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.

—Jon Coleman, Ford fleet sustainability and technology manager

2016 F-150 trucks running on CNG or propane will be able to tow the same amount as if they were running on gasoline. Payload capability is the same as well—minus the weight of the installed CNG or propane system. With the advanced light-weighting 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.

CNG/propane engine prep from the factory costs $315 before the customer chooses a Ford Qualified Vehicle Modifier to supply fuel tanks, fuel lines and unique fuel injectors. Upfits run approximately $7,500 to $9,500 depending on fuel tank capacity.

With the addition of the 2016 F-150, Ford Motor Company will offer eight Ford commercial vehicles available from the factory with a gaseous-fuel prep option—more than any other North American auto manufacturer. These include:

• 2016 F-150
• F-250 and F-350 Super Duty pickup
• F-450 and F-550 Super Duty chassis cab
• F-650 and F-750 chassis cab
• F-53 and F-59 stripped chassis
• Transit Connect van and wagon
• Transit van, wagon, cutaway and chassis cab
• E-Series cutaway and stripped chassis

Ford has established a qualification program for alternative-fuel vehicle modifiers. Four of these modifiers offer CNG or propane bi-fuel and dedicated kits for the 2016 F-150:

• Altech-Eco, bi-fuel & dedicated CNG
• IMPCO Automotive, CNG and propane
• Westport, CNG
• Venchurs Vehicle Systems, CNG

Ford maintains the engine and powertrain limited warranty (five years or 60,000 miles) for the vehicle. The modifier is responsible for the system component warranty and can provide additional details.

Following Ford’s announcement, Westport Innovations Inc. announced plans to offer 2016 Ford F-150 trucks for use with the compressed natural gas (CNG) Westport WiNG Power System (earlier post), and certify to EPA and CARB standards. The company is unveiling its first 2016 F-150 featuring the Westport WiNG Power System at the Alternative Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo in Dallas; the model is expected to be available for order this summer.

Westport is offering the 2016 Ford F-150 as a dedicated or bi-fuel CNG Westport WiNG Power System vehicle. Designed to transport passengers and cargo, the 2016 Ford F-150 offers a 5.0-liter gaseous prep engine with improved emissions compared to gasoline.

The Ford F-150 pickup truck is available with a 17 gasoline gallon equivalent (GGE) or 23 GGE tank. Westport engineers are currently evaluating underbody tank options as well. The existing Ford OEM warranty remains intact.