DISH taps Ford with plans to add 200 propane vans

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Updated Mar 7, 2013
photo (7)Satellite television provider DISH unveiled Wednesday the first of 200 ROUSH CleanTech propane autogas-fueled Ford E-250 cargo vans that will enter the company’s fleet this year.
The company estimates these new propane autogas-powered vehicles will lower carbon dioxide emissions by 12.5 million pounds over the lifetime of the fleet’s operation compared to gas-powered counterparts.
The fleet will be phased in the company’s U.S. locations beginning in Atlanta, Chicago, Detroit, Los Angeles and San Francisco.
“These clean-burning propane autogas vehicles are better for our environment, our communities and operate more efficiently,” said Erik Carlson, executive vice president of service and installation at DISH. “DISH expects to save about $2,500 per vehicle in annual lifecycle costs due to a 55 percent reduction in fuel costs and the cleaner burning properties of propane autogas.”
Carlson said his company has explored smart fuel options for more than a year before deciding on the propane powered Econoline.
“Economical, clean-burning propane autogas is an excellent option for fleets looking for more efficient operation,” said Todd Mouw, vice president of sales and marketing for ROUSH CleanTech. “Propane autogas is sourced domestically and is cheaper per mile to operate.”
Propane autogas offers the largest public refueling network of all alternative fuels and Carlson said his company plans to install fueling stations at its residential service locations. 
“As one of the nation’s largest fleets with locations across the country, we believe we can have a real impact by putting a viable alternative fuel to work for us,” says Carlson.
Jason Cannon has written about trucking and transportation for more than a decade and serves as Chief Editor of Commercial Carrier Journal. A Class A CDL holder, Jason is a graduate of the Porsche Sport Driving School, an honorary Duckmaster at The Peabody in Memphis, Tennessee, and a purple belt in Brazilian jiu jitsu. Reach him at [email protected].Â