Oklahoma, Dallas Order 321 F-150 CNG Trucks
321 Ford F-150 CNG pickup trucks were ordered for Oklahoma and Dallas this week.
321 Ford F-150 CNG pickup trucks were ordered this week by the state of Oklahoma and the city of Dallas, further solidifying Ford’s iron grip on all things pickup truck and proving that the old days of V8-or-bust are done and dusted.
Since 2010, Ford has increased sales of trucks that run on compressed natural gas (CNG) by more than 250 percent, and cumulative CNG sales are likely to surpass the 50,000 mark by the end of 2014. The CNG option for fleet vehicles has only become more attractive as time has gone on, offering businesses a simpler way to save money and reduce their carbon footprint all at once.
Gallery: The Ford F-150 CNG
“For fleet customers in Oklahoma, Texas and other states, a CNG F-150 really makes sense,” said Jon Coleman, Ford fleet sales manager, in a press release. “The fuel is more affordable and widely available, and it reduces greenhouse gases and pollutants that cause smog.”
Compressed natural gas costs less than regular petrol, produces fewer emissions, and is domestically produced. Ford states that the fuel savings after three years alone recoup the cost for the up-conversion to a CNG model.
The 2014 F-150 powered by the 3.7-liter V6, for example, has a gaseous-fuel prep option that enables the truck to run on CNG or liquefied petroleum; the prep process costs $315. From there, a Ford Qualified Vehicle Modifier is chosen to supply parts such as fuel tanks, lines, and injectors; upfitting costs anywhere between $6,000 and $9,500.
Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin is leading a 22-state coalition that is calling for more CNG vehicles in government fleets. According to Coleman, Arkansas, Colorado, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas have all expressed interest in joining the party.
“I am excited about Oklahoma’s partnership with Ford Motor Company as we work to support energy efficiency, cost savings and the use of clean-burning American-made energy,” Fallin said. “Ultimately, converting our state fleets to CNG will save millions in taxpayer dollars.”
Ford says it will offer CNG options for eight models by this summer, including: Transit van, wagon, cutaway and chassis cab; 2014 E-Series van, wagon, cutaway and stripped chassis; 2015 F-Series Super Duty pickup; 2015 F-Series Super Duty chassis cab; 2015 F-650 medium-duty truck; 2015 F53 and F59 stripped chassis; 2014 F-150 light-duty pickup.
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