Ford announces improved range for CNG C-Max
Ford has announced the improvement of the C-Max natural gas storage capacity up to 107 liters (about 18kg of Compressed Natural Gas), which allows the car run for up to 300 km (200 miles) on a single tank. If you add the 55 liters of the regular gasoline deposit, the range comes up to 720 km (420 miles).
The C-Max is a compact minivan built on the Focus platform. The CNG version is based on the 2.0l Duratec gasoline engine, good for 145 HP in gasoline mode and 126 when running on gas. For such a large vehicle, the tailpape emissions are quite good: 158 CO2 g/km.
Automakers selling cars in Germany have a long-lasting relationship with Erdgas, the biggest Natural Gas company in Germany and most of the makes have CNG models available. There are a few public refuelling stations around the country which allow long trips. These cars are all bi-fuel, since they can still run with unleaded.
Related:
- GM Europe to unveil CO2 reduction strategy at the Frankurt Motor Show
- Driving around Europe with Natural Gas: VW Touran, Fiat Panda and more
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Michael 1:56PM (7/09/2008)
I just don't understand why Ford and other car manufacturers don't sell bifuel vehicles like the C-Max in the US. The demand is crazy for Honda GX (a CNG only car) and used CNG cars and pickup trucks are selling for close to new car prices on eBay.
As I understand it CNG burns cleaner then gasoline as well, fitting into Ford's green marketing campaign.
FYI, CNG burns at only 10% less efficiency then unleaded gasoline.
Reply
James 1:08PM (9/04/2008)
Ford HAS been selling CNG vehicles in the US. Mostly fleet. Demand for these from the general public has been poor until recently, and the practicality is still quite low since you have no CNG stations to speak of. The Honda CNG only is pretty much tethered to the home filling compressor. No long trips for you!
One Ford CNG hybrid vehicle commonly available here was the Contour 2 liter through the 2000 model year. You can still find used factory built CNG hybrid Contours on Ebay.
Reply
Joseph 2:43AM (7/07/2007)
Isn't a kg of natural gas roughly equivilant to a gallong gasoline?
Because if that true, the car is getting about 11 mpg! (200/18=11mpg!)
Reply
hans 2:45AM (12/08/2007)
except that they said 18 kg of NG, not 18 gallons. if density of gasoline and NG are similar for a given energy value, then take the 18kg/3.5 or take that 11mpg and multiple by three to 4.
Figure 30 to 40 mpg, or get our your conversion tables and do it for real.
Reply