Ford has rolled the first clean-burning compressed natural gas (CNG) 2016 Ford F-150 off the assembly line. The CNG/propane-capable half-ton pickup with 5.0-liter Ti-VCT V8 engine is available with a factory-installed, gaseous-fuel prep package that includes hardened valves, valve seats, pistons and piston rings so it can operate on natural gas, propane or gasoline through separate fuel systems.
“It’s exciting to see the first F-150s with the CNG/propane-prepped 5.0-liter V8 headed to customers,” said Jon Coleman, Ford fleet sustainability and technology manager. “Whether running on gasoline, gaseous fuel or both, the 5.0-liter V8 F-150 offers hardworking customers terrific towing and payload and now, the ability to operate on alternative fuel.”
When equipped with a bi-fuel CNG engine package, the 5.0-liter V8 F-150 is capable of achieving more than 750 miles on combined tanks of gasoline and CNG, depending on tank size. The Ford F-150 with 5.0-liter V8 has an EPA-estimated rating of 22 mpg on the highway and 18 mpg combined.
Green Car Journal recently named the 2016 F-150 its 2016 Green Truck of the Year™, in part due to the availability of the gaseous-fuel prep option.
CNG/LPG engine prep from the factory costs $315 before the customer chooses a Ford Qualified Vehicle Modifier to supply fuel tanks, fuel lines and unique fuel injectors. Upfits run approximately $6,000 to $9,500, depending on fuel tank capacity.
Ford NG/propane-capable portfolio
With production of the 2016 F-150 now under way, Ford Motor Company offers eight factory-available vehicles with a gaseous-fuel prep option – more than any other North American automaker. In addition to F-150 with 5.0-liter Ti-VCT V8, these include:
- F-250 and F-350 Super Duty pickup with 6.2-liter V8
- F-350 to F-550 Super Duty chassis cab with 6.2-liter V8 or 6.8-liter V10
- F-650 and F-750 chassis cab with 6.8-liter V10
- F-53 and F-59 stripped chassis with 6.8-liter V10
- Transit Connect van and wagon with 2.5-liter I-4
- Transit van, wagon, cutaway and chassis cab with 3.7-liter Ti-VCT V6
- E-Series cutaway and stripped chassis with 6.8-liter V10
Benefits of compressed natural gas
Compressed natural gas is mainly comprised of methane. It is stored and distributed in hard containers at a pressure of around 3,600 psi. Approximately 85 percent of the CNG used in the United States is produced domestically.
Another benefit of this alternative fuel is cleaner emissions. A vehicle operating on CNG can reduce tailpipe CO2 emissions by approximately 20 percent compared with the same vehicle running on gasoline.
(Source: Ford)
