Tuning firm Roush Performance, known for modding Mustangs rather than trucks, has turned a new leaf and will soon offer a line of propane-powered F-Series pickups and E-Series vans to Canadian fleet customers.

The first Roush propane-powered vehicles that will be available in Canada are based on the Ford F-250 and F-350 pickups, with both offering reduced operating costs and lower greenhouse emissions than their gasoline-powered counterparts. Roush also announced that they would be converting E-Series vans to run on liquid propane later this year. It is anticipated that each model will have the necessary Transport Canada and other required certifications.

Canada apparently produces a surplus of propane each year, so it makes better sense to utilize this abundant fuel to run fleet vehicles there.

According to research provided by the Propane Education & Research Council, operating costs typically range from 5% to 30% less than those of a gasoline-powered fleet, and, on average, create 20 percent less nitrogen oxides, up to 60 percent less carbon monoxide and fewer particulate emissions. According to the World LP Gas Association, propane is the most widely used alternative fuel today, with more than 13 million vehicles around the world already using it as an engine fuel.

With deliveries anticipated to start in the fall, Roush will offer either a complete Roush-assembled vehicle, or a conversion kit to fit existing trucks in the fleet. All will carry a 3-year/36,000 mile warranty.

Among the components changed by Roush are the fuel tank with integrated fuel pump, wiring and valving, stainless steel fuel lines, billet aluminum fuel rails, an upgraded custom ROUSH PCM calibration, and all necessary wiring, hardware and instructions.

The Roush propane-powered Ford F-250 will be fitted with a 27-gallon under-bed tank that has an approximate range of 225 miles. The E-Series vans will likely receive a 27-gallon tank and have a range of approximately 297 miles.

Roush claims that there is no loss of horsepower, torque or towing capacity on their propane-powered vehicles compared to their gasoline-powered equivalents.

Based in Livonia, Michigan in the United States, Roush Performance first launched a propane F-150 in 2007 and has plans for several additional vehicles over the next few years.