ROUSH CleanTech, an alternative-fuel technology company, revealed that its 0.02-grams-per-brake horsepower-hour engine can operate on renewable propane. It’s the first available engine for renewable propane that brings emission levels to “near-zero” as defined by California Air Resources Board.

“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,” said 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. Renewable propane (also known as biopropane) can be used as a “drop-in” replacement fuel because it’s chemically nearly identical to conventional propane.

Many companies in the U.S. and around the globe are developing renewable propane technology, with some production in commercial volume as a byproduct of renewable diesel plants.

“Being relevant as an alternative fuel means constant innovation in technology for the equipment and the fuel,” said 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 this 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,” said 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 California Air Resources Board certification for its ultra-low-NOx 6.8L V-10 3V propane engines for Class 4-7 vehicles. When fueled by traditional propane autogas, the engine is 90% cleaner than national emissions standards.