Ford Will Offer a 2014 F-150 Powered by Compressed Natural Gas

Aug. 12, 2013 - PRLog -- That latest in a line of vehicles that has long been king of the pickup segment, the 2014 Ford F-150 (http://www.ahford.com/custom/2014-ford-f-150) won’t be resting on its laurels. Ever the innovator, Ford will be offering a 2014 Ford F-150 that can run on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) or Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG). This will make Ford the only automaker to offer a half-ton pickup truck that is CNG/LPG-capable.

The 2014 F-150, when equipped with the CNG/LPG package, is able to travel for up to 750 miles on a single tank, depending on the tank size the driver selects. The CNG/LPG engine package will be available as a factory-installed package that features hardened valves, valve seats, pistons, and rings, enabling it to run on either natural gas or gasoline, affording drivers a tremendous degree of flexibility.

The engine prep from the factory will cost $315 before the driver chooses a fuel tank supplier. Fuel tank installation will cost roughly $7,500 to $9,000, depending on the size of the tank.

“Businesses and fleet customers have been asking Ford to make F-150 available with CNG capability to take advantage of the fuel’s low price and clean emissions,” said John Coleman, Ford fleet sustainability and technology manager. He went on to say that purchasers could see their investment pay for itself in 24 to 36 months.

While F-150 drivers will benefit from this option, it signals a potential sea change among automakers. Given the place of the F-150 at the top of the pickup segment, Ford’s willingness to blaze a trail into this territory may compel other automakers to follow. More importantly, it could lead to construction of the needed infrastructure for refueling CNG-powered vehicles.

The use of CNG in the F-150 is being welcomed by environmental advocates, since CNG is not only cheaper than petroleum — it also emits less carbon dioxide. John Hoffmeister, head of Citizens for Affordable Energy, said, “The fact that Ford would begin to put CNG into a very popular consumer vehicle… is a major step along the way to a transformation of the total fleet of American vehicles.”

For more information about the CNG-powered 2014 F-150, visit Arlington Heights Ford. The dealership is located at 801 W. Dundee Rd. in Arlington Heights, IL (http://www.ahford.com/page/locationhours2-masterpage/mast...), and proudly serves drivers throughout the Chicago area with the full lineup of new Ford models.