Roush CleanTech helps deliver the mail with propane Autogas-fueled Ford F-750 delivery trucks.
Alternative Power
In recent years, electric vehicles have dominated the headlines as the heir apparent to internal combustion power. But there are other, alternative fuel sources that have proved quite capable of delivering both efficiency and economical power. One such source is propane, a gas that most of us use to cook the family dinner on a Friday night. Legendary tuner and Ford partner Roush and their CleanTech division is one of the bigger propane conversion companies around, and they recently struck a deal with USPS contractor McAbee Trucking.
Photos: Roush
First Timer
McAbee has purchased a total of eight propane autogas-fueled Ford F-750 delivery trucks that are slated to be used for parcel delivery routes between USPS locations in North and South Carolina. It's also the very first time any U.S. Postal Service packages will be delivered using propane autogas trucks, which is a pretty big deal.
Photos: Roush
>>Join the conversation about this postal propane F-750 right here in the Ford Trucks Forum!
Incredibly Clean
The Roush CleanTech F-750 trucks are equipped with Ford's 6.8-liter V10 engines, to which the company adds their CleanTech propane fuel system. The resulting emissions from this combination are incredibly low, proving to be 90% cleaner than the Environmental Protection Agency’s most stringent heavy-duty emission standard.
Photos: Roush
>>Join the conversation about this postal propane F-750 right here in the Ford Trucks Forum!
Paying Upfront
McAbee is in the process of installing a propane station at its main headquarters to fuel these new trucks, but also currently utilizes onsite mobile fueling, where its local propane supplier fuels the vehicles from a propane delivery truck. According to Roush, the upfront costs of converting to autogas are easily offset by a large reduction in ongoing expenses.
Photos: Roush
>>Join the conversation about this postal propane F-750 right here in the Ford Trucks Forum!
Perfect Fit
Propane fleets typically enjoy a savings of 30% to 50% on filters and fluids due to the clean operation of the fuel, which obviously cuts back on maintenance costs considerably. And that also makes them suitable for commercial use, where companies like McAbee rack up a large number of miles on a daily basis. "Propane is really a great fit for the size and duty cycle of the trucks we use in our business," said Lisa McAbee, owner of McAbee Trucking.
Photos: Roush
>>Join the conversation about this postal propane F-750 right here in the Ford Trucks Forum!
Multiple Benefits
Autogas offers a number of additional benefits as a very energy-rich fuel source. Other than burning exceptionally clean, autogas has an octane rating of 106, which allows for a higher compression ratio and greater engine efficiency. And it qualifies as an alternative fuel, making it eligible for some federal tax incentives and programs.
Photos: Roush
>>Join the conversation about this postal propane F-750 right here in the Ford Trucks Forum!
Best Solution?
So perhaps it's time to pump the brakes a little on the whole electric revolution. We're certain that many commercial outfits will see EV power as a major benefit eventually, but in the present time, propane might be the best solution available.
Photos: Roush
>>Join the conversation about this postal propane F-750 right here in the Ford Trucks Forum!
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