conversion prices

[damian]

I am sure many other people have searched this group and the web in general trying to get a SENSE of what it costs to convert a vehicle to a dual-fuel CNG/gasoline setup. Can I get a RANGE of pricing for an EPA-approved kit a home-refilling station and a decent onboard fuel tank? I am looking into late-model Ford truck conversions myself but I'm sure rough numbers would be helpful for everyone:

- kit price range
- installation price range
- tank price range
- home fueling kit price range

Are we talking $100, $1000, $10000, $100000 . . .

Obviously the lack of readily available pricing means it's not cheap but who are we protecting by keeping these numbers so private? I know there are lots of variables (Engine size, OBDII, CNG v. LPG, dual fuel v. dedicated, etc, etc) but some sense of pricing would be SO HELPFUL.

Thanks a bunch!

Damian

[John Mitton]

Conversions generally cost from $8,000 to $12,000 for light duty vehicles up to one ton. Larger vehicles (buses, trash haulers, etc.) can run over $30,000.

Over half of this cost is in the high-pressure CNG tanks, the rest being taken up in:
Fueling (injectors, high-pressure tubing, pressure regulators)
Electronics (secondary ECUs, injector controls, pressure gauges, etc.)
Labor can also add up to another $1~2k of the total depending on the complexity of the install (bi-fuel is generally more complex than dedicated)

Finally, conversion kit manufacturers incur some $50,000 to $100,000 in getting their kits certified at the EPA. So these costs are also amortized into the total cost of the conversion too.

There are Federal and in some cases State tax credits to offset these costs. For example, you are in Utah, so converting a one ton pickup with an EPA certified Baytech kit would net you $8,000 in Federal and $2,500 in Utah tax credits. This almost covers the cost of the conversion. If the vehicle is under 8,500 lbs GVWR the Federal credit is $4,000

Hope this helps.

[smartineau]

The costs listed in reply are pretty accurate. But for comparison ----
I had a businessman contact me this week about doing some conversions on 07 vehicles and purchasing additional tanks for greater driving distance. I will tell you what he told me. By changing seven fleet trucks to natural gas last year he cut his fuel cost $40,000.00 for the year. After the tax encentive from the federal and state he figured his out of pocket expense was about $3500.00 per vehicle. Remember he paid up front and then received a tax credit.
$3500.00 times seven vehicles is $24,500.00 out of pocket expense.
$40,000.00 savings in fuel cost for his business fleet.
This year his tax incentives are gone but other than maintenance so are the out of pocket expenses.
The amount of money saved is in direct relation to the amount of miles you drive. If you do not have a long commute and put on a lot of miles you will never get your money back. If you drive long distances and do not have a bi-fuel or extra tank capacity you may end up with a tow bill as well as the inconvenience. Each person must weigh their own dynamics before making a decision.
Stan M.

[Highmarker]

Be advised that those Federal tax credits that John mentioned are for converting to "dedicated" CNG only and not Bi-fuel conversions.

[Highmarker]

Also, you cannot call up Baytech or BAF or any kit manufacturer and order a kit from them. They will only sell to their "certified" installers. To purchase and install their kits you must be certified by them to do so. If you are not, this will void their warranty.

[younkin]

Can a person get tax credits on any CNG powered car? How does a person or shop become certified to install kits? thanks Jim:)

[Travis]

I just called the only place I am aware of that does "official" installs on CNG systems here in Oklahoma. I was told that they only work on certain vehicles (GMC's 01-07) and they charge $11,000.

I drive quite a bit, but not enough to justify that price.

[cngaz]

Thats why most people are chasing used vehicles or new Honda GX's.
Unless your state has major incentives, conversions are too expensive.

[cheapergas]

I just inquired two dealers in the SF Bay area (one Ford One GMC) about converting a one ton truck and one said $17000 the other $24000. Where is the one for $11000? With the $8K credit that would make sense. but the others............Not even close!