Alliance Autogas has announced a new set of propane conversion systems for a range of Ford trucks and SUVs. According to a company press release, the systems will allow fleet operators to convert their Ford vehicles to propane burning systems for increased energy efficiency. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved Autogas conversions for 24 Ford models, including versions of the F-150, Explorer, Expedition, Navigator, Mark LT, E-150, E-250 and E-350. Previously, the company had serviced Crown Victorias and Town Cars. The company said the new certifications from the EPA will allow it to target government and commercial fleets that operate shuttle services, passenger vans, commercial pickup truck fleets, and utility and service operations in addition to its current clients among taxi, law enforcement and municipal fleet operators.
Ford has also announced that it would offer conversion kits for versions of its F-450 and F-550 trucks later this year. Propane burning vehicles emit fewer greenhouse gasses, according to the company. Ford has approximately 500 fleet customers, giving it the largest market share of commercial and government fleet sales, with 32 percent and 44 percent, respectively.
According to the Department of Energy, North Carolina uses the most propane transportation fuel with 17 percent consumption, followed by California (11.5 percent), Michigan (6.9 percent), and Texas (6.4 percent). DOE also reports that propane vehicles currently on U.S. roads displace more than 150 million gallons of gasoline each year.
UPS and the US Postal Service recently announced that they would review the use of propane- or CNG-powered vehicles in an effort to reduce GHG emissions in their fleets.
