Roush introduces the first propane-powered F-150 pickup truck using an advanced liquid propane injection system. The Roush F-150 LPI 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 V-8 engine. It will be available in the showrooms in April.
Roush will begin taking orders for the propane-powered F-150 immediately. The truck can be ordered, delivered and serviced through a nationwide network of select Ford dealers. Offered as a 2007.5 model year vehicle, it is the only propane-powered light-duty truck available from an original equipment manufacturer this year.
The Roush F-150 will be available in Regular Cab, SuperCab and SuperCrew cab styles with XL or XLT trim and the full range of bed lengths. The LPI option includes propane dedicated fuel lines, fuel rail assembly and fuel tank. Additionally, the vehicle's OEM computer has been recalibrated to provide optimum performance and fuel economy.
The base LPI option is $6,500 and includes a 20 gallon toroidal fuel tank, mounted in place of the underbody spare tire. For customers in need of increased range, a 50 gallon, in-bed fuel tank is available as an additional option.
The Roush F-150 LPI will be introduced at the NPGA Southeastern Convention and International Expo in Atlanta, Georgia from April 14 to 17. The said conference is the largest propane industry conference in the United States.
Tom Arnold, the Director of Alternative Fuel Products for Roush said that aside from the truck's superb engineering, this is an alternative fuel vehicle, which has an established refueling infrastructure to support it. He further stated this vehicle will have a positive impact on reducing emissions and the 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 and or temperature sensor, and a service port that provides data to the engines' computer allowing more precise fuel control at the intake port. Roush uses fuel injection and fuel storage systems supplied by CleanFUEL USA and ICOM, Italy. 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. Fueling is done through the fuel filler door, and an automatic stop fill device prevents overfilling. This will allow the vehicle to be filled without using the "bleeder" system that vents propane vapors during filling. Fuel is also filtered prior to entering the tank.
Vehicle start is controlled by a "one-touch" system, where the engine controls take over from the driver to provide the fastest possible start with the lowest 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 and its , as well as its are similar to that of a gasoline engine schedule with no special oils or change intervals required.
The Propane Education and Research Council (PERC) awarded the contract to Roush in February 2006, and Roush designed, manufactured and brought the truck to market in only 14 months.
Brian Feehan, the Managing Director of Engine Fuel Programs for PERC said that Roush has an unparalleled reputation for technical expertise, quality and value. He added it is because of their expertise and experience that they chose Roush to develop this vehicle.
