Roush CleanTech on Monday, March 7, announced that the California Air Resources Board has granted certification status to the company’s propane autogas fuel system for Ford E-series passenger and cargo vans.
“This is truly exciting news for the Roush CleanTech team and our customers,” says Joe Thompson, president of Roush CleanTech. “CARB certification is that final nod of approval needed to launch a full line of clean-burning propane-autogas-powered passenger and cargo vans to fleet managers in California and other states, who have been eagerly awaiting the availability of our cost-effective alternative fuel solution.”
Roush CleanTech says CARB approval of the Ford E-150, E-250 and E-350 vans equipped with the 5.4-liter V8 engine will enable Prime Time Shuttle, serving Los Angeles International Airport, to meet new environmental directives set forth by the airport ahead of schedule. Prime Time has 15 units ready for deployment with another 35 to 40 vehicles being added in the next few months. Over the next two years, Prime Time has committed to replacing its entire 175-van fleet with propane autogas technology.
“We like what we see at Roush CleanTech,” says Rattan Joea, president of Prime Time Shuttle. “We’ve wanted to add the autogas E-series vans for quite some time, but needed CARB certification to seal the deal. We can’t wait to show our customers our commitment to a healthier environment with a reliable fleet of alternative-fueled vans and shuttles, engineered with racing legend Jack Roush’s dedication to superior automotive products.”
Prime Time’s switch means significant savings on several fronts, says Todd Mouw, vice president of sales and marketing at Roush CleanTech. “Each of their vans travel more than 100,000 miles yearly, so Prime Time will see a tremendous reduction in harmful emissions,” Mouw says. “They will also contribute to the displacement of gasoline and see savings on maintenance and fuel costs.”
Already certified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the van was recognized recently with the “Propane Hero” award given to SuperShuttle for formidable performance as an alternative fuel vehicle at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. The E-series passenger and cargo vans join Roush CleanTech’s existing lineup of eco-friendly vehicles, including Ford F-250 and F-350 propane autogas pickup trucks, which received CARB certification last year, and the E-450 cutaway van, which obtained CARB certification last month.
