Ford continues its commitment to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) powered trucks with the 2016 Ford F-150. This time, it’s the 5.0L naturally aspirated V8 that gets the CNG treatment. There are several benefits to a CNG powered truck. The methane-based fuel is cleaner burning, and around 85% of the supply is produced domestically in the United States. When equipped with both gasoline and CNG tanks, a truck like this F-150 can go over 750 miles between fill-ups.
On the downside, CNG is not able to produce as much power as gasoline fuel in the same engine. Still, a CNG equipped F-150 is capable of competitive payload and towing ratings. The other issue has to do with the size of the CNG tank. Some up-fitters mount them in the bed of the truck and it takes away valuable cargo volume.
The CNG prep package from the factory runs $315. The customers then need to go through an authorized up-fitter to install the CNG/LPG tank, lines, and injectors. This addition can run between $6,000 and $9,500, depending on the tank size. This option is mainly meant for large fleet customers.
Watch the 2.7L EcoBoost V6 powered F-150 tackle the grueling Ike Gauntlet towing test.
And here is the CNG F-150 running the Ike Gauntlet extreme towing test.
