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Auction of Hybrid, CNG Vehicles Proves Attractive to City Officials

Posted on: Saturday, 23 July 2005, 00:00 CDT

Jul. 22--ALHAMBRA -- Richard Calvin came to the Southern California Clean Cities Coalition car auction Thursday with a goal in mind -- to leave with a truck that runs on compressed natural gas.

"They're about 25 to 30 percent cheaper (with the lower fuel cost)," said Calvin, who was looking for a truck for the Malibu's Public Works Department.

When the bidding ended, he left with a natural gas-powered 2004 Ford F-150, worth about $30,000, he said. He got it for $21,000.

"I just made a very, very good deal," he said.

Some 23 hybrid and compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles were up for auction Thursday at Bob Wondries Ford in Alhambra during an event that was open to the public, but attracted mostly city employees looking to build their fleets.

"It's the first auction of this kind and size we've had (in Southern California)," said JoAnn Armenta of the Clean Cities Coalition, a U.S. Department of Energy program.

The event also included a preview of some alternative fuel cars not yet on the market.

The Miles Automotive Group showed its ZX40, a car that runs on four 12-volt batteries and is charged by plugging into a regular wall outlet for three to five hours.

The car only runs about 25 mph, and could be used for parking enforcement or security at outdoor malls and universities.

"It emits absolutely no pollution," Benjamin Texter of Miles Automotive Group said.

While the popularity of hybrid vehicles has swelled as gas prices escalate -- there is a 90-day waiting list at the dealership for a Toyota Prius -- sales of compressed natural gas powered vehicles have yet to catch on with private consumers.

Most sales of CNG vehicles at Bob Wondries are to cities, but the dealership sold about 25 vehicles to private consumers last year, said Clarke Cooper, fleet manager for the dealership.

It costs about $1.50 to $2 a gallon to fuel a natural gas car, compared with about $2.50 in some areas for regular gas. Customers can fill up at one of 180 natural gas stations across California, or buy a fuel-making device that will produce gas at about 88 cents a gallon. A CNG vehicle typically costs about $7,000 more than a regular car, but customers can get a $2,000 federal tax deduction, Cooper said.

"They're 90 percent cleaner (than regular cars)," said Ron Smith, an alternative fuels consultant in Sierra Madre.

Plus, cars that run on natural gas are allowed in HOV lanes.

"It's the best-kept secret in America," he said.

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Copyright (c) 2005, San Gabriel Valley Tribune, Calif.

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Source: San Gabriel Valley Tribune

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