Ford Motor Company continues to expand its compressed natural gas (CNG) lineup of commercial vehicles. The fleet industry has taken notice and is adding these alternative-fueled workhorses to their fleets.

Pioneer Natural Resources is a large independent oil and gas exploration and production company located in Irving, Texas.

The company has added 225 bi-fuel, Westport WiNG natural gas powered Ford F-250 Super Duty trucks to its fleet, and has begun transitioning a number of its fleet vehicles from gasoline and diesel power to those able to run on more cost-effective CNG.

“Pioneer strives to lead by example with our commitment to natural gas vehicles and engines in our own operations,” said Jay Still, executive vice president of Domestic Operations at Pioneer. “Transitioning to natural gas for our fleet fuel is good economics, good for the environment, and good for American jobs.”

The fleet team at Pioneer has been driving the WiNG-powered Ford F-250 models since they became available.

Westport LD recently opened the Westport Kentucky Integration Center (WKIC) in Louisville where the natural gas WiNG power systems are installed on Ford F-250 and F-350 bi-fuel pickup trucks. With the ability to run on either natural gas or gasoline, the Ford trucks offer drivers more than 650 miles of range with two full tanks, and can take advantage of a low cost, domestic fuel, according to the automaker.

The vehicles are designed to meet both Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and California Air Resources Board (CARB) standards, and are available on the 4x2 or 4x4 configurations; 6.75 or 8 foot cargo box lengths; and Regular Cab, Super Cab, or Crew Cab variants.

Current qualified vehicle modifiers (QVMs) for CNG upfits on the F-Series Super Duty (F-250 and F-350 Chassis Cab) are Altech-Eco, BAF, IMPCO, Landi Renzo, Venchurs, and Westport.

The complete Ford F-Series lineup is now available with a CNG/LPG bi-fuel capability.

The 2014 Ford F-150 will offer a gaseous-fuel prep option on the 3.7L V-6 engine, able to run on CNG or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) also known as propane autogas.

The 2014 Ford F-150 with 3.7L V-6 engine will be built with a factory-installed, gaseous-fuel prep package that includes hardened valves, valve seats, pistons, and rings so it can operate on either natural gas or gasoline through separate fuel systems.

When the 3.7L V-6 F-150 is equipped with a CNG/LPG engine package, it is capable of achieving more than 750 miles on one tank of natural gas, depending on the tank size selected. The Ford F-150 averages 23 mpg on the highway.