Comprehensive pricing offers a one-stop shop for a complete CNG system
2010 Chevrolet Express Cargo 1500
DETROIT – The fully integrated and dedicated Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) option, available this fall for Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana full-size vans, will be priced at $15,910 MSRP, General Motors announced Tuesday 08/31/2010.
The all-inclusive CNG option for commercial customers includes a dedicated CNG system, a natural gas-capable Vortec 6.0L V8 engine, and heavy duty trailering equipment. Chevrolet and GMC are the only full-line vehicle brands to offer a “check-the-box” CNG option for vans.
“Customers tell us coordinating the upfit for their CNG vehicles takes away valuable time that would be better used running their business,” said Joyce Mattman, director of Commercial Product and Specialty Vehicles. “Our CNG vans come with a fully integrated CNG fuel system, a comprehensive warranty, emissions compliance and strong dealer support, all for one price.”
Pricing for the all-inclusive CNG option includes a dedicated CNG system ($14,590), a natural gas-capable Vortec 6.0L V8 engine ($1,295), as well as HD trailering equipment ($265). A $240 credit for deleting the spare tire brings the package price to $15,910. So the total cost of either a 2011 Chevrolet Express or 2011 GMC Savana Cargo model, which starts at $25,980 would be $41,890 with the CNG option.
2010 GMC Savana Cargo 1500
Powered by a Vortec 6.0L V8 engine, the Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana full-size vans come equipped with hardened exhaust valves, and intake and exhaust valve seats for improved wear resistance and durability with gaseous fuel systems.
The vans will meet all Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and California Air Resources Board (CARB) emission certification requirements, and will be fully compliant with applicable motor vehicle safety standards. Each CNG Chevrolet Express or GMC Savana van also will be covered by GM’s three-year, 36,000-mile new vehicle limited warranty and five-year, 100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty.
To find more information about the Chevrolet Express and the GMC Savana, and to see the full lineup of GM Fleet and Commercial vehicles, visit gmfleet.com.
CFC NOTE: Derek Turbide, Business Development Manager of Clean Energy and CFC Board of Directors member, has the following to share that is related to CNG tax credit:
The tax credits are based on gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) and provide a credit worth up to 80% of the conversion cost. There are conversion cost caps on each GVWR class. Here are some examples considering the caps on each class.
- The Honda Civic GX, CNG Crown Victoria, etc. are under 8,500 lbs. so they qualify for a $4,000 federal tax credit. (Cap is $5,000) The GX is not a conversion but still qualifies.
- CNG vans (Ford or GM) are between 8,500 and 14,000 so they qualify for an $8,000 federal tax credit. (Cap is $10,000.)
- The Ford E450 (i.e. SAN Park shuttles) is in the 14,001 to 26,000 lb. range so it qualifies for a $20,000 tax credit. (Cap is $25,000.)
- Those NGVs in the 26,001+ lb. range (buses, trash trucks, etc.) qualify for a $32,000 credit. (Cap is $40,000.)
Who the hell is going to pay $15,000 EXTRA for this option? That is 5K gallons of gas at $3/gallon.
$41K for a cargo van? Really? That’s laughable.
Then what if you want a 15 passenger van? $50K??
At recent prices of $4.25/gal the amount has slipped to about 3500 gallons. Long term averages for the price of gasoline and diesel increase 10%/year. The price of CNG looks pretty stable for a long time to come. Projecting into the future, it won’t take long to break even while burning a cleaner domestic fuel. Some governments subsidies are available in the form of tax credits and grants, but even these won’t be necessary moving into the future. How about a net IRS rebate of about 32 cents per gasoline gallon equivalent of CNG when used as an on road vehicle fuel?