Ford's first diesel-powered 2018 F-150 pickup can deliver an EPA-rated 30 mpg in highway driving, which would put it among the most fuel-efficient pickups available when it goes on sale in the spring.

The diesel F-150 is powered by Ford's only diesel V-6 — a 3.0L Power Stroke turbocharged engine that makes 250 horsepower and 440 pounds-feet of torque. It's the sixth engine choice for F-150 customers. The pickup can haul 2,020 pounds of payload and tow up to 11,400 pounds.

Ford is pairing the engine with its SelectShift 10-speed automatic transmission. It will also come with auto stop-start as a standard feature.

Fleet customers can order the diesel F-150 in SuperCrew with a 5.5- or 6.5-foot bed and the SuperCab with the 6.5-foot bed. It will be available in all trim grades. For retail buyers, the engine is available with the Lariat, King Ranch, and Platinum trims.

Ford's diesel V-6 shared technology with the 6.7-liter Power Stroke engine that has powered its Super Duty trucks since 2011. The engine shares the same graphite iron block material and forged steel crank used in the 2.7-liter EcoBoost.

Peak torque comes at 1,750 rpm with torque delivery continuing throughout the rpm range, which is ideal for towing or hauling heavy loads over long distances, according to Ford.

The engine uses a common-rail fuel injection system that adds fuel at 29,000 pounds per square inch. Dual fuel filters improve break-in while a cast-aluminum oil pan and two-stage oil pump reduce parasitic loss and improve fuel efficiency.

The truck also uses a mechanical engine-driven fan and dual radiator shutters to improve performance when temperatures run high at altitude.

"We know that competing diesels with electric cooling fans have to dial back on power under extreme heat and altitude, so we decided on a viscous-controlled mechanical fan that has the capacity to move much more air across the radiator and intercooler in extreme conditions," said David Ives, Ford's diesel engine technical specialist. "This gives F-150 Power Stroke owners more power and more passing capability in harsh conditions."

When operating under normal conditions, the engine system backs off the fan load through a viscous coupler. It closes down the two radiator shutters to improve aerodynamic efficiency and reduce parasitic engine loss.

Ford has added several other upgrades to the pickup for 2018, including stronger axles for the high-strength steel frame and aluminum-alloy body.

Ford will begin taking orders, including from commercial buyers, later this month, and begin delivering it in the spring. Ford will show the vehicle at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit later this month.