FAQs

Some great questions have been asked of us, as we demonstrate our Extra Long-Range CNG Van across the USA:

1. Can the tank cover be modified to light roof signage? Yes, this structure is ideal for signage support and has an LED light system.


2. Does the van feel top heavy? No, the full fuel weight is well within the van OEM requirements and Baker adds HD torsion bars to the suspension. It drives very well, even in the Oklahoma cross-winds.


3. What is the overall height? Officially 8-feet 11-inches...actually, a few inches less.


4. Has the tank system been crash tested? Yes, it has been crash tested three times, to meet FMVSS 303. Video is available on You Tube by clicking on the following link http://www.youtube.com/user/bakersk804#p/u/0/ZQmtuucgF1w.

5. Can the tank system be moved to a second or third van? Yes, the tanks have a 25-year life rating.


6. Can the van be converted back to gasoline, at salvage sale to increase residual value? Yes, the gasoline tank is typically hibernated and remains in place. The van can be changed back to gasoline.


7. What is your actual range? With an ideal 3,600 PSI fill, it is over 600-miles on a flat highway, 70-MPH, with A/C on. In normal usage, with an average PSI fill, it is just over 500-miles on a flat highway, 70-MPH, with A/C on.


8. What is your actual MPG? We averaged 15-MPG over the 9,256 mile demonstration tour. Bottom-line...500 highway miles is a solid number.


9. What engine is in your van? We are running a 4.8L GMC V-8. It's a little weak in the high altitude mountains of Colorado. Better spec a 6.0L GMC or a 5.4L Ford V-8. The suggested 500-mile highway range is a solid number, regardless of the engine selection or allowable weight load.


10. What engine conversion system are you using? Our long-range CNG tank system works with any EPA or CARB certified engine system, dedicated or bi-fuel, aftermarket or OEM. We can discuss specific engine system options, in person.


11. How much does the total 42-GGE CNG tank and engine system conversion cost? Best to budget $22,000 plus sales tax and delivery, less federal tax incentive of $8,000 and any state and local incentives. Don't forget the fuel savings and roof mount signage revenue potential. (GGE mean Gasoline Gallons Equivalent)

12.  Do you offer a propane version of this Extra Long-Range Van? We are preparing this option.


13. Is your van a dedicated CNG engine system? Yes, this van runs on dedicated CNG: EPA Tier 2, Bin 2.

14. What kind of tanks are in your van? We are using two Luxfer 21-GGE Luxfer Type-3, composite wrapped, USA-made, aluminum tanks. Other Type-3 tank sizes are available. However, 42-GGE is the maximum recommended fuel capacity for these full-sized 3/4 and 1-ton Ford, Chevy, and GMC vans. This provides for either 8 or 11-passenger vans, plus luggage. 15-passenger size is not offered, due to weight and CG restrictions.

15. Do you offer other fuel capacity options? Yes, we offer 21-GGE, 33-GGE, and 42-GGE options.

16. Can we add an aftermarket 4-wheel drive system? Yes, we can add a Quigley 4X4 low-profile system,  because there are no under body CNG tanks to interfere with the transfer case and front drive shaft.

17. For more information about natural gas vehicles, please click on the following NVAmerica link... http://ngvamerica.org/about_ngv/index.html.

18. What is the typical pressure found at CNG fuel stations? Our average CNG fill up was 3,284 PSI. The most we received was 4,000 PSI and the least was 2,500 PSI. Only one station was unexpectedly closed.

19. How do you find CNG stations? We use the following DOE and CNG Prices web sites:
http://www.afdc.energy.gov/afdc/locator/stations/
http://www.cngprices.com/

20. Are you kidding? Did you really drive here from Virginia? "Yes, we did. Look at the bugs on our windshield and our VA license plate." That was always an ice breaker...The CNG van cross-country demonstration tour was very rewarding and successful. I was transformed into the "operator" of this CNG van, driving almost a year's worth of miles in 9-weeks, in many different climates and altitudes. We gained confidence in the CNG vehicle technology and our nation's emerging CNG fueling infrastructure. We met many wonderful people and learned a lot.

to be continued...

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