Mar 6, 2009

Detroit Goes Green With Propane

If Detroit is going to surface from its funk, many observers feel it will come through a new embrace of green technologies. Roush Performance, which up to now has been known for producing high-performance versions of Ford vehicles, is moving rapidly in that direction. With support from the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC), it has introduced two new alternative fuel vehicles available through Ford dealers in the United States and Canada.

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 the engine fuel. On average, propane-fueled 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. In development for three years, the new low-carbon, propane-powered vehicles will meet strict Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and California Air Resources Board (CARB) certifications, ensuring availability in all 50 states.

“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.”

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 5.4-liter, three-valve Ford V-8 power train, 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, compared to a similar gasoline-powered vehicle.