Natural gas cars are sold only in small quantities to individual retail buyers, although they have found some demand in fleets that have easy access to the fuel. Now, those fleet buyers will have another option ... one that happens to be the best-selling vehicle in the U.S. The Ford F-150 will be offered with a gaseous fuel prep package, allowing it to run on compressed natural gas (CNG).

Ford says the F-150 will be the only half-ton pickup available that can run on these fuels. The kit can only be ordered on models equipped with the 5.0-liter V-8 engine. Towing capacity is unchanged compared to the gasoline version, while cargo capacity is the same minus the weight of additional equipment for the NGV fuel system.

The vehicles are prepared at the factory with upgraded intake and exhaust valves and valve seats, at an optional cost to the buyer of $315. The cars are sent to Ford-approved shops to complete the conversion, which involves the addition of fuel tanks and CNG lines, as well as special fuel injectors. These conversions cost approximately $7,500 to $9,500, depending on fuel tank capacity.

This adaptation maintains the gasoline system, adding the possibility of using compressed natural gas as fuel, having a greater autonomy with NGV than with gasoline. There is no reduction in power or notice a slower speed when driving in either gasoline or CNG mode, on the contrary it is a smoother and more fluid driving

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Ford partners with four "Qualified Vehicle Modifiers" to perform F-150 natural gas or propane conversions. Altech-Eco based in Asheville, North Carolina, Westport of Dallas, Texas, and Venchurs Vehicle Systems of Adrian, Michigan, all perform CNG conversions.

In addition, IMPCO Automotive based in Sterling Heights, Michigan, performs both CNG and propane conversions. Ford maintains the factory warranty for converted vehicles, but modifiers are responsible for covering any parts they install. While converting a truck to run on CNG adds cost, the fuel is typically cheaper than gasoline.

From a CNG conversion, the fuel is typically cheaper than gasoline. No doubt we are looking at an American icon as much as the NBA or the Pentagon, a powerful vehicle for the long stretches of the American Mid-West as much as for the Argentine pampas. Perfect for work and comfortable to drive it is a fantastic vehicle especially if we use natural gas to drive it and to reduce its high cost in fuel

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• Power: 395 hp
• Fuel: Gasoline + CNG
• Start-Stop technology
• 5.0L V8
• 4951 cm3
• Warranty up to 2 years
• Length: 5.31 meters
• 5 seats
• Mixed fuel consumption WLTP Gasoline: 17.8 l/100 km
• Mixed Fuel Consumption WLTP CNG: 7.4 Kg/100 km
• Price: From 35000 €