Ford said it will introduce a new compressed natural gas and propane engine prep package for its 6.8-liter F-450 and F-550 Super Duty chassis cab.
The conversion option, set to be available this fall, would enable the use of CNG, or liquefied petroleum gas.

F-450 and F-550 Super Duty are Ford's latest commercial vehicles to get the alternative-fuel conversion option. Since introducing the option to E-Series and other commercial fleet vehicles last fall, Ford has shipped some 3,000 E-Series vans with CNG/LPG-prepped 5.4-liter and 6.8-liter gas engines to fleet operators such as Verizon and Schwan's Home Delivery Service.

Ford also offers the package on its Transit Connect, and the company plans to add the capability to the F-53 motor home chassis and new F-59 commercial strip chassis.

"Compressed natural gas and propane offer more than sufficient power for vehicles because they are high-energy fuels," said Rob Stevens, commercial vehicle chief engineer. "Other natural benefits for these fuels are overall lower emissions of greenhouse gases compared to gasoline and lower fuel/operating costs for their fleet."

According to the company, nearly 87 percent of natural gas used in the U.S. is domestically produced, and the government offers tax credit incentives for fleets to convert to alternative fuels.

Ford provides calibration guidance to numerous highly competitive CNG and LPG upfitters for E-Series, F-Series and Transit Connect. By following Ford recommendations published in the Body Builders Advisory Service QVM Bulletin Q-185, the converted vehicle maintains its factory engine warranty.

More info: www.ford.com