Ford is planning to offer 2016 F-150 powered by clean, low-cost compressed natural gas (CNG) or propane, a move that makes Ford the only manufacturer of a CNG/propane-capable half-ton pickup.
The 2016 Ford F-150 with five liter V8 engine will be available with a factory-installed, gaseous-fuel prep package that includes upgraded intake and exhaust valves and valve seats to ensure the engine performs to Built Ford Tough standards.
The company claims that 2016 F-150 trucks running on CNG or propane will be able to tow the same amount as if they were running on gasoline.
Using advanced light-weight materials, the 2016 F-150 with an installed CNG or propane system, can haul hundreds of pounds more than a similarly equipped 2014 F-150.
Ford fleet sustainability and technology manager Jon Coleman said: "We surveyed customers likely to use natural gas or propane, and 72% told us they want to have these alternative-fuel capabilities available on F-150 with the 5.0-liter V8 engine.
"We expect the gaseous-fuel prep package will be even more popular than it was on the 2014 F-150 with the 3.7-liter V6 engine, given the capability of the 2016 F-150 5.0-liter V8."
Besides CNG/propane powered 2016 F-150, Ford also offers eight commercial vehicles with a gaseous-fuel prep option which 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, and E-Series cutaway and stripped chassis with 5.4-liter V8 or 6.8-liter V10
In 2014, Ford sold close to 16,821 commercial vehicles with CNG/propane gaseous engine-prep packages.
Image: 2016 Ford F-150 with the 5.0-liter V8 engine will offer a gaseous-fuel prep option, making it the only light-duty pickup capable of running on compressed natural gas or propane. Photo: courtesy of The Ford Motor Company.
