Chevrolet->ke199 has just announced it will continue offering its bi-fuel option on the 2016 Silverado 3500. The setup allows customers to power the truck using either Compressed Natural Gas or standard gasoline. Directed at fleet customers, the bi-fuel option is only available on regular cab Silverado Chassis Cabs but can be had with either 2WD or 4WD.

The bi-fuel option is also only available with the standard 6.0-liter V-8 engine. The V-8 makes 322 horsepower at 4,400 rpm and 380 pound-feet of torque at 4,200 rpm and is mated to GM’s Hydra-Matic six-speed automatic transmission.

Once example of a possible chassis configuration is the utility box as seen here. In the front of the box lies the high-strength, 24.5-gallon CNG tank. This easy-access door allows for quick fill-up of CNG, while fill-ups with gasoline happen the conventional way. The standard gasoline tank still resides between the Silverado’s frame rails and holds 23.5 gallons.

Though the Silverado bi-fuel option is limited in its cab configurations, Chevy does make it easy for buyers of CNG trucks – the trucks completely outfitted by Chevrolet. Ford, on the other hand, only offers a CNG prep package for its F-Series trucks, requiring the customer to turn to a third party supplier to complete the conversion.

“CNG burns cleaner and costs less at the pump than gasoline, making it an appealing option for fleets,” said Ed Peper, U.S. vice president of GM Fleet and Commercial. “Expanding our CNG lineup furthers our commitment to provide a diverse lineup of alternative fuel vehicles for our customers.”

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Why it matters

CNG is becoming a popular option for large fleets. The fuel can be purchased in bulk, stored at the respective fleet headquarters, and is much cheaper to buy than gasoline. This allows operating expenses to drop for businesses with large fleets that travel considerable distances. The only major downside is CNG doesn’t provide the same mpg as gasoline, along with a slightly reduced overall engine output.

Chevrolet Silverado HD