Roush CleanTech said its newest liquid propane autogas product offering, the 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.
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.”
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.
The fuel system is currently in development and will be EPA- and 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, according to Roush.
According to the company, propane autogas burns cleaner than gasoline or diesel, with 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. Propane autogas also offers up to 40% reduction in fuel costs when compared to gasoline.
