Roush adds propane-powered E-250 to existing F-150 and F-250 line

Last month, Roush started showing off a new propane-powered F-250 truck to go alongside the gaseous F-150 that it released last year. Roush has now also announced that it will convert the E-250 van model to propane power as well. Both vehicles will reportedly be available later this year through Ford dealers in the United States and Canada.

Using propane as a fuel source has a few benefits over traditional gasoline and diesel. Propane is a form of natural gas and it burns much cleaner than other fossil fuels. Roush cites a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 18 percent, a reduction in nitrous oxide by 20 percent, a reduction in carbon monoxide by 60 percent and fewer particulate emissions when compared with an engine running on gasoline.

Roush's propane vehicles all use the 5.4-liter Ford V8 engine with a liquid propane conversion system. So equipped, there is no loss in horsepower or torque. There will, however, be a slight reduction in fuel mileage.

[Source: Roush]

PRESS RELEASE:

PROGRESS TOWARD DETROIT'S "GREEN-COLLAR REVOLUTION"
ROUSH and PERC Shift Focus to Existing Green Technology to Make Biggest Impact Now

ROUSH® Performance, with support from the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC), today introduced two new alternative fuel vehicles available through Ford dealers in the United States and Canada.

The 2010 ROUSH propane-powered Ford F-250 and 2010 ROUSH propane-powered Ford E-250 both achieve lower carbon and greenhouse gas emissions due to the use of propane as an engine fuel. On average, propane fleet vehicles reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 18 percent; create 20 percent less nitrous oxide; produce up to 60 percent less carbon monoxide; and fewer particulate emissions, compared to conventional gasoline. These vehicles follow the introduction of the ROUSH propane Ford F-150 in 2007.

In development for three years, the new low-carbon, propane-powered vehicles will meet strict Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and California Air Resources Board (CARB) certifications, ensuring availability in all 50 states.

The introductions put ROUSH at the front of the "green-collar revolution" in Detroit, namely because of the decision to focus on propane which, as an alternate fuel, is available right here, right now.

"By focusing on propane, ROUSH has been able to engineer green technology that is proven to reduce emissions now," said Jack Roush, chairman of ROUSH Enterprises. "And the upside is that we are hoping to add nearly 100 new green-collar jobs."

According to PERC CEO and President Roy Willis, propane is already the most widely used alternative fuel on roads today, powering 10 million vehicles around the world. "Of all available alternative fuels," said Willis, "propane offers the best mix of vehicle range, durability, and performance. And the nationwide propane infrastructure can readily and affordably be expanded to provide easy access to refueling stations for fleets and the public."

The Ford F-150, F-250 and E-250 are based on the 5.4L, 3-valve Ford V-8 powertrain, each using a ROUSH liquid propane injection fuel system, including new fuel rail assembly and fuel injectors. The propane trucks sustain no loss of horsepower, torque, or towing capacity as compared to a comparable gasoline-powered vehicle.

With F-250 deliveries anticipated to start in the third quarter, ROUSH will make this vehicle available in two forms. Customers can choose either a complete ROUSH-assembled 2010 F-250 with a 3-year/36,000-mile warranty or conversion kit that fits the 2009 and 2010 trucks. The additional cost for a ROUSH-assembled F-250 is $8,995 and qualifies for a federal tax credit of up to $4,500. At the pump, propane prices per gallon are normally lower than gasoline or diesel, and with the proper infrastructure in place, a fleet user can qualify for a 50-cent tax credit per gallon consumed.