Want a tough 2016 Ford F-150 with the 5.0-liter V8 engine? Want to use compressed natural gas as a fuel?
You can get one. Ford, along with Westport Innovations of Dallas, announced at the Alternative Fuel Expo in Dallas on Tuesday that they will offer the light-duty pickup can be modified and made capable of running on compressed natural gas or propane.
Ford has sold more than 57,000 vehicles prepped to run on clean, low-cost compressed natural gas and propane – seven times more than all other major U.S. automakers combined – since 2009, according to the company.
Ford offers a portfolio of natural gas and propane offerings, including 2016 F-150 and Super Duty trucks, and Transit and Transit Connect vans and wagons
Westport Innovations said plans to offer 2016 Ford F-150 trucks for use with the compressed natural gas (CNG) Westport WiNG Power System, and certify to EPA and CARB standards. The first 2016 F-150 featuring the Westport WiNG Power System is expected to be available for order this summer.
“The F-150 with the 5.0 liter engine is a significant fleet vehicle, as fleets prefer its size, fuel economy and price. This will create a tremendous opportunity for fleets that previously had purchased heavy-duty pickups, but really preferred the benefits of light-duty trucks,” said Paul Shaffer, vice president Westport Dallas.
The Ford F-150 pickup truck is available with a 17 gasoline gallon equivalent (GGE) or 23 GGE tank. Westport engineers are currently evaluating underbody tank options as well. The existing Ford OEM warranty remains intact.
CNG/propane 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 $7,500 to $9,500 depending on fuel tank capacity, according to Ford.
CNG conversions can provide stability against fluctuating fuel prices as well as lower vehicle operating costs for fleet administrators, according to Ford. CNG sells for an average of $2.11 per gallon of gasoline equivalent, as of April 30, 2015, and is as low as $1 in some parts of the country, representing a significant savings compared with unleaded regular fuel, and an even greater savings compared with diesel. The national average for unleaded regular fuel is $2.58 per gallon, while diesel sells for an average $2.81 per gallon, as of April 30. Other companies will offer the CNG upgrade also.Â
http://www.westport.com/