Chevrolet, GMC Increase Alternative Fuel Fleet Offerings

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Trailer/Body Builders  /  November 29, 2016

Chevrolet and GMC are partnering with Power Solutions International, Inc. (PSI) to introduce heavy-duty pickups and full-size vans powered by 6.0-liter V-8 compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG)-capable engines starting in the first quarter of 2017.

Chevrolet also will offer CNG and LPG versions of its new Isuzu-sourced “Low Cab Forward” commercial truck.

The announcement follows the selection of PSI, based in Wood Dale, Illinois, as General Motors Fleet’s preferred upfitter for CNG and LPG trucks. PSI is one of North America’s largest and most experienced providers of integrated turnkey alternative-fuel powertrain solutions.

Ship-through will be offered, allowing customers to seamlessly order and take delivery from the same dealer. GM will supply vehicles equipped with the 6.0L 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 are covered by Chevrolet and GMC’s five-year/60,000-mile (whichever comes first) limited powertrain warranty.

The expanded lineup brings GM Fleet’s portfolio of alternative fuel, hybrid and EVs to more than a dozen trucks, cars and crossovers. Other recent additions include the Chevrolet Bolt EV, a Duramax 2.8-liter B20-capable Duramax diesel for the Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana vans and all-new available 6.6-liter B20-capable Duramax diesel engines for the Chevrolet Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD.

“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 GM Fleet. “There are no ‘one size fits all’ solutions for fleet managers.”

GM Fleet’s partnership with PSI follows customer demand and ongoing investment by companies across the nation in CNG refueling infrastructure. 

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 fuel” 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.

Currently four of the top five “Green Fleets” operate CNG-powered vehicles. All of the top 25 fleets use at least two fuels.  

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EPA Certifies Bi-Fuel CNG System for GM, Isuzu Cabovers

Heavy Duty Trucking  /  December 21, 2016

AGA Systems has received EPA certification of its EcoSync HD Bi-Fuel CNG alternative-fuel system for the 2017 General Motors Vortec 6.0L engine that's used in the Isuzu NPR and Chevrolet Low Cab Forward trucks.  

AGA Systems is awaiting EPA approval of its EcoSync HD dedicated CNG alternative-fuel system, which is expected in January. Both systems are in production, and the company is taking and orders.

Advanced EcoSync technology utilizes the factory electronic control module with advanced safety and diagnostics capabilities and eliminates the need for a last-generation slave-ECU for CNG operation.