Ford Motor says it will start offering its versions of its best-selling F-150 full-size pickup that can run on liquefied natural gas.
The gas can be either compressed natural gas (CNG) or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). Ford says that the lower cost of natural gas -- about the equivalent of $2.11 per gallon of gasoline -- means that customers will be able to save money within 24 to 36 months of ownership, even though they will have to pay nearly $10,000 more for the option.
"Businesses and fleet customers have been asking Ford to make F-150 available with CNG capability to take advantage of the fuel's low price and clean emissions," said Jon Coleman, Ford fleet sustainability and technology manager.
Related: Fill 'er up...with natural gas
The CNG tank will be located in the front of the pickup truck's bed. The truck will be able to run up to 750 miles on CNG or LPG, depending upon the size of the tank taken. Running on gasoline, the 2013 model year version of the truck averages 19 miles per gallon, according to the EPA.
The CNG option has already been available on the larger F-350 pickup, but the F-150 is Ford's No. 1 vehicle and the leader in the full-size pickup segment. The CNG option will be available starting in the 2014 model year.
Ford also plans to offer the CNG/LPG option on seven other commercial vehicles over the course of the next 12 months.
