Roush CleanTech announced that it has begun development of a liquid propane autogas fuel system for the Ford E-350 dual rear wheel (DRW) cutaway chassis. While this vehicle is used extensively by Frito-Lay, the first customer for the fuel system conversion, other fleets also will be able to utilize this technology to make the switch to propane autogas. The E-350 DRW cutaway will be based on the Ford 5.4L 2-valve V-8 engine and planned for first-quarter 2011 production
“Based on the proposed project, this appears to be a viable solution to improve our cost per mile, as well as reduce our environmental footprint,” says Joe Gold, fleet asset and engineering manager at Frito-Lay North America. “If technically successful, and if the conversion economics continue to be favorable, there is potential within the Frito-Lay fleet to convert up to 2,000 gasoline-powered vehicles to propane autogas across the U.S. within the next several years.”
The Roush CleanTech liquid propane autogas Ford E-350 cutaway is estimated to provide fuel savings and emissions reductions for two of the six criteria pollutants regulated under the National Ambient Air Quality Standards. “We are extremely pleased that Frito-Lay has seen the potential of the Roush CleanTech liquid propane autogas fuel systems,” says Joe Thompson, president of Roush CleanTech.
