GM unveils 2013 GMC Sierra and Chevrolet Silverado with bi-fuel V8
General Motors has revealed the 2013 GMC Sierra and Chevrolet Silverado pickups, both equipped with a 6.0-litre V8 capable of running on petrol and compressed natural gas.
General Motors has taken the wraps off its 2013 GMC Sierra and Chevrolet Silverado pickups, introducing bi-fuel capability to its heavy-duty range. Both models feature a 6.0-litre V8 engine that can run on either petrol or compressed natural gas (CNG), offering what GM claims is a total range of up to 650 miles.
The bi-fuel system is available on the GMC Sierra 2500 HD and Chevrolet Silverado extended cab variants. The trucks are aimed at commercial users looking for lower running costs and reduced emissions, with CNG offering a cleaner-burning alternative to petrol. GM said the new pickups are part of its strategy to broaden advanced propulsion choices for fleet and retail customers in North America.
Bi-fuel V8 and range claims
Both pickups use a 6.0-litre V8 engine engineered to operate on either petrol or CNG, switching between fuels as needed. The CNG tank is integrated into the bed of the truck, with the system designed to allow seamless transitions between the two fuels. GM claims a combined driving range of 650 miles when both tanks are full, though real-world figures will depend on usage and load.
The company is targeting government and commercial fleets, where the ability to use domestically produced natural gas could help reduce fuel bills and carbon output. The dual-fuel setup is also intended to address range anxiety for operators covering long distances or working in areas with limited CNG infrastructure.
Warranty and commercial focus
Both the Sierra and Silverado bi-fuel models come with a three-year or 36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, alongside a 100,000-mile limited warranty covering the powertrain and emissions systems. This matches the coverage offered on GM’s other heavy-duty trucks and is intended to reassure commercial customers about long-term reliability.
- 6.0-litre V8 engine with bi-fuel capability
- Petrol and CNG tanks for extended range
- Three-year/36,000-mile vehicle warranty
- 100,000-mile powertrain and emissions warranty
GM’s decision to reveal the new bi-fuel pickups outside of the major American motor shows underlines the company’s focus on commercial buyers rather than retail truck enthusiasts. The move follows a broader industry trend towards alternative-fuel options in the pickup segment, as rivals also look to expand their low-emission offerings.
Where these trucks fit in GM’s range
The Sierra and Silverado bi-fuel models sit alongside GM’s existing petrol and diesel heavy-duty pickups. The company has previously offered hybrid and alternative-fuel versions of these trucks, but this is its first factory-built CNG option for the full-size segment. The move is aimed at fleet operators who want to reduce fuel costs without sacrificing the capability expected from a heavy-duty pickup.
For buyers considering earlier or hybrid versions, GM’s 2009 Sierra Hybrid offered a different approach to fuel savings, while the new bi-fuel trucks focus on maximising range and flexibility for commercial use.
The 2013 GMC Sierra and Chevrolet Silverado bi-fuel pickups are expected to reach fleet customers later in the year. Pricing and detailed technical specifications were not released at launch.
