The so-called green truck segment is growing fast. By the end of this year, the number of alternative-fuel commercial vehicles on the road in the U.S. is expected to rise to more than 150,000, a 16% annual increase, estimates the National Truck Equipment Association. Although this represents a fraction of the millions of vehicles on the road today, the new breed of trucks is attracting the interest of cost-conscious fleet managers.
Responding to demands for cheaper, cleaner fuels than gasoline or diesel, Ford, General Motors and Ram have introduced new pickups that are designed to run on compressed natural gas (CNG) and gasoline. The "bifuel" trucks debuted at the Work Truck Show, which NTEA hosted on March 6-8 in Indianapolis. Helping to spur adoption and lessen fears, the truck makers are offering standard warranty packages. The models promise a two- to three-year payback, they said.