Production has begun in Fort Wayne, Ind. for the 2013 Chevrolet Silverado HD and GMC Sierra 2500 HD bi-fuel pickup trucks.
The Silverado HD and Sierra 2500 HD Vortec engine (6.0L V8) runs on gasoline or compressed natural gas (CNG) and switches between the two fuels without affecting performance. The CNG and gasoline tanks have a combined range of 650 miles, the longest standard bi-fuel range of any original equipment automaker.
Ed Peper, General Motors U.S. vice president of Fleet and Commercial Sales, said in a press release: “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.”
The GM press release states:
The Type-3 single-tank CNG system in the Silverado HD and Sierra 2500 HD is designed to retain more bed space than any competing bi-fuel truck from an Original Equipment Manufacturer. The pickups are available in standard and long-box and two-or-four wheel drive in the extended cab models.
“At Chesapeake, we are converting our fleet of more than 5,000 vehicles to run on natural gas, and having options from GMC and Chevy is critical to help us reach our conversion goal,” said Nate Pumphrey, Chesapeake Energy Corp. director of Fleet Operations. “Following our full conversion, we will save $11 million to $12 million annually on fuel costs.
“As a fleet manager, the stable price of natural gas is another major benefit that helps me budget more accurately, and the fuel’s reduced emissions align with Chesapeake’s commitment to environmental excellence,” he said.
The pickup trucks are available for order by fleet and retail customers through Chevrolet and GMC dealers. To find more information, visit gmfleet.com.
