Ford Introduces Roush F-150 Propane-powered Vehicle

Roush is the name of the first dedicated propane-powered F-150 pickup truck. With complete durable Ford truck parts and also with a variety of Ford truck accessories, Roush has an advanced liquid propane injection (LPI(TM)) system. The Roush F-150 LPI(TM) is designed and manufactured to operate solely on propane while providing the same horsepower, torque and drivability of an F-150 equipped with a gasoline-powered 5.4-liter, 3-valve Triton(TM) V-8 engine.

Roush will be available in the market immediately. The truck can be ordered, delivered or serviced through a nationwide network of selected Ford dealers. Offered as a 2007 model year vehicle, it is the only propane-powered light-duty truck available from an original equipment manufacturer this year.

The Roush F-150 is available in Regular Cab, Super Cab and Super Crew cab styles with XL or XLT trim and the full range of bed lengths. The LPI(TM) option includes dedicated propane fuel lines, fuel rail assembly and fuel tank. Additionally, another Ford truck part, the OEM computer has been re-calibrated to provide optimum performance and fuel economy.

The base LPI(TM) option is $6,500 and has a unique 20 gallon toroidal fuel tank, mounted in place of the underbody spare tire. Also available as an additional option for customers in need of increased range is a 50 gallon, in-bed fuel tank.

Ford introduced its new truck at the NPGA Southeastern Convention and International Expo in Atlanta, Georgia last April 14 to 17. It was the largest propane industry conference in the United States.

Tom Arnold, Director of Alternative Fuel Products for Roush said aside from the vehicle’s superb engineering, it is also an alternative fuel vehicle that has an established refueling infrastructure to support it. He further said this vehicle will have a positive impact on reducing emissions and the dependency on foreign oil.
Providing data to the engine’s computer that eventually allows more precise fuel control at the intake port are two billet aluminum propane injection fuel rails, an insulated cross-over, a combined pressure/temperature sensor, and a service port. Roush F-150 uses fuel injection and fuel storage systems supplied by Clean FUEL USA and ICOM, Italy. LPI(TM) is a registered trademark of Clean FUEL USA.

The standard toroidal fuel tank include a special high flow fuel pump, dual filters, and the required control valves needed to run the engine. Optional is the in-bed fuel tank. The fuel sender and electronic auto stop fill system are also found in the tank. Through the fuel filler door, the fuel is poured. An automatic stop fill device prevents the overfilling of fuel. This will allow the vehicle to be filled without using the "bleeder" system that vents propane vapors during filling. Another proof that the vehicle’s fuel tank will function well is that prior to entering the tank, the fuel is also filtered.

A “one-touch” system controls the vehicle start. The engine controls take over from the driver to provide the fastest possible start with the lowest possible emissions. The OEM engine control is used with unique calibration values to suit the changes in properties from gasoline to propane.

With no special oils or change intervals required, the maintenance schedule for the Roush F-150 LPI(TM) is similar to that of a gasoline engine schedule.

In February 2006, the Propane Education and Research Council (PERC) awarded the contract to Roush. The vehicle was designed, manufactured and brought in to market in only 14 months.

The Managing Director of Engine Fuel Programs for PERC by the name of Brian Feehan said Roush has an incomparable reputation for technical expertise, quality and value. He explained that it is because of this expertise and experience that they chose Roush to develop this vehicle.