Just last week, Ford commenced production of the CNG/LPG-prepped F-150, expanding its fleet of CNG-capable vehicles. The factory prep package makes the vehicle run on gaseous-fuel and contains hardened valves, valve seats, pistons, and rings — allowing the truck to operate on either natural gas or gasoline through separate fuel systems. But once the truck leaves the factory with the $315 CNG/LPG prep package, it can’t run on the alternative fuel just yet.
Instead, the vehicle then needs to visit what The Blue Oval calls a Qualified Vehicle Modifier (QVM), which then equips it with fuel tanks, fuel lines, and unique fuel injectors. The modification usually runs somewhere in the vicinity of $6,000 to $9,500, depending on fuel tank capacity. But what, exactly, is involved in Ford’s Qualified Vehicle Modifiers program, and what’s the benefit to the customer?
In a news release, Ford stated that it has “established a rigorous qualification program for alternative-fuel vehicle modifiers”, with the program being intended “to help modifiers achieve greater levels of customer satisfaction and product acceptance through the manufacture of high-quality vehicles.”
The are also several warranty-related items that are worth noting: that since a QVM equips a vehicle to store and deliver the CNG/LPG to the Ford powertrain, it is responsible for the CNG/LPG system component warranty. Meanwhile, Ford maintains the engine and powertrain limited warranty of five years or 60,000 miles.
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