The Chevrolet and GMC divisions of General Motors are partnering with Power Solutions International, Inc. (PSI) to introduce heavy-duty pickups and full-size vans powered by a 6.0-liter V-8 compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG)-capable engines starting in the first quarter of 2017.
Chevrolet added that it also plans offer CNG- and LPG-powered versions of its new cabover medium-duty truck as well; a truck introduced last year that’s the result of a renewed alliance with Japan's Isuzu Motors, whereby GM will re-badge the Isuzu N-Series cabover chassis with the Chevrolet moniker.
GM said a “ship-through” option will be offered, allowing customers to seamlessly order and take delivery from the same dealer of CNG or LPG-powered vehicles.
The OEM said it will supply vehicles equipped with its 6.0-liter V-8 engine with hardened valves and valve seats to PSI, which in turn will install the fuel system and other hardware and ship directly to Chevrolet and GMC dealers in all 50 states.
All PSI-modified vehicles will be covered by Chevrolet and GMC’s five-year or 60,000-mile limited powertrain warranty – whichever comes first – and the partnership will expand GM Fleet’s portfolio of alternative fuel, hybrid and electric vehicles (EVs), including 2017 and 2018 models, to over 25 different cars, trucks and vans.
“Expanding choice is the key to helping more commercial and government fleets reduce their fuel consumption, fuel costs and emissions using alternative fuels and EVs versus using traditional gasoline,” said Ed Peper, U.S. vice president of the GM Fleet division, in a statement. “There are no ‘one size fits all’ solutions for fleet managers.”
GM added that its partnership with PSI “follows customer demand and ongoing investment” by companies across the nation in CNG refueling infrastructure.
The automaker noted that, this month, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) announced 55 routes that will serve as the basis for a national network of “alternative fuels corridors” spanning 35 states.
Though the network is nearly 85,000 miles long, more miles will be added in the future to accommodate electric, hydrogen, propane and natural gas vehicles as additional fueling and charging stations are built, the OEM noted.
