DETROIT – Chevrolet and GMC extended cab heavy-duty pickup trucks with a bi-fuel option will sell for $11,000 above the suggested base-vehicle price. Fleet and retail customers can place orders for the 2013 Chevrolet Silverado HD and GMC Sierra 2500 HD beginning April 19, according to General Motors.

GM first announced plans to sell a commercial bi-fuel pickup in October 2011. The automaker announced details of the new alternative-fuel models last month.

The pickups, which run on compressed natural gas (CNG) and gasoline, have a Vortec 6.0L V8 engine that seamlessly transitions between the two fuel systems for a combined CNG and gasoline range of more than 650 miles. A single light-weight Type 3 tank in the bed maximizes available payload and bed space for more usable space.

“The announcement of the bi-fuel Silverado and Sierra has been well-received among customers, which sends a clear message that businesses are looking for alternative-fuel options to meet their needs,” said Ed Peper, general manager, GM Fleet and Commercial Operations.

The pickups will be available in standard and long-box, two-or-four-wheel drive in the extended cab models, offering customization for specific needs. Click here to watch a video of Peper discussing the new bi-fuel pickups.

According to Joyce Mattman, director of GM Commercial Product and Specialty Vehicles, the “low cost of ownership makes these vehicles a realistic solution,” noting that the low retail price of CNG could save customers $5,000-$10,000 over a three-year period, depending on their driving habits.

The bi-fuel trucks will be covered by GM’s three-year, 36,000-mile new vehicle limited warranty and five-year, 100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty and vehicle emissions warranty, meeting all Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and California Air Resources Board (CARB) emission certification requirements.

The entire manufacturer-backed gaseous fuel system in the vehicles meets GM’s strict quality, durability, safety testing and is covered under the extensive warranty. The trucks are built in Fort Wayne, Ind., and then sent to the Tier One supplier for installation of the CNG bi-fuel delivery and storage system. 

Fleet-related questions can be answered by joining the GM Fleet and Commercial Customer Service LinkedIn group.

In a recent interview with Automotive Fleet, Peper said GM is focusing on growing its commercial and government sales, in particular boosting its presence in the car segment. “We’re very strong on the truck side. But, I think we’ve got to do a better job on the car side,” he told AF. 

By Grace Suizo