The 2016 F-150 will offer a gaseous-fuel prep option, making it the only light-duty pickup capable of running on compressed natural gas or propane.

Ford Motor Co. will launch a new compressed natural gas version of its F-150 pickup, the first light-duty full-size truck to offer a CNG option.

The alternative fuel has become increasingly abundant thanks to the growth of fracking in the U.S. For cars and trucks, it typically offers lower operating costs – though there is a significant up-front investment, as much as $10,000 on the Ford truck. CNG also allows a buyer to maintain the towing and payload capacity of the F-150, unlike some other options.

“We surveyed customers likely to use natural gas or propane, and 72% told us they want to have these alternative-fuel capabilities available on F-150 with the 5.0-liter V8 engine,” said Jon Coleman, Ford fleet sustainability and technology manager. “We expect the gaseous-fuel prep package will be even more popular than it was on the 2014 F-150 with the 3.7-liter V6 engine, given the capability of the 2016 F-150 5.0-liter V8.”

The new CNG package is designed for the 5.0-liter V-8 version of the all-new aluminum-intensive F-150. The maker previously offered a natural gas package for the less capable V-6 on the old F-Series truck. The maker claims the new version can haul “hundreds of pounds more” cargo, while also boosting towing capacity.

Running on CNG or propane is cleaner and cheaper than running on gasoline, but there's an upfront conversion cost.

While it is considered a fossil fuel, its chemical structure contains less carbon than petroleum or coal and that means that in a motor vehicle it produces 60 to 90% fewer smog-causing pollutants and 30 to 40% less greenhouse gas emissions than gasoline, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

Meanwhile, the cost of the fuel tends to run well below that of gasoline – even now with petroleum at lows not seen in years. CNG also tends to be more stable, without the pricing fluctuations that can be such a headache to motorists, both commercial and retail, alike.

That helps offset the up-front penalty for going with CNG. The basic factory package – which allows a vehicle to run on either propane or CNG – will go for $315 on the 2016 F-150 – which includes such things as modified valves.

But that doesn’t include the necessary fuel tanks, fuel lines and fuel injectors. That part of the conversion process must by completed by a qualified vehicle modifier, and is expected to run from $7,500 to $9,500, according to Ford.

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Despite the initial cost penalty, Ford has seen a sharp increase in demand for CNG-equipped trucks in recent years.

“We expect the gaseous-fuel prep package will be even more popular than it was on the 2014 F-150 with the 3.7-liter V-6 engine,” Coleman said, noting the fuel does not change towing capability or payload beyond subtracting the weight of the installed CNG or propane system.

Fleet buyers appreciate the hedge against fluctuating gasoline prices, which may be low now but are expected to increase at some point. Sales jumped from 4,142 in 2010 to 16,821 commercial vehicles last year.

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“The growth in interest for CNG/propane-prepped vehicles shows a shift in fleet customers’ mindsets,” says Dick Cupka, Ford ‎commercial vehicle sustainability leader. “They are becoming more forward-thinking about alternative fuels, taking into account their total cost of ownership and looking for ways to reduce their vehicle emissions.”

Automakers have nonetheless been cautious about adding more CNG options to their fleet. While General Motors and Fiat Chrysler have pickup packages they are only available on heavy-duty models of the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra. The Ram 2500 CNG package is only offered to commercial and fleet buyers.

That is partially driven by the fact that there are relatively few places motorists can tank up on the gaseous fuel, fleet buyers often setting up their own special pumps.

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Honda, however, does offer a CNG version of the Civic model, and Chevy has added a version for the big Impala sedan.

As with other alternative energy sources, from ethanol to battery-power, industry analysts are betting demand will remain modest for CNG until gasoline prices inevitably start to rise again.