Work Truck Show Coverage: ROUSH CleanTech Launches Ford-Focused Propane Autogas Fuel System (Video)

ROUSH CleanTech announced its newest liquid propane autogas product offering at the 2011 National Truck Equipment Association’s Work Truck Show at the Indianapolis Convention Center in Indiana.

“We saw tremendous support from the nearly 50 accredited press representatives in attendance today,” said Brian Miller, vice president of sales for Ferrellgas, the nation’s second-largest propane retailer. “It’s energizing to see such affirmation for the work ROUSH CleanTech and its propane autogas partners, including the Propane Education and Research Council,  have put into developing an alternative fuel product that meet a wide range of fleet applications without compromising the necessary power and performance to get the job done.”

The new 6.8-liter V10 propane autogas-powered Ford F-550 super duty chassis cab is designed to suit a wide range of uses including dump, landscape, flatbed, construction, waste, utility, freight and more. A prototype of the vehicle is on display this week in the Ford Commercial Truck booth No. 3431.

The propane autogas fuel system will be available for 2012 and later models of the Ford F-450 and F-550 truck series and is expected to ship beginning in October of 2011. The system, equipped with a five-speed automatic transmission, will work on all cab and wheelbase configurations, as well as 4×2 or 4×4 vehicles.

“Going green is not just for light-duty vehicles anymore,” said Joe Thompson, president of ROUSH CleanTech. “This truck has massive capacity, exceptional maneuverability and rugged construction. It’s a workhorse in the field and economical on paper. Based on today’s fuel prices, a propane autogas Ford F-450 or F-550 can save $30,000 over a 200,000 mile vehicle life, and can reduce the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere by 120,000 pounds or more.”

According to Miller, Ferrellgas has already signed on to boost their propane autogas fleet numbers with the announcement of this medium-duty application. Currently, 26 percent of Ferrellgas’ delivery and service fleet is reaping the benefits of running on propane autogas, and the company will be switching an additional 1,000 vehicles to the eco-friendly fuel over the next five years.

“We are a large proponent of propane in all applications,” said Miller. “Actions speak louder than words and we want our customers to follow our example in reducing our country’s dependence on foreign oil while providing for a greener tomorrow.”

While ROUSH CleanTech is still finalizing the details on tank capacity and options, the plan is to offer up to three tank configurations for the Ford F-450 and F-550 propane autogas fuel system — an in-bed tank and two under-bed tanks. The fuel system is currently in development and will be Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and California Air Resource Board (CARB) certified at launch. The system will be available as a Ford ship-through option for installation on new vehicles, or as a retrofit option for vehicles already in service. The factory Ford warranty will be upheld after installation.

Other versions of ROUSH CleanTech’s line up of propane autogas work vehicles will be on display at partner booths within the NTEA Work Truck Show, including a Ford E-Series cargo van at the Propane Autogas Pavilion (booth No. 5085,) a Ford E-350 dual rear wheel cutaway equipped with a Knapheide KUV body at the Knapheide booth (No. 3741), and a Ford E-450 dual rear wheel cutaway equipped with a Knapheide box in the Green Truck Ride & Drive. Here’s a little snippet of the press conference.