ROUSH CleanTech says it has developed a new propane autogas engine available in Class 4-7 vehicles and Blue Bird Type C buses that is certified to the optional low nitrogen oxide (NOx) level of 0.05 g/bhp-hr.
According to the company, these new Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)- and California Air Resources Board (CARB)-certified propane engines are 75% cleaner than the current emissions standard.
“ROUSH CleanTech’s low NOx engine is a great step forward for the propane industry,” says Tucker Perkins, president of the Propane Education & Research Council.
“Propane autogas is well established as an economical, clean-burning and domestically produced alternative fuel ideal for fleets,” he says. “Now, propane gets the biggest return on NOx reductions, too.”
Considering exposure to NOx can trigger health problems, such as asthma and other respiratory issues, CARB has encouraged heavy-duty engine manufacturers to reduce levels below the current mandatory EPA standard of 0.2 grams per brake horsepower per hour (known as g/bhp-hr).
As reported, the certification covers ROUSH CleanTech 6.8 L V10 3V propane engines for school bus and commercial truck engines, with no additional upfront cost. ROUSH CleanTech has begun installing the new low NOx engines in its Ford commercial vehicles and Blue Bird Vision propane school buses with 2017 model year engines.
“Developing the lowest NOx propane engine sends a message that this fuel is comparable to other alternative fuels from a standpoint of emissions,” says Todd Mouw, vice president of sales and marketing for ROUSH CleanTech. “With our nation’s ample supply of propane and the fuel’s favorable total cost of ownership, our propane autogas engine is the perfect mix of environmental and economic sustainability.”
Over the past year, NOx awareness has increased due to the Volkswagen emissions compliance issue. The Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Trust was created to fund actions with cleaner technology that reduce excess emissions of NOx.
“Our 0.05 g NOx engine certification will help our school bus and public transit customers target funds from the upcoming VW Environmental Mitigation Trust program,” adds Mouw. “This is especially beneficial for school districts looking for extra funds to replace aging diesel models.”
