The large purchase includes 256 trucks acquired by the state of Oklahoma and its agencies and 256 ordered by the city of Dallas. Since 2010, Ford CNG-prepped truck sales have increased more than 250%, said Jon Coleman, Ford sales manager. Cumulative sales are expected to exceed 50,000 trucks by the end of the year, and demand is projected to continue growing as more fleet customers recognize the economic and environmental benefits of natural gas.
“For fleet customers in Oklahoma, Texas and other states, a CNG F-150 really makes sense. The fuel is more affordable and widely available, and it reduces greenhouse gases and pollutants that cause smog,” added Coleman. Customers can also accelerate the payback period by taking advantage of a growing number of incentives issued by states such as Oklahoma.
The specially equipped bi-fuel F-150 model purchased by Oklahoma features two storage tanks — the regular factory gasoline reservoir and a supplementary CNG tank. Combined, this gives the light-duty truck a range of up to 750 miles, depending on the size of the tanks. The most common configuration allows fleet operators to go 450 miles on CNG alone and another 300 miles on regular gasoline.
“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,” said Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin. “Ultimately, converting our state fleets to CNG will save millions in taxpayer dollars.”
Arkansas, Colorado, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas have expressed interest in Ford CNG-capable vehicles, Coleman said.
Source: Ford Motor Company
