By the end of the year, you will be able to get a Ram 2500 CNG in regular cab and 2WD configurations, in addition to the current 4×4 Crew Cab option.
The expansion of the bi-fuel — CNG and gasoline — Ram 2500 CNG offers more choices for prospective retail and fleet owners, and is available for ordering now.
“The growing Ram 2500 CNG lineup keeps its heavy-duty capability while giving retail and fleet customers cost and emissions benefits. Our Ram CNG lineup uses an abundant of domestically sourced fuel, which reduces America’s dependence on foreign oil,” explained Ram Truck Brand President/CEO Bob Hegbloom.
CNG is currently about 14% cheaper than gasoline, at current prices.
The Ram HD CNG is powered by the 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 and features both compressed gas storage tanks (equivalent to 18.2 gallons of gas) and a choice of 8- or 32-gallon gasoline fuel tanks.
How Ram CNG works
The Ram’s 5.7-liter HEMI bi-fuel engine has been modified to run on compressed natural gas, as well as gasoline. Redesigned cylinder heads with specifically designed CNG compatible valves and valve-seat materials allow the engine to burn both fuels. It also gets a second, CNG-specific fuel rail and set of injectors. Unique spark plugs improve combustion and durability, and a unique powertrain control module allows the HEMI to seamlessly operate on either of the two fuel sources.
CNG-only range is 301 miles highway, while the backup supply of gasoline extends the range to 966 total miles.
The Ram 2500 Heavy Duty CNG’s two ultra-strong 4.6 cu.-ft. (130-liter) CNG tanks are located in the forward portion of the Ram’s 8-foot pickup bed. Both tanks are mounted to the frame and covered by a painted 50 ksi high-strength steel cover. The CNG filler connection is located next to the gasoline fuel neck, accessed through the Ram’s fuel filler door.
The development of the Ram 2500 CNG trucks is backed by Fiat’s expertise in CNG. It sold 480,000 passenger cars and light-duty trucks 1997-2011, and has an 80% CNG marketshare in Europe.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, there are 815 public CNG stations in the U.S. In Canada, there are about 80 public CNG stations, according to Canadian Natural Gas Vehicle Alliance.