The pickups, which are available for order by fleet and retail customers through Chevrolet and GMC dealers, feature a Vortec 6.0L V8 engine that runs on gasoline or compressed natural gas (CNG) and switches between the two fuels
DETROIT, MI- Production of the 2013 Chevrolet Silverado HD and GMC Sierra 2500 HD bi-fuel pickup trucks is underway in Fort Wayne, Ind., GM announced Thursday.
The pickups, which are available for order by fleet and retail customers through Chevrolet and GMC dealers, feature a Vortec 6.0L V8 engine that runs on gasoline or compressed natural gas (CNG) and switches between the two fuels
“Customers are choosing our bi-fuel 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 U.S. vice president of fleet and commercial sales, in a statement.
The CNG and gasoline tanks have a combined range of 650 miles -- the longest range available in the bi-fuel truck market, according to the Detroit-based automaker.
The vehicles, which cost about $11,000 more than the standard models,
GM has not released a sales target, but officials previously said they expect “big” orders for the pickups to both fleet and retail customers.
The bi-fuel trucks will be covered by GM’s three-year, 36,000-mile new vehicle limited warranty and five-year, 100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty and vehicle emissions warranty.
According to the U.S Environmental Protection Agency, CNG-powered vehicles can produce approximately 25 percent fewer carbon dioxide emissions than similar gasoline and diesel-powered vans.
One of the largest problem with CNG vehicles is refueling the tanks. There are less than 1,000 CNG fueling stations in the U.S., according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
Email Michael Wayland: MWayland@mlive.com and follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/MikeWayland