That CNG triangle on the back door was in the same place as the CNG conversion Escape I posted. A $7,000 CNG incentive to clean up the air in SF was another good move. I read that the Ford Transit Connect was going to CNG and LA was getting them for taxis.

GaryG

 

Well, that certainly confirms the diamond symbol I saw on the back... I just had not realized that Ford built a CNG Escape.

 

Here's their fleet, but no CNG Escape shown: http://yellowcabsf.com/index.php/about/our-fleet

When I called their corporate office, they were very reluctant to give me any information. Almost felt like they suspected I was the guy who jacked their cab.

 

Yes, according to the US EPA vehicle certification site there were MY 2011-12 dedicated Ford Escape and Mazda Tribute CNG vehicles both in FWD and 4WD approved for sale. They could have been fleet/government sales only and not for retail.

 

Interesting. I wonder if they qualified for the single occupant carpool lanes here in CA...

 

From what I researched, Ford does not sell CNG Escapes. Ford only makes 2012 Transit Connects for Fleet Sales that are prepared for CNG conversion kits with aftermarket parts. I read this on a Ford Fleet pdf. The '12 Fleet Escapes still had no CNG preparation, so World CNG Inc must be converting them from a standard 2.5L gas Escape. There must be some sort of liability or warranty issues Ford is staying away from with CNG.

GaryG

 

I should think it is more a problem of range. I recall that the CNG Civic only goes a little over 200 miles on each "fill up". So the heavier and thirstier FE would present problems in this regard.

 

In the recent past there were approved CNG versions of Ford Crown Vics, F series pickups, E-series vans, Expeditions, etc. With their V8 engines the range was barely 100 miles! But for a fleet user that might be ok. The popularity of CNG seems to spike up and down with available incentives, there must have been something that went down back in 2011-12 for both Altech-Eco Corp and IMPCO Technologies to get approval for their CNG Escape conversions. Maybe when Ford went to the new chassis Escape for the 2013 model year the demand disappeared.
There are a couple of CNG enthusiast websites which could have more info.