Chevrolet and GMC on Tuesday, March 6, announced details of General Motors’ bi-fuel 2013 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra 2500 HD extended cab pickup trucks at the NTEA Work Truck Show in Indianapolis. The vehicles include a compressed natural gas-capable Vortec 6.0L V8 engine that transitions between CNG and gasoline fuel systems.
The truck always starts using gasoline and switches over to CNG once the proper operating temperature is reached. However, the driver can switch between fuels at any time – even when driving at highway speeds – simply by pressing a button mounted on the dashboard. Combined, the trucks offer a range of more than 650 miles. The Silverado and Sierra will be available in standard and long box with either two- or four-wheel drive.
“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 of 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.”
The bi-fuel trucks are built with a specially designed engine, the fuel system is installed by GM’s Tier One supplier, and the completed vehicle is delivered directly to the customer. This process makes ordering the bi-fuel option as seamless and efficient as a standard vehicle, according to Joyce Mattman, director of GM’s commercial product and specialty vehicles.
“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,” Mattman said. “This turnkey ordering process makes our bi-fuel truck an attractive option, especially for commercial customers.”
The bi-fuel commercial trucks will be covered by GM’s three-year 36,000-mile new vehicle limited warranty and five-yea, 100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty and vehicle emissions warranty, meeting all U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and California Air Resources Board emissions certification requirements.
