Bus Conference Features Propane-Fueled Passenger Van, Holds Alternative Fuel Training Sessions

WASHINGTON (May 4, 2010) — At the American Public Transportation Association’s 2010 Bus & Paratransit Conference in Cleveland, Ohio, Roush Performance, with support from the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC), today showcased a 2010 Ford E-350 propane-fueled van that cuts carbon and particulate emissions while delivering the horsepower, the torque, and the towing capacity of the gasoline E-350.

The 15-passenger van, which can be configured as a paratransit, qualifies as a super-ultra-low-emission vehicle (SULEV II), which means, on average, 90 percent cleaner than the average new model-year vehicle. Powered by a 5.4-liter propane-fueled V-8 engine and carrying 25 gallons of usable fuel with a range of approximately 300 miles, it reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 24 percent and carbon monoxide by 60 percent, according to Roush.

“Buses that run on environmentally friendly, domestically produced, reliable, and safe propane currently are transporting thousands of people around the country,” said Todd Mouw, vice president of sales and marketing at Roush. “This conference offers public transit and transportation managers and policymakers the chance to see how well a passenger van performs while running on a fuel that can help them reduce carbon emissions and fuel costs.”

On average, propane fleet vehicles reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 18 percent and create 20 percent less nitrogen oxide, up to 60 percent less carbon monoxide, and fewer particulate emissions than gasoline versions of the same models.

According to PERC President and CEO Roy Willis, propane is already the most widely used alternative fuel on roads today, fueling 14 million vehicles worldwide. “Propane-fueled vehicles deliver a comparable performance to their conventional-fueled counterparts,” said Willis. “Propane-fueled vehicles not only reduce greenhouse gas emissions immediately but also reduce operating costs, making propane the most viable, affordable, and available alternative fuel.”

PERC also presented “Propelling Transit with Propane” today during the alternative fuel training session at the conference. Other sessions included sustainable transit, new innovations with alternative fuels, and affordable hybrid bus technology.

For more information about the conference, visit www.apta.com. For more information about Roush, visit roushperformance.com. For more information about PERC and its programs, visit www.propanecouncil.org.