Roush F-150 Lpi™: the First Propane-powered Pickup Truck

Roush has recently introduced the first dedicated propane-powered F-150 pickup truck which is equipped with an advanced liquid propane injection (LPI™) system. The Roush F-150 LPI™ is designed and manufactured to operate solely on propane while providing the same horsepower, torque, and drivability similar to an F-150 equipped with a gasoline powered 5.4 liter, 3 valve Triton™ V8 engine.

Roush has already started taking orders for the propane-powered F-150. And not only that, the 2007 model year truck may now be ordered, delivered, and serviced through a nationwide network of selected Ford dealers.

The Roush F-150 is available in Regular Cab, SuperCab, and SuperCrew cab styles with XL or XLT trim and the full range of bed lengths. The LPI™ option also includes dedicated propane fuel lines, fuel tank, and fuel rail assembly. The vehicle’s computer has been fine-tuned to provide optimum performance and fuel economy.

The base LPI™ option is priced at $6,500 and includes a one-of-a-kind toroidal fuel tank, mounted in place of the underbody spare tire. For customers who want to increase range, a 50 gallon, in-bed fuel tank is being offered as an option.

The Roush F-150 LPI™ has made its debut at the recent NPGA Southeastern Convention and International Expo in Atlanta, Georgia. The conference was held last April 14 to 17 and was considered as one of the largest propane industry conferences in the United States. According to Tom Arnold, Director, Alternative Fuel Products for Roush: “Aside from its superb engineering, this vehicle is right here, right now! It is an alternative fuel vehicle that has an established refueling infrastructure to support it. This vehicle will have a positive impact on reducing emissions and our dependency on foreign oil.”

The LPI™ fuel rail assembly is made up of two billet aluminum propane injection fuel rails, an insulated cross-over, a combined pressure/temperature sensor, and a service port that provides data to the engines’ computer resulting to a more precise fuel control at the intake port. Roush also make use of the fuel injection and fuel storage systems supplied by CleanFUEL USA and ICOM, Italy. By the way, LPI™ is a registered trademark of CleanFUEL USA.

The standard toroidal fuel tank and optional in-bed fuel tank include a special high flow fuel pump, dual filters, and the required control valves needed to run the engine. The tank also contains the fuel sender and electronic auto stop fill system. The fueling is done through the fuel filler door, and an automatic stop fill device that prevents overfilling. This process enables the vehicle to be filled without using the bleeder system that vents propane vapors during filling. Fuel is also filtered before it is made to enter the tank.

Vehicle start is controlled by a one-touch system to provide the driver with the fastest possible start and the least possible emissions. The OEM engine control is used with unique calibration values to suit the changes in properties from gasoline to propane. The maintenance schedule for the Roush F-150 LPI™ is similar to that of a regular gasoline engine schedule only without the special oils or change intervals required. The Roush F-150 LPI™ just like any type of truck may have its looks further enhanced with the addition of hood shield. Hood shields are the latest in add-on trucking accessories. A hood shield truck is perfect for any type of truck since it doesn’t bend, flex, or flutter even when traveling at high speeds.

The PERC short for Propane Education and Research Council awarded the contract to Roush in February 2006, and Roush designed, manufactured and brought the truck to market in only 14 months. Brian Feehan, managing director of engine fuel programs for PERC, “Roush has an unparalleled reputation for technical expertise, quality and value. It is because of this expertise and experience that we chose Roush to develop this vehicle.”