AKRON, OH – MobilityWorks Commercial, a manufacturer of commercial wheelchair accessible vehicles, is partnering with NatGasCar, LLC, a natural gas vehicle converter, to create the nation’s first compressed natural gas (CNG) bi-fuel rear-entry wheelchair minivan.

The converted 2013 Dodge Grand Caravan, nicknamed the “Eco-Taxi,” will be unveiled Oct. 27-30 at the Taxi, Limousine & Paratransit Association (TLPA) Annual Conference in Las Vegas. The NatGasCar CNG conversion uses a patent-pending CNG injection system and ultra-fast processor to meet stringent EPA emission standards.

The bi-fuel conversion will allow the van to run on both CNG and unleaded gasoline. The conversion does not change the capacity of the original fuel tank, and adds CNG cylinders, giving the van a driving range in excess of more than 600 miles, according to the companies.

“We have been getting more and more requests for CNG-powered vans over the past year, and are very excited to launch this new bi-fuel option,” said Denny Summers, vice president at MobilityWorks Commercial.  “This innovative van solves the main issue companies have had with dedicated CNG vehicles, which is what to do when low on fuel and far from a CNG station. Now they can stop at any station, and the fuel range of over 600 miles is unbeatable.”

MobilityWorks Commercial has been building wheelchair-accessible minivans since 2008 for the taxi, nursing home, group home, and other non-emergency transport industries.