Propane-powered vehicles are a viable alternative for light- and medium-duty fleets. While managers of these fleets are undoubtedly already familiar with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Vehicle Technology Program’s "Clean Cities" initiative, a new opportunity to reduce fuel use by incorporating alternative fuel vehicles and fuel-saving measures into their daily operations may not be so well-known. Through the public-private National Clean Fleets Partnership, DOE is prepared to assist companies in their efforts to reduce fuel use by offering specialized resources, technical expertise and support.

The partnership got a big initial boost with the commitment of five charter members, including AT&T, FedEx, PepsiCo, UPS and Verizon. These companies represent five of the nation’s 10 largest national fleets and collectively own and operate more than 275,000 vehicles. Their planned current and near-term strategies will include deployment of over 20,000 alternative fuel vehicles.

One of the opportunities for fleets that take part in the National Clean Fleets Partnership is the ability to replace gasoline and diesel vehicles with alternative fuel models powered by electricity, natural gas, biodiesel, ethanol, hydrogen and propane. One supplier ready to support that is Roush CleanTech. The Michigan-based company offers dedicated liquid propane fuel systems for a variety of light- and medium-duty Ford vehicles, including F-150, F-250 and F-350 pickup trucks; F-450 and F-550 chassis cabs; E-150, E-250 and E-350 vans and wagons, and E-350 and E-450 cutaway vans.

At the 2011 Work Truck Show, Roush CleanTech announced its newest offering. The 6.8-liter V10 propane-powered Ford Super Duty chassis cab will be available for 2012 models of Ford’s F-450 and F-550 trucks series, including all cab and wheelbase configurations, as well as 4×2 and 4×4 vehicles. Roush CleanTech is still finalizing details, but the company plans to offer up to three in-bed and under-bed tank configurations to conform to various body configurations and meet customer range requirements.

Already in use by a wide number of industries, propane-powered vehicles are especially popular with companies like Ferrellgas. Recently, the company announced plans to switch 1,000 of its medium-duty delivery and service vehicles to propane power over the next five years. Currently, 26% of the Ferrellgas fleet runs on propane.

The beverage distribution industry also is poised to become a key user of propane as a clean alternative fuel of choice. During the 2011 Beverage Fleet Summit, the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) displayed vehicles from its manufacturing partners, CleanFuel USA and Roush CleanTech, including a General Motors G-4500 cutaway van and a Ford E-450 cargo van.

“Going green is not just for light-duty vehicles anymore,” said Joe Thompson, president of Roush CleanTech. “Based on today’s fuel prices, a propane 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.”

Propane, according to Roush CleanTech, offers up to a 40% reduction in fuel costs when compared to gasoline. It also burns cleaner than gasoline or diesel. Propane as a vehicle fuel produces 20% less nitrogen oxide, up to 60% less carbon monoxide, 17% to 24% fewer greenhouse gas emissions, and fewer particulate emissions when compared to gasoline. When compared to diesel fuel, the emissions reductions are even greater.

Through the National Clean Fleets Partnership, DOE is now challenging other companies and industries to join the effort to reduce fuel use and harmful emissions by using alternative fuel-powered vehicles. The program includes assistance in pursuing group purchasing opportunities so smaller companies can realize the benefits of purchasing vehicles in bulk.

DOE also has developed a wide range of tools that provide information and analysis for interested fleet managers. Included are cost calculators, interactive maps, customizable database searches and mobile applications. For more information, click here.