefits
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, said Brian Feehan, vice president, engine fuel, Propane Education & Research Council (PERC). When compared to diesel fuel, the emissions reductions are even greater.
PERC promotes the safe, efficient use of odorized propane gas as a preferred energy source.
Propane autogas also offers up to 40 percent reduction in fuel costs when compared to gasoline, he said.
Roush CleanTech’s propane autogas fuel systems, exclusive to Ford, began with a offering for Ford’s F150 truck series. It is now working on systems for Ford’s F-650 and F-750 truck series.
For more information, visit www.roushcleantech.com.