Ford is re-introducing a gaseous prep package for its 2016 F-150 to enable bi-fuel or dedicated CNG and propane autogas use. The package was last offered with the 2014-MY F-150.

Fleets who order the 2016 F-150 equipped with the 5.0L V-8 engine can have the truck set up to operate as either a bi-fuel or dedicated compressed natural gas (CNG) or propane autogas vehicle.

The move follows a customer survey that revealed that 72 percent of customers wanted the gaseous-prep package with the V-8 engine.

Ford had offered a gaseous-prep package on its 2014-MY F-150 that was available with the 3.7L V-6 engine. Ford had partnered with Altech-Eco, who supplied the fueling system. Ford didn't offer a gaseous-prep package on the 2015-MY F-150.

CNG/propane engine prep from the factory costs approximately $315 before the customer chooses a Ford Qualified Vehicle Modifier (QVM) to supply fuel tanks, fuel lines and unique fuel injectors. Upfits cost approximately $7,500 to $13,000 depending on fuel tank capacity.

Six Ford QVM partners can set up the vehicles at 36 locations. They include Altech-Eco, based in Asheville, N.C.; IMPCO Automotive, based in Sterling Heights, Mich.; Landi Renzo USA, based in Torrance, Calif.; ROUSH CleanTech, based in Livonia, Mich.; Venchurs Vehicle Systems, based in Adrian, Mich.; and Westport, based in Dallas.

Ford estimates as many as 70 percent of its vehicles purchased with CNG/propane packages are upfit before customers take delivery and another 20 percent are upfit within a year of purchase.

Ford now offers gaseous-prep packages as an option with eight of its vehicles, including the 2.5L DOHC I-4 in Transit Connect; 3.7L Ti-VCT V-6 in Transit; 5.4L V-8 and 6.8L V-10 in E-Series cutaway and stripped chassis; 6.2L V-8 in F-250 and F-350 Super Duty; 6.8L V-10 in F-450 and F-550 Super Duty; 6.8L V-10 in F-53 and F-59 stripped chassis; and 6.8L V-10 in F-650 and F-750 chassis cab.