GM Starts Making CNG Chevy Silverado, GMC Sierra
By Dave Lee
On Thursday, GM announced that production of the bifuel versions of the 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD and GMC Sierra 2500 HD are under way in Fort Wayne, Ind. The company has been taking orders from fleet and retail customers since April, and the pickup truckss can still be ordered through Chevy and GMC dealers.
The $11,000 upgrade allows the trucks to switch seamlessly between regular gas and compressed natural gas. The two tanks produce a combined range of 650 miles, the longest bifuel range of any original equipment automaker, GM says. The announcement comes just a few weeks after Ram started production of its bi-fuel Ram 2500.
The heavy-duty trucks, which come with a 6.0-liter V-8, will be offered only in extended cab configurations but can be ordered with the long or short bed in two- or four-wheel drive.
CNG offers benefits in increased fuel efficiency and reduced emissions. It generates 25 percent less carbon dioxide and is in abundant supply. The infrastructure is growing, too. Since 2009, the number of CNG stations has increased 26 percent.
Over three years, truck owners could see savings between $6,000 and $10,500, said Mike Jones, GM's CNG product manager.
“Customers are choosing our bifuel trucks because they provide the same high level of GM truck performance and versatility but can also help businesses control their fuel costs and reduce their carbon footprint,” said Ed Peper, GM's U.S. vice president of fleet and commercial sales.
Both Ford and Ram Trucks offer there own versions of the bifuel CNG systems, with the former allowing suppliers to take Super Dutys right off the line of the Kentucky Truck Plant to install the conversion, while the latter does the conversions to Ram HDs right in the HD plant in Mexico. And both dual-fuel HD pickups can be bought through normal dealership channels. Much will depend on fuel availabilty, but we're guessing these options will need to come down in price to become more popular with regular consumers. For now, they'll likely stay with large fleet buyers in relatively small numbers.
Watch the video below for a rundown of the CNG pickups.
Comments
Interesting in concept. I'd like to see how it compares long term in terms of reliability and brute strength to a diesel. I won't be an early adopter for price alone, but it offers potential.
11,000 is what will kill it for many.
$11,000 is ridiculous. However if I had a cng station in
my neighborhood, I would certainly look into retrofitting
one of my current vehicles.
Lou, $11K is a lot, but it will never go down unless they start pumping those trucks out and get them out there to the customers, which in effect will cause the infrastracture to grow and expand and that in itself will lower the prices also.
@ Durastrokinns They last well. We run 5 hp Briggs and Stratton/other random small motors off the backside of oil wells with prue natural gas with little mods to the carb. We done it since the late 1970's. We also have Kohler generators for newer oil wells to power eletric motors. Kohler used to use ford 460 eninges in the late/early 90s, now they run Chevy 496 aka 8.1L eninges. Point being the only draw back, and falures we had was no one changeing the oil in the engines when they where due for a change, and the cold up north freezes the regulators up. So you have to have to heat the bare parts (above ground) of the gas lines, and regulator, and get a pair of vise grips and hold the plunger up.
They need to offer this in half tons!
You need a pickup to carry the fuel tanks.
I think this stuff is better for stationary engines.
This is nice post which I was awaiting for such an article and I have gained some useful information from this site. Thanks for sharing this information.
Frank, Dave and Lou have been banned from Coral Gables, Florida and Detroit, Michigan.
Posted by: FRANK DAVE & LOU THE TROLLS | Nov 9, 2012 7:45:03 PM
People pay over $8000 for a diesel and diesel fuel cost more plus maintenance is more for a diesel. My GM gas engine has 302,000 miles on it and I plan on putting another 300,000 miles on it before I replace it. My last GM truck had 684,000 miles on it before I replaced it. With the low cot of natural gas I can see people paying $11000 for the bifuel pickups. As more of these trucks are sold, the price will come down. With more powerful gas engines coming out every year, I see his bifuel combination very attractive.
For you Dodge boys, you can be proud that your bifuel conversion is done right at the truck plant that your HD pickups are built. IN MEXICO!
GUTS
GLORY
ALL NEW FROM THE GROUND UP!
25 MPG!!!!!
2013 RAM
Wonderful, but $11,000 on top of the Vehicle's $33,000 is too much. When competition picks up, the cost should come down.
In Brazil tribrid vehicles (Gasolene, Ethanol, CNG) costs only $1,000 more than regular vehicle.
Just like the competition from C-Max is impacting Prius.
@ Pentastar v6, do you need sme help, medication, or....
@Sean
Pentastar V5 is really HEMIV7
my company laclede gas and spire will build a cng station in st louis and have plans to build them nation wide
But you guys dont mention that if you have natural gas at your home or office, a compressor could be purchased and at the going rate here in Western Pa, it is .77cents/gal equilv. Vs 3.60. Waiting for the compressors to come down in $.
What brand CNG kits does cheyy use? Are they quality made in the USA or imports
GM has been Building, Selling Trucks, Vans and Cars for over 15 years! Yes they stopped because of the ability to buy fuel easy.
There is a company called Fuel Maker which will install in your Garage a Machine that will fill your Vehicle while it is parked. Normally over night.
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