ROUSH CleanTech gets EPA nod for autogas fuel system

ROUSH CleanTech (LIVONIA, MI) is the first propane autogas fuel system manufacturer to receive the Environmental Protection Agency?s and California Air Resources Board?s heavy duty-onboard diagnostics certification for all its engines. Until 2018 model year, alternative fuel vehicles had been exempt from this certification, but are now held to the same requirements as gasoline vehicles.

ROUSH CleanTech and Mickey have collaborated on a range of propane-powered trucks for many customers across several industries.

Vehicles powered by a fuel other than gasoline or diesel should no longer be considered alternative,? says ROUSH CleanTech President Todd Mouw. ?As shown by the regulatory agencies decisions to require all fuels in its HD-OBD certification, propane autogas and others like compressed natural gas are moving into the mainstream.?

This HD-OBD certification applies to all vehicles over 14,000 lbs GVWR. The onboard monitors will now track and report out the continuing compliance of the emissions performance of the vehicle, as they have since 2016 for gasoline vehicles. Passenger cars and light-duty vehicles have come equipped with onboard diagnostic systems since the 1990s.

All of ROUSH CleanTech?s propane autogas-fueled vehicles with Ford 6.8L 2V and 3V engines, including medium-duty fleet vehicles, are covered under the CARB HD-OBD certification. The 3V engine is also the first and only propane autogas engine available in class 4-7 vehicles certified to the optional low nitrogen oxide level of 0.05 g/bhp-hr.

ROUSH CleanTech and Mickey Truck Bodies have collaborated on a range of propane-powered Ford trucks with Mickey beverage and van bodies for many different customers across several industries. To better support this growing demand, approximately 60 MY2018 F-650/750 chassis have been positioned at Mickey Truck Bodies? manufacturing complex in High Point, NC to address any chassis/body needs throughout the transition to MY2019.

The ROUSH CleanTech fuel system offers fleet managers lower emissions and fuel costs without sacrificing performance or ease of ownership. With emission standards continuing to tighten, alternative fuels technologies offer a more cost effective and cleaner option.