Natural Gas Vehicle (NGV) drivers in Sweden have been presented another option with the launch of a new compact minivan. The Ford C-Max is able to operate on biomethane or natural gas and qualifies for the tougher clean car standards; operating on pure biomethane the C-Max carbon emissions will be as low as 29 g/km.
The Ford C-Max CNG follows the launch of the Ford Focus CNG in November last year. The C-Max with CNG technology (Compressed Natural Gas) is based on the Ford C-Max; it has a 1.6L engine producing 78 kW/107 hk at 6655 rpm (120hp) and 126 Nm@4270 rpm. After conversion, the bi-fuel engine can run on both petrol and gas, providing refueling flexibility in areas where natural gas infrastructure has yet to reach.
“With C-Max CNG, we can now offer a green car for customers who value convenience, high-mounted seats, versatility and a compact format,” says Anna Müller, CEO of Ford Sweden.
Conversion to gas means technically that the gas is stored in three 26 litre specially designed tanks made of composite material under the floor of the luggage compartment. This composite material is lightweight and very high security. The standard fuel tank is left completely untouched. Thus, the total range of petrol and gas very long, averaging (urban/rural) 6.9 m3 per 100 kms.
Development and conversion to gas is a Swedish project, implemented by BRC in Trollhättan Sweden AB. “That Ford allowed us to develop and convert another model in its portfolio is again a good proof of the quality we offer when Ford has very high standards of both installation and components,” says Dennis Staaf, CEO of BRC Sweden AB. (BRC Sweden is an independent supplier of Italian-based BRC’s products.)
Available now, the price of the C-Max Trend 1.6 CNG starts at SEK 245,771 (USD 36850).
(Source: Ford Sweden)
