Roush CleanTech announced that its propane autogas fuel system for Ford E-450 cutaway vans, the first shipment of which will leave Michigan this month, has received certification by both the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and California Air Resources Board for sale in all 50 states.
Southern California-based AvcoGas Propane Sales and Service, a Roush CleanTech-certified propane autogas conversion center, will deliver the vehicles to Marquez & Marquez Foods, a manufacturer and deliverer of corn chips and snacks, located in South Gate, Calif.
Roush CleanTech says the propane autogas-powered Ford E-450 dual rear wheel cutaway, funded in part by the Propane Education & Research Council, is available for 2010 and 2011 model years equipped with the 6.8-liter V10 engine and 158-inch or 176-inch wheelbase vehicles. The system’s fuel tank carries a usable capacity of 41 gallons and sits aft of the rear axle, in the same location as Ford’s gasoline tank. It is backed by Ford’s warranty.
“We are completely focused on turning out fresh products to reach new markets in 2011, and the Ford E-450 cutaway liquid propane autogas fuel system is a perfect example of a clean, green, EPA- and CARB-certified solution for airport shuttles, delivery vehicles and buses,” says Todd Mouw, vice president of sales and marketing at Roush CleanTech. “This vehicle also will help public and private fleets in their efforts at diesel displacement.”
Roush CleanTech says the Ford E-450 cutaway platform lends itself to growth in the propane autogas vehicle industry; currently, it is the same platform being used by Micro Bird for their Type A school bus fueled by propane autogas. “AvcoGas is a champion for Roush CleanTech’s propane autogas products,” says Ray Alvarado, president and owner of AvcoGas. “When driving a Ford truck or van equipped with Roush CleanTech technology, our customers immediately notice there is no loss in horsepower, torque or towing capacity.”
AvcoGas’ initial shipment of 25 units will displace more than 550,000 gallons of gasoline and more than 2.4 million pounds of carbon dioxide over the life of the vans. “The delivery vehicles we will be retrofitting for Marquez travel in excess of 200,000 miles in their lifetime,” Alvarado says. “By switching to propane autogas, Marquez is not only reducing the amount of foreign oil the company consumes, but they are doing their part to clean the air in the neighborhoods they service – all without compromising vehicle performance.”
Roush CleanTech says propane autogas burns cleaner than gasoline or diesel, with up to 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. Roush CleanTech says the switch to propane autogas comes with impressive savings as well, including lower operating and maintenance costs; lower fuel costs, in part due to a $.50-per-gallon federal tax credit; and increased engine longevity.
