The 2012 National Truck Equipment Association (NTEA) Work Truck Show in Indianapolis revealed a clear direction for vocational truck markets: rising fuel costs are driving rapid adoption of compressed natural gas (CNG) technology across the construction industry. Major automakers introduced factory-backed bi-fuel and dedicated natural gas options for their pickup truck lineups, responding to growing demand from commercial fleets seeking lower operating expenses. For construction professionals managing work truck fleets, understanding these emerging fuel alternatives is becoming essential for cost control and operational planning. As Electric Air Compressors for Construction Work Trucks Vmac demonstrated at the same show, the industry is moving toward integrated, energy-efficient solutions for work site power and mobility.
GM Expands Bi-Fuel Pickup Lineup for Contractor Fleets
General Motors announced the addition of 2013 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra 2500 HD extended cab bi-fuel pickups, marking a significant step in making CNG technology accessible to mainstream construction fleets. These vehicles use a CNG-capable Vortec 6.0-liter V8 engine and offer both long and short bed configurations with two-wheel or four-wheel drive options.
How the GM Bi-Fuel System Works
The GM bi-fuel pickups operate on both gasoline and compressed natural gas. The composite Type 3 CNG tank holds 17 gallons and uses an aluminum liner wrapped in carbon fiber. The tank is positioned to maintain clearance within the truck bed. Combined with the 36-gallon gasoline tank, the pickup achieves a total range of over 650 miles.
The system starts on gasoline and switches automatically to CNG once the engine reaches operating temperature. The vehicle runs on CNG until the tank is depleted, then transitions back to gasoline seamlessly. Drivers can also manually switch between fuels using a dashboard control.
Cost Savings and Warranty
Joyce Mattman, director of GM commercial product and specialty vehicles, noted that CNG prices average between $2.15 and $2.25 per gallon equivalent, with some states offering prices under $2.00. Fleet operators can expect savings ranging from $6,000 to $10,500 over three years depending on regional fuel costs and usage patterns.
The bi-fuel trucks are covered by a three-year, 36,000-mile new vehicle limited warranty and a five-year, 100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, giving fleet managers confidence in the durability of these systems.
CNG Infrastructure Growth
According to Mike Jones, CNG product manager at General Motors, the United States has approximately a 100-year supply of natural gas. Since 2009, the number of CNG stations across the country has grown by 26 percent. The most developed states for CNG infrastructure include California, New York, Utah, and Oklahoma.
- California leads in CNG station density for commercial fleets
- New York has expanded urban CNG fueling access
- Utah benefits from low natural gas prices and state incentives
- Oklahoma offers strong natural gas production infrastructure
Ford Transit and EcoBoost Technology Deliver Efficiency Gains
Ford unveiled its 2013 Transit full-size van with the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 gasoline engine, a move that promises at least 25 percent better fuel efficiency than the outgoing E-Series vans. The weight savings of nearly 300 pounds contribute significantly to these gains, making the Transit a compelling option for construction contractors who rely on cargo vans for daily operations.
EcoBoost Strategy for Commercial Vehicles
The EcoBoost engine has already transformed the half-ton pickup segment for the F-150. Ford commercial truck marketing manager Tim Stoehr explained that the company expects the same effect on commercial vans. The Transit has been a commercial success in Europe for several years and will eventually replace the E-Series entirely.
Ford plans to produce up to 1.5 million EcoBoost engines globally across a wide range of vehicles, from small cars to heavy-duty trucks. This strategy reflects a broader industry shift toward smaller-displacement, turbocharged powertrains that deliver high output with lower fuel consumption.
Westport WiNG Power System for Ford F-Series
Westport Light Duty Inc. launched the Ford F-250 and F-350 Super Duty trucks equipped with the integrated Westport WiNG Power System. This factory-ready CNG bi-fuel solution uses Ford’s 6.2-liter factory gaseous engine with hardened valves and seats, preserving the original Ford warranty.
Key specifications of the Westport system include:
- Type 4 composite fuel tank mounted in the truck bed
- Range of 200 to 300 miles on CNG alone
- Combined range of over 600 miles with gasoline backup
- Primary operation on CNG with automatic transition to gasoline
- Service and warranty work performed at authorized Ford dealers
This system allows construction fleets to adopt CNG technology without losing factory warranty protection, a critical consideration for companies that rely on dealer networks for maintenance.
Ram Trucks and Westport Systems Bring Factory CNG to Heavy-Duty Pickups
Chrysler responded to growing fleet demand by unveiling a Ram 2500 HD Heavy Duty CNG pickup at the Work Truck Show. Powered by a modified 5.7-liter HEMI V8 engine, this bi-fuel truck features compressed gas storage tanks alongside an 8-gallon gasoline fuel tank. Canadian customers can opt for a 35-gallon gasoline tank for extended range.
Engineering Modifications for CNG Compatibility
The HEMI bi-fuel engine required specific engineering changes to operate reliably on compressed natural gas:
- Redesigned cylinder heads with CNG-compatible valves and valve-seat materials
- A second, CNG-specific fuel rail and injector set for precise fuel delivery
- New spark plugs designed for improved combustion and durability with gaseous fuel
- A modified powertrain control module enabling seamless operation on either fuel source
The CNG tanks hold 130 liters (4.6 cubic feet) and are mounted in the forward portion of the 8-foot bed, secured to the frame and covered by a painted 50 ksi high-strength steel cover. The CNG filler connection sits next to the gasoline fuel neck, accessible through the standard fuel filler door.
| Specification | Ram 2500 HD CNG |
|---|---|
| Engine | 5.7L HEMI V8 Bi-Fuel |
| CNG Tank Capacity | 130 liters (4.6 cu. ft.) |
| Gasoline Backup Tank | 8 gallons (35 gallons Canadian) |
| Range on CNG Only | 255 miles |
| Total Combined Range | 367 miles |
| Payload Capacity | 1,580 lbs. |
| Towing Capacity | 7,650 lbs. |
| Standard Equipment | Class IV hitch, 4/7-pin connectors |
Ram Tradesman Expansion
Chrysler also announced expanded availability of the Ram 1500 Tradesman package to include Crew Cab and Quad Cab models. Previously available only in regular cab configuration, the Tradesman is designed for small businesses, construction job sites, and commercial fleets seeking value-priced work trucks.
The 4.7-liter V8 engine delivers 310 horsepower and 330 lb.-ft. of torque while achieving up to 20 mpg. An optional 5.7-liter HEMI V8 provides 390 horsepower and 407 lb.-ft. of torque. Tradesman models include link-coil rear suspension, heavy-duty cooling, and a no-cost RamBox cargo management system with lighted, lockable storage for tools.
Evaluating CNG Fuel Economics for Construction Fleet Operations
The convergence of factory-backed CNG options from all three major American automakers signals a tipping point for natural gas as a transportation fuel in construction. For fleet managers evaluating the switch, several economic and operational factors require careful consideration.
Total Cost of Ownership Comparison
CNG fuel prices are not tied to global oil markets, providing a measure of price stability that diesel and gasoline cannot offer. At $2.00 to $2.25 per gallon equivalent, CNG typically undercuts diesel by $1.50 to $2.00 per gallon in most markets. However, the upfront cost of CNG-equipped vehicles, reduced payload capacity due to tank weight, and limited fueling infrastructure must factor into purchase decisions.
Infrastructure Planning
Fleets considering CNG adoption have several fueling options:
- Time-fill stations that refuel vehicles overnight using low-pressure compression
- Fast-fill stations that deliver CNG at comparable speed to diesel pumps
- Public CNG stations in regions with developed infrastructure
- Bi-fuel operation that uses gasoline as a backup where CNG is unavailable
Many large construction fleets have already developed private CNG fueling infrastructure, which was a key driver behind Chrysler’s decision to develop factory CNG options.
Operational Considerations for Construction Sites
CNG tanks reduce available bed space and payload capacity compared to standard gasoline trucks. The tank placement in the forward bed area preserves access to the tailgate area, but contractors who regularly use the full bed for materials or equipment should evaluate whether the reduced capacity affects their specific operations.
For a broader perspective on fleet management economics, see Morgan Truck Body Online Parts Store Modernizing Work for insights into parts procurement modernization that complements fuel cost strategies.
Comparing Fuel Options for Work Trucks
| Fuel Type | Typical Cost per Gallon Equivalent | Range per Tank | Infrastructure Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diesel | $3.80 – $4.50 | 400 – 600 miles | Widespread |
| Gasoline | $3.20 – $4.00 | 350 – 500 miles | Widespread |
| CNG (Bi-Fuel) | $2.00 – $2.25 | 650+ miles combined | Growing in key states |
Long-Term Contract and Budget Implications
Fuel cost volatility directly affects construction project profitability, particularly for fixed-price contracts where fuel price escalation cannot be passed to the client. Understanding the relationship between fuel strategy and contract structure is critical. For more on this topic, read When Construction Jobs Cost Less Than the Bid for an analysis of how cost fluctuations affect fixed-price and cost-plus agreements.
A comprehensive value engineering approach should account for fuel technology decisions as part of broader lifecycle cost analysis. Contractors who integrate fuel strategy into their equipment purchasing decisions gain a competitive advantage in bidding and project execution. Construction Economics and Value Engineering Cost Escalation Analysis offers a deeper examination of how these factors interact in construction cost management.
The 2012 Work Truck Show made one thing clear: the construction industry’s relationship with fuel is changing. Factory-backed CNG options from GM, Ford, Chrysler, and aftermarket integrators like Westport are making alternative fuel technology more accessible and reliable than ever. For fleet managers and construction business owners, the window for evaluating natural gas as a fleet fuel strategy is open, and the economics are increasingly compelling.