ROUSH CleanTech has announced that its 0.02 grams per brake horsepower-hour engine can operate on renewable propane.
The company claims it is the first available engine for renewable propane that brings the emissions level to near-zero, as defined by California Air Resources Board (CARB).
“When commercial vehicles are equipped with our ultra-low-NOx engines and fueled by renewable propane, they achieve near-zero emissions while still being financially viable for fleets,” says Todd Mouw, president of ROUSH CleanTech. “These clean-operating, medium-duty trucks, vans and buses enable fleets to take a giant leap toward meeting their state’s clean air standards, especially in California.”
Renewable propane is a non-fossil fuel that is produced from 100% renewable raw materials, such as waste, residue and sustainably produced vegetable oils. It can be used as a “drop-in” replacement fuel because it’s chemically nearly identical to conventional propane, explains ROUSH.
“Being relevant as an alternative fuel means constant innovation in technology for the equipment and the fuel,” says Tucker Perkins, president and CEO of the Propane Education & Research Council. “Renewable propane is just one example of that innovation, along with increasing engine efficiency and modern dispensers with near-zero emissions.”
ROUSH CleanTech unveiled the usage of renewable propane during a three-city roadshow in California last week. The event also covered federal and state funding opportunities available for near-zero-emission vehicles.
“Because of their clean-burning properties, propane-fueled vehicles should be very competitive when it comes to seeking funding,” adds Mouw. “In California alone, there are several grants, rebates and incentives to help cover the costs of adopting emissions-reducing transportation technology.”
Earlier this year, ROUSH CleanTech received CARB certification for its ultra-low-NOx 6.8L V10 3V propane autogas engines for Class 4-7 vehicles.
