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GMC, Chevrolet Offer Full-Size Bi-Fuel Trucks Using CNG or Gasoline

Old Mar 6, 2012 | 03:36 PM
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Thumbs up GMC, Chevrolet Offer Full-Size Bi-Fuel Trucks Using CNG or Gasoline

This is pretty cool. It can run on natural gas and gasoline. This is a step in the right direction.

Special trucks switch from CNG to gasoline automatically when needed

Green is certainly in for Detroit automakers. “Green”, however, goes further than battery-powered EVs and hybrids for most brands. GMC and Chevrolet have announced that the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra full-size trucks will get a new option in late 2012 that will allow the vehicle to run both compressed natural gas and traditional gasoline.

The trucks will be able to seamlessly transition from compressed natural gas to the gasoline operation with no input from the driver. The engines in both trucks are the Vortec 6.0L V-8. With the combined CNG and gasoline fuel systems, the truck has a 650-mile driving range. Both GMC and Chevrolet will offer the trucks in standard and long bed with two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive options.

“The bi-fuel Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra provide customers with choices in advanced propulsion technology, and because CNG is a clean-burning, domestically produced fuel, it has wide appeal, “said Ed Peper, general manager, GM Fleet and Commercial Operations. “ The addition of a full-size bi-fuel pickup truck to GM’s fleet portfolio is another milestone in putting the customer first in everything we do – by offering great products, innovative solutions and a great customer experience.”

GM notes that it is the only carmaker is able to offer a single source for gaseous fuel vehicles. The truck has its specially designed engine with fuel management system installed by Tier One. The supplier ships the truck directly to the customer when completed. The truck will also carry the standard GM three year, 36,000 mile limited warranty while the five-year, 100,000 mile limited powertrain warranty. The vehicles also meet EPA and CARB emission certifications.



“The bi-fuel truck provides businesses with added re-fueling flexibility and eases consumer range concerns that typically come with CNG, all while reducing emissions and controlling costs,” said Joyce Mattman, director, GM Commercial Product and Specialty Vehicles. “This turnkey ordering process, combined with the best warranty in the industry for a commercial product, makes our bi-fuel truck an attractive option, especially for commercial customers.”

Source: GM
Old Mar 6, 2012 | 04:31 PM
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Re: GMC, Chevrolet Offer Full-Size Bi-Fuel Trucks Using CNG or Gasoline



I wonder what the range is on just the CNG.
Old Mar 6, 2012 | 05:58 PM
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Re: GMC, Chevrolet Offer Full-Size Bi-Fuel Trucks Using CNG or Gasoline

Multi-fuel vehicles are great. I'd consider one for my next car.
Old Mar 6, 2012 | 06:14 PM
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Re: GMC, Chevrolet Offer Full-Size Bi-Fuel Trucks Using CNG or Gasoline

This is great. My next truck might be one of these.
Old Mar 6, 2012 | 06:37 PM
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Re: GMC, Chevrolet Offer Full-Size Bi-Fuel Trucks Using CNG or Gasoline

they had these over 10 years ago... they should have never quit making them. My dad has an 02.
Old Mar 6, 2012 | 07:59 PM
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Re: GMC, Chevrolet Offer Full-Size Bi-Fuel Trucks Using CNG or Gasoline

Sounds like a great idea, how do you go about refueling it though?
Old Mar 7, 2012 | 07:49 AM
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Re: GMC, Chevrolet Offer Full-Size Bi-Fuel Trucks Using CNG or Gasoline

How much more expensive will this truck be over one with the standard 5.3L V8?
Old Mar 7, 2012 | 09:19 AM
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Re: GMC, Chevrolet Offer Full-Size Bi-Fuel Trucks Using CNG or Gasoline

Originally Posted by Z28x
How much more expensive will this truck be over one with the standard 5.3L V8?
Not yet released, but I'm guessing at least $4,000 over the standard 6.0. Conversions typically cost $7,000 to $8,000 and I would expect a more efficient and cost-effective route buying directly from the manufacturer.
Old Mar 7, 2012 | 09:23 AM
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Re: GMC, Chevrolet Offer Full-Size Bi-Fuel Trucks Using CNG or Gasoline

Originally Posted by routesixtysixer
Not yet released, but I'm guessing at least $4,000 over the standard 6.0. Conversions typically cost $7,000 to $8,000 and I would expect a more efficient and cost-effective route buying directly from the manufacturer.
Damn, too expensive for me. I wish they would just use the new 2.8L diesel that the new Colorado has over in Asia. Something like 346tq and I bet the engine isn't much more expensive than a 5.3L.
Old Mar 7, 2012 | 10:06 AM
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Re: GMC, Chevrolet Offer Full-Size Bi-Fuel Trucks Using CNG or Gasoline

We had an '02 or '03 one at work, with the 6.0 L engine. Seriously fast, not sure what the "octane" rating of CNG was- range was limited, compared to gas- this was a straight CNG rig, not bi-fuel. Maybe 160 miles, tops, and you have to be in an area where there are filling stations. Some city buses use CNG, and some school districts, too, so you get a card to access their pumps. We still run a fleet on little Honda Civics, and the range is still bad.
Old Apr 18, 2012 | 08:33 AM
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Re: GMC, Chevrolet Offer Full-Size Bi-Fuel Trucks Using CNG or Gasoline

Update: CNG option is $11,000!
Bi-fuel option to cost $11,000 on GM pickups [w/video]
Old Apr 18, 2012 | 11:24 AM
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Re: GMC, Chevrolet Offer Full-Size Bi-Fuel Trucks Using CNG or Gasoline

Originally Posted by routesixtysixer
Wow, that is way too expensive.
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