CNG-Powered Ram Latest in Expanding Fuel-Efficient Lineup

Do you think Chrysler Group gets much credit for being green and fuel efficient?

At least a few times, CEO Sergio Marchionne has publicly said that there are still a lot of technical advancements to come from internal combustion engines. And, we're proving it.

Look at the 2013 Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger -- each with the 3.6-liter, Pentastar V-6 engine coupled with an eight-speed transmission get best-in-class 31mpg highway for their respective segments.

Look at the various fuel efficient options on the 2013 Dodge Dart, especially the Dart Aero, which gets 41 mpg on the highway.

What about the 2013 Fiat 500 and Fiat 500c, each one gets up to 40 mpg highway and 31 mpg city.

Those aren't hybrids.

But, that doesn't mean we're not good at hybrid and alternative fuel technology. We now count the Ram 2500 CNG (compressed natural gas) among our fuel-efficient family.

The only OEM-built, CNG-powered pickup truck sold and produced in North America, the Ram 2500 CNG pickups are available from U.S. and Canadian Ram dealers. Cost-saving and environmental benefits include:

• CNG cost is about $1.25 per GGE (gasoline gallon equivalent)
• CNG-only range of Ram is 301 miles highway; backup supply of gasoline extends total range to 966 miles.
• Operation in CNG mode reduces CO2 emissions approximately 20%; other tailpipe emissions, such as NOX, are reduced by more than 50%.

The Ram 2500 CNG is actually a bi-fuel vehicle that uses compressed natural gas as its primary fuel source, but automatically switches to gasoline when the CNG tanks are emptied. In vehicles, CNG achieves nearly identical mileage figures as unleaded regular gasoline – with a retail cost more than 30% lower than the average price of a gallon of gasoline.

"From the moment we unveiled the Ram CNG, dealers – particularly those near CNG refueling infrastructure -- strongly encouraged us to bring CNG to their stores. We’re pleased that Ram can deliver on that demand," said President/CEO - Ram Truck Brand and Chrysler de Mexico Fred Diaz.

 

**Courtesy of Chrysler Blog