Already a leading provider or natural gas-powered light-duty pickup trucks, Ford Motor Co. said Monday its 2016 F-150 pickup models will have a 5.0-liter V8 engine offering natural gas and propane as fuel options. Ford said the popular pickups will have the option of a “gaseous-fuel prep,” making them capable of running on compressed natural gas (CNG) or propane. The auto giant claims it makes the only half-ton pickup with the option of running on CNG or propane.
A survey by the automaker of its existing customers turned up that 72% indicated they wanted the F-150 with alternative-fuel capabilities. “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,” said Jon Coleman, Ford’s fleet sustainability/technology manager.