Converting to propane can save an owner/operator as much as $50,000 in fuel bills.
Sometimes it pays to go green. While there’s often a steep premium associated with battery power and other alternative propulsion systems, the savings on fuel can rapidly offset the up-front costs when you’re talking about heavy-duty and commercial vehicles like the Ford F-Series.
That’s leading a growing number of buyers to opt for conversions to CNG and other, lower-emission fuels. Roush Enterprises – perhaps best known for high-performance Mustang modifications – is getting into the game with an assortment of new propane packages, including one for the widely used Ford F-650.
“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 RoushCleanTech, during a news conference at this year’s SAE World Congress.
Among other things, propane costs about half as much on a per-mile basis as diesel – and it doesn’t have the problems with particulate emissions that plagues diesel, noted Mouw, who said the truck will go into production this fall.
“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.
Mouw said 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.
Offered in two tank size configurations, the Roush CleanTech propane autogas fuel systems fill growing demand for heavier duty platforms. Depending upon the type of truck, fuel capacity can run from 45 to 80 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% less than gasoline and about 50% 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 Roush claims of the propane 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,” Willis said.
I don’t know what the true cost is of the converted CNG vehicles are but if it’s lower than gas or Diesel and the engines have been properly fitted with the internal components required of CNG/propane, then it’s all good. I’d be willing to bet that the only real cost savings is the U.S. Tax Payer subsidy of $.50 per gallon – where the tax payers once again get SCREWED by failed EPA regs and federal legislation by criminals who take bribes to pass legislation that enriches certain industries, at the expense of consumers. This exploitation is appalling but nothing new for the criminals in DC.
For the record the U.S. is NOT dependent on foeign crude. The U.S. has all the crude it will ever need. The oil companies CHOSE to buy forign oil because they make a few percent more profit than by using U.S. fuel. Recent fracking technology in the U.S. may finally result in the majority of crude being supplied from the U.S. but the prices will always remain outrageously inflated because the oil industry is a Cabal supported by the U.S. government.