The propane industry, food and beverage distributors, logistics companies, tree servicing companies, and public utilities are just a few examples of fleets to benefit from the ROUSH CleanTech propane autogas powered Ford F-650 chassis cab fuel system, according to the company.

ROUSH CleanTech is now taking orders for the new multipurpose Ford F-650 propane autogas fuel system, with production beginning in October.

“Fleet managers operating cylinder delivery trucks, dump trucks, boom cranes, box trucks, snow plows, spreaders, and propane bobtail delivery vehicles can significantly lower their operating costs, carbon footprint and imported oil dependence with the new ROUSH CleanTech Ford F-650,” said Todd Mouw, vice president of sales and marketing for ROUSH CleanTech. “At half the cost of diesel and with virtually no particulate emissions, fueling with propane autogas offers valuable benefits to fleet managers in many industries.”

Offered in two tank size configurations, the ROUSH CleanTech propane autogas fuel systems fill growing demand for heavier duty platforms. For trucks equipped with non-skirted bodies, a fuel tank package will provide a sizeable 80 usable gallon fuel capacity. A fuel tank package for skirted bodies will feature approximately 45 usable gallons. The dual “saddle” tank design features a single refueling point, replacing the gasoline tank location.

Heavier duty vehicles get lower fuel economy than their lighter-duty counterparts, which makes controlling fuel costs a major concern for fleet managers. Domestically produced propane autogas offers fuel savings while delivering cleaner emissions. Historically, propane autogas costs up to 40 percent less than gasoline and about 50 percent less than diesel. Federal tax credits provide an additional $.50 per gallon savings. Operating on propane autogas instead of diesel also removes the complexity and cost of diesel exhaust fluid and other after-treatment measures, which can accelerate return on investment and cut operating costs. Over a 200,000-mile lifecycle, a typical fleet can expect to see fuel cost savings of $50,000 or more by operating a ROUSH CleanTech propane autogas Ford F-650.

“The new ROUSH CleanTech Ford F-650 is yet another example of the versatility of abundant, clean and price-competitive propane autogas,” said Roy Willis, president and CEO of the Propane Education & Research Council, which co-funded development of the fuel system. “Backed by a nationwide network of propane retailers offering convenient refueling options, the F-650 expands the portfolio of propane autogas trucks on the road today and provides an economic, environmental and competitive advantage for America’s fleets.”

A Tier 1 supplier, ROUSH CleanTech is the first and only Ford Qualified Vehicle Modifier (QVM) manufacturer offering dedicated propane autogas fuel systems. With up to 30,000 gross vehicle weight rating, the propane autogas Ford F-650 delivers the same horsepower, torque and towing as the gasoline fueled model available from Ford. It fulfills California Air Resources Board and Environmental Protection Agency certifications.

“Ford is the market leader in commercial trucks and vans, and continues to strengthen that position by offering a full line of commercial vehicles prepped from the factory with gaseous fuel-ready engines. From Ford F-250 through F-650, and E-150 through E-450, fleets can experience the benefits of this great alternative fuel in multiple configurations,” said Mouw. Ford’s gaseous fuels prep package offers hardened valves and valve seats for improved wear resistance and durability. Ford warranty remains intact when installing fuel systems from manufacturers with the Ford QVM designation.