At the 2016 Work Truck Show, Alliance AutoGas (AAG) conducted a live conversion of a 2016 3.5-liter Ford F-150 V6 and achieved the “Fastest Recorded Alternative Fuel Conversion to Propane Autogas” in a record-setting time of 1:32:25. Specifically, AAG installed a complete plug-and-play conversion system, including a secondary fuel tank to store the autogas, an injector spacer plate and an engine control unit (ECU). Now, attendees of the 2018 Work Truck Show Ride-and-Drive will have the opportunity to drive this same vehicle, says AAG.
The 21-gallon autogas tank was placed on the underbelly of the truck. The ECU acts as the switch that allows the vehicle to toggle from gasoline to autogas, and it is connected to the vehicle with one plug. AAG has its own injection technology using an injector spacing plate. The bolt-on part allows, at a set position, for the propane to flow into the engine, and the plug-and-play technology replaces the need for any drilling or cutting of any parts or wires. The system does not require any permanent vehicle modifications and can be removed, which is especially convenient for fleet managers who lease vehicles, says AAG.
Furthermore, the vehicle left the Work Truck Show 2016 to begin a cross-country tour in partnership with several Clean Cities Coalitions, the Propane Education & Research Council, Bobit Business Media/Work Truck Magazine, and the American Lung Association of the Southeast Inc. Ride sponsors/supporters included Blossman Gas, Worthington Industries, Blue Star Gas, thyssenkrupp, and Wounded Warriors of MS. The Alliance AutoGas Coast-to-Coast Clean Air Ride was a 5,500-mile, 12-city trip commencing on May 2 in Kansas City, Kan., traveling to Seattle, and completing its journey in Jacksonville, Fla., on May 18. There was an additional homecoming event held on May 23 in Asheville, N.C.
The converted F-150 was put into the AAG fleet upon its return to Asheville. The vehicle has 102,000+ miles on it (about 60,000 miles added post-conversion) and has required only standard maintenance over the two years since the autogas conversion in 2016, according to AAG.
“The-cross country trip in Alliance AutoGas’ Ford F-150 was a great opportunity to demonstrate why propane autogas is the world’s No. 1 alternative fuel,” comments Stuart E. Weidie, president and CEO of Blossman Gas Inc. (parent company of AAG) and president of AAG. “We were able to educate citizens across the country about the extended range of autogas vehicles, as well as the benefits of real cost-savings and emissions reductions. The continued use of this vehicle in our own fleet proves that the propane autogas vehicle is not just a viable alternative but a solution of preference for American fleet managers.”
More information on the 2018 Work Truck Show, taking place March 6-9 in Indianapolis, can be found here.
