GM launches bi-fuel Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra 2500 HDs for US market
General Motors will offer 2013 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra 2500 HD pickups with a bi-fuel V8, capable of running on both petrol and compressed natural gas, targeting fleet and commercial buyers.
General Motors confirmed it will sell bi-fuel versions of the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra 2500 HD pickups for the 2013 model year, targeting buyers seeking lower running costs and reduced emissions. The announcement positions GM to compete for commercial and fleet customers interested in alternative fuel options as natural gas infrastructure expands in the US.
Both trucks will use GM’s Vortec 6.0-litre V8, modified to operate on either petrol or compressed natural gas. The system is designed to switch automatically between fuels, allowing drivers to maximise range and take advantage of lower CNG prices where available. GM claims a combined range of more than 650 miles, depending on the size of the CNG tank fitted.
The vehicles will be assembled at GM’s Fort Wayne plant in Indiana before being sent to a specialist supplier for installation of the CNG system and tanks. This approach allows GM to maintain its standard production processes while offering a factory-backed alternative-fuel option. The CNG conversion is covered by GM’s warranty, which is likely to appeal to fleet operators concerned about reliability and aftersales support.
Fuel savings and emissions benefits
According to GM, drivers could save between $6,000 and $10,000 in fuel costs over three years, based on the lower price of CNG compared to petrol. Natural gas is reported to cost about a third less per unit than conventional petrol in the US. The company also points to environmental benefits, with CNG producing around 25 percent less carbon dioxide than petrol.
The number of CNG stations in the US has increased by 26 percent since 2009, reflecting growing interest from fleets and municipalities. However, the limited public refuelling network may restrict the appeal of bi-fuel pickups to areas with established infrastructure or operators with access to private CNG stations.
Pricing and market positioning
GM has not yet disclosed pricing for the bi-fuel Silverado and Sierra 2500 HDs. Any price premium over petrol-only models will be a factor for buyers weighing upfront costs against projected fuel savings. The trucks are aimed primarily at commercial customers, such as utility fleets and government agencies, who can benefit from lower running costs and may already have CNG refuelling capability on site.
The introduction of bi-fuel heavy-duty pickups follows similar moves by other manufacturers responding to demand for alternative fuel vehicles in the US commercial sector. GM’s decision to offer a factory-supported CNG option extends its powertrain portfolio for the Silverado and Sierra lines, which have already seen updates for 2013. For a look at the broader changes to these models, seeGM unveils 2013 GMC Sierra and Chevrolet Silverado with bi-fuel V8.
