ROUSH Performance, with support from the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC), introduced Feb. 18 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 an engine fuel. 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 Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and California Air Resources Board (CARB) certifications, ensuring availability in all 50 states.

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.