Photo: ROUSH CleanTech
ROUSH CleanTech's Ford F-650 EV
ROUSH CleanTech's Ford F-650 EV
ROUSH CleanTech's Ford F-650 EV
ROUSH CleanTech's Ford F-650 EV
ROUSH CleanTech's Ford F-650 EV

It’s electric! ROUSH CleanTech enters market

May 4, 2018
We’re as proud as new parents to introduce the first-ever fully electric ROUSH Ford F-650 this week at the ACT Expo.

We’re as proud as new parents to introduce the first-ever fully electric ROUSH Ford F-650 this week at the ACT Expo. The fully operational prototype is just a peek at the line of plug-in battery electric trucks and buses ROUSH will roll out in 2020.

For fleet owners, electric vehicles offer distinct benefits:

  • Electric vehicles are three times as efficient as gasoline vehicles. More than half of the electrical energy is converted into power that turns the wheels.
  • A typical electric vehicle can wring 43 miles out of 1 dollar’s worth of electricity. The fuel cost for gasoline-powered cars and SUVs is about four times that much.
  • Electric vehicles produce zero emissions. (Of course, the life cycle emissions depend on the electricity’s source.)
  • No matter how clean vehicles are, fleet owners need to know they will deliver. The ROUSH electric trucks and buses, with 700-volt lithium ion batteries, will reach speeds of up to 75 miles per hour. Depending on the battery modules on board, the vehicles’ range can go from 40 to 120 miles.

A vehicle can recharge using AC in nine to 10 hours. DC fast charge “fills the tank” in just three to four hours. With DC fast charging, a driver can add 60 to 80 miles of range during a 20-minute break. Currently, there are more than 17,000 charging stations in the U.S., with thousands more expected in the coming years.    

While our Ford F-650 is the first ever ROUSH CleanTech electric vehicle, we’re no strangers to the technology. Roush has participated with many companies in the development of electric vehicles. And we’re part of Ford’s eQVM program to become advanced fuel qualified modifiers. It’s just the next step in the 40+ year long and successful Roush partnership with Ford.

If you didn’t get to see our bundle of joy at the ACT Expo, we’d be happy to tell you more.

About the Author

Joe Thompson | Group President, Roush Products Group

Joe Thompson is group president of Roush Products Group, working within the corporate structure of Roush and overseeing ROUSH CleanTech and ROUSH Performance Products. He is a member of the Roush Enterprise Steering Committee. 

Previously he served as president of ROUSH CleanTech, growing the company from six employees to more than 90. Under Thompson’s leadership, ROUSH CleanTech won numerous quality control and environmental awards, including Supplier of the Year from Blue Bird and a Michigan Green Leader honorable mention. He is a recipient of the 2013 Green Fleet Sustainability All-Star award.

Thompson has worked with Roush since 1996. In his previous appointment as vice president and general manager, he helped establish ROUSH Performance as one of the premier brands in the automotive aftermarket segment.  

Raised in Ohio, he earned a degree in public relations from Ohio University’s Scripps School of Journalism. He lives with his wife and two sons in Ann Arbor, Mich.

Sponsored Recommendations

Tackling the Tech Shortage: Lessons in Recruiting Talent and Reducing Turnover

Discover innovative strategies for recruiting and retaining tech talent in the trucking industry at our April 16th webinar, where experts will share insights on competitive pay...

Stop Sweating Temperature Excursions

Advanced chemical indicators give you the peace of mind that comes from reliable insights into your supply chains. Compromised shipments can be identified the moment they arrive...

Stop Sweating Temperature Excursions

Advanced chemical indicators give you the peace of mind that comes from reliable insights into your supply chains. Compromised shipments can be identified the moment they arrive...

How Electric Vehicles Help You Prolong the Life of Your Fleet

Before adopting electric vehicles for commercial/government fleets, prioritize cost inquiries. Maintenance is essential; understand the upkeep of EV fleets. Here’s what you need...

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of FleetOwner, create an account today!