In response to increased customer demand for compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquid propane gas (LPG) ready vehicles, Ford has expanded its portfolio of product offerings in the growing alternative-fuel market segment. The next generation of the Transit Connect range will add yet another CNG-ready engine when it goes on sale later this year, offering a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that is more responsive and fuel efficient than the current 2.0 liter engine due to its use of intake-variable camshaft timing.
In addition, Ford will offer the all-new Ford Transit range of full-size vans, wagons, cutaway, and chassis cab models powered by a 3.7-liter V6 equipped with a CNG/LPG prep kit to assist customers running their vehicles with these abundant, affordable, clean fuels.
Transit joins the current compact Transit Connect van, wagon and taxi lineup; Ford Super Duty pickups; stripped chassis, legendary E-Series vans, wagons and cutaways; and medium-duty F-450, F-550 and F-650 variants in offering factory-prepped engines for CNG/LPG conversion.
Ford is working with qualified upfitters to deliver completed gas-prepped vehicles under its Qualified Vehicle Modifier program, aiming to satisfy a broad range of vocations and vehicle requirements.
“Since 2009, we’ve seen the number of Built Ford Tough commercial vehicles sold with factory-prepped engines for gaseous fuel increase by more than 350 percent,” said Jon Coleman, Ford Fleet Sustainability and Technology manager.
As gas prices continue to rise, CNG conversion can drastically lower vehicle operating costs for fleet administrators. CNG sells for an average of $2.10 per gallon, representing a significant savings over unleaded regular fuel, selling for a national average of $3.78 per gallon according to the AAA Fuel Gauge Report. As the commercial vehicle market leader, Ford aims to provide sustainable solutions for a broad spectrum of its fleet customers.
Another benefit of this alternative fuel: cleaner emissions — CNG usage can result in up to 30 percent less greenhouse gas emissions according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Companies and fleet customers are also making long-term commitments to CNG. The city of Indianapolis, for example, has committed to shifting its cars, heavy trucks and police cruisers to a mix of electricity and natural gas, aiming to eliminate use of conventional gas and diesel fuels by 2025.
Each Ford engine that is factory-prepped for gaseous conversion comes equipped with hardened valves and valve seats, and Super Duty trucks equipped with the 6.2-liter V8 feature a unique bi-fuel intake manifold to accommodate these cleaner-burning fuels.
CNG/LPG engine prep from the factory costs approximately $325 before the customer chooses a partner to supply fuel tanks, fuel lines and unique fuel injectors. Upfits run approximately $9,500 to $12,500, depending on fuel tank capacity. Depending on application and usage, businesses can see payback for CNG/LPG systems in as little as 24 to 36 months.
(Source: Ford)
