Certified VEHICLE CONVERSIONS

Ford F-Series Newest Conversion Vehicles

The EPA and California Air Resources Board (CARB) recently announced the certification of conversion systems for Ford F-Series pickup trucks –including F-150, F-250, F-350 and E-350 models. BAF Technologies and FuelTek Conversion Corp. are two installation specialists currently performing F-Series conversions.

Additional vehicles certified for BAF and FuelTek conversion are two of the most popular SUVs on the market today, the Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator.

Until more CNG production vehicles are available for purchase in the U.S., the only other option is converting (“retrofitting”) your current gasoline-fueled engine to natural gas. There are two types of conversions:

• Dedicated Conversion Vehicle runs on CNG only
• Bi-Fuel or Dual-Fuel Conversion Vehicle runs on either  
  CNG or gasoline

A limited number of U.S. vehicles are currently certified for for CNG conversion. Each conversion must meet stringent EPA and/or California Air Resources Board (CARB) requirements. To learn if your vehicle qualifies, check with one of the approved natural gas conversion specialists. These companies have installation locations in many major cities throughout the U.S. and will retrofit an existing gasoline-powered vehicle. Some of the companies include:

• Dallas-based BAF Technologies provides alternative fuel upfit services and has converted thousands of gasoline engines to run on natural gas.
• FuelTek Conversion Corp., of Denver, specializes in alternatively fueled vehicle maintenance and dedicated and bi-fuel conversions for both CNG and LPG. It is an EPA registered Small Volume Manufacturer and holds various certifications for CNG conversion systems.
• Baytech Corporation, located in Los Altos, Calif., manufactures CNG performance kits that convert GM vehicles to natural gas vehicles.
• IMPCO Technologies in Santa Ana, Calif., manufactures and markets products and systems that allow engines to operate on natural gas.
   

Qualified System Retrofitters (QSR) by State

Alabama
Phoenix Energy, Birmingham

California
AFV Fleet Service, Fontana
Baytech Corporation, Los Altos
Enviromech Industries (EMI), Huntington Beach
Environmental Vehicle Outfitters, Marina del Ray
IMPCO Technologies, Santa Ana

Colorado
FuelTek Conversion Corp., Denver

Indiana
Greene’s Auto & Truck Service, Indianapolis

Oklahoma
Carter Chevrolet, Okarche
Jim Norton Ford, Broken Arrow
Tulsa Gas Technologies, Inc.

Tennessee
FAB Industries, Brentwood, transit and refuse industry only

Texas
BAF Technologies, Dallas

Utah
Semi Go Natural Service, Inc., Woods Cross
Semi Service, Inc., Salt Lake City
The Lancer Group, Salt Lake City

Virginia
Baker Equipment, Richmond


Worth It To Convert?

The cost of conversion depends on the vehicle, but with the money saved in fuel and operating costs, some owners can recover the cost of conversion in less than six months. To help offset the cost, CNG fans need to continue pushing for more generous financial incentives. Contact your elected officials and ask them to create or pass legislation that will help more Americans take advantage of certified conversions.

If you're considering conversion, consult with a CNG vehicle conversion specialist to determine if your vehicle:

• Can accommodate the added weight of the CNG canisters. Total conversion will add between 200-500 pounds.
• Has been approved for conversions through the EPA or California Air Resources Board (CARB). The Clean Air Act mandates greater use of alternative fuels - converting a vehicle to CNG supports the Clean Air Act.  Click here for a current list of original equipment manufacturers and qualified system retrofitters.

The federal Energy Policy Act of 2005 income tax credit that offsets the cost of purchasing a new natural gas vehicle also applies to the conversion of your current vehicle. This credit can offset approximately 50-80% of your conversion cost. State tax credits may also be available for converting a vehicle to natural gas. For specific details on tax credits, the U.S. Department of Energy. 

CERTIFIED CONVERSION VEHICLES

Following is a list of vehicles/engines that are either EPA- or CARB-certified to operate on natural gas as a bi-fuel or dedicated vehicle.

Source: NGVAmerica

PURCHASING PRE-OWNED CNG VEHICLES

If conversion isn’t a viable option, you might consider purchasing a used CNG vehicle. The largest consumer of light-duty CNG vehicles (sedans and pick-up trucks) has been government agencies, and they typically sell their fleet vehicles after a specific timeframe or upon reaching a set number of miles. To learn more, visit the GSA Fleet Vehicle Sales website.

Source: NGVAmerica