The U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory has tested several NG vehicles, including a popular OEM vehicle, the Dodge B2500 van. Performance results show a modest reduction c...
The U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory has tested several NG vehicles, including a popular OEM vehicle, the Dodge B2500 van. Performance results show a modest reduction compared to the gasoline model. The 1999 model tested used carbon-fibre wrapped steel cylinders holding 75 litre equivalents of natural gas at 3600 psi. Cylinders were installed below the load floor for no loss of useable cargo volume; the Ram B2500 NGV delivered a range of 300 to 500 km per fill. The Ram van tested was fitted with a 5.2L V-8 engine and four-speed automatic transmission.
Dodge B2500 Ram Van | ||
Natural Gas | Gasoline | |
Acceleration | ||
0-60 mph | ||
(sec) | 13.5 | 10.2 |
40-60 mph, | ||
(sec) | 7.31 | 4.9 |
1/4 mile time, | ||
(sec) | 19.56 | 17.9 |
1/4 speed | 71.7 | 77.8 |
(mph) | ||
Fuel Economy | ||
City (mpg) | 10.6 | 11.8 |
Highway (mpg) | 14.2 | 14.9 |
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