LIVONIA, Mich. – Yesterday at an event just outside Detroit, Roush Performance, with support from the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC), set out to prove that it is at the forefront of the new ‘green-collar’ revolution frequently talked about today. At the event, Roush introduced two new alternative fuel vehicles available through Ford dealers in the U.S. and Canada.
“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.”
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 EPA and CARB certifications, ensuring availability in all 50 states, according to Roush.
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.
