Sales of Ford trucks with CNG/LPG prepped engines up 350% since 2009; company expanding range offered

6 March 2013

Sales of Ford trucks with CNG/LPG-prepped engines have jumped more than 350% since 2009, the company said. Businesses are using CNG-fueled trucks to lower their operating costs, with the payback period for recouping conversion upfit cost as fast as 24 to 36 months of in-use service.

Since 2009, we’ve seen the number of Built Ford Tough commercial vehicles sold with factory-prepped engines for CNG/LPG upfit increase by more than 350 percent. To expand power of choice for our commercial customers, we are offering CNG/LPG prepped engines in additional vehicle nameplates—from the Transit Connect compact van up to medium-duty F-650 models.

—Jon Coleman, Ford Fleet Sustainability and Technology manager

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.

Transit joins the current compact Transit Connect van, wagon and taxi lineup; Ford Super Duty pickups; stripped chassis, 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.

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 due to its use of intake-variable camshaft timing.

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 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.

Ford is collaborates with qualified upfitters to deliver completed vehicles under its Qualified Vehicle Modifier program.