Editor's note: An earlier version of this story contained incorrect pricing information for the conversion costs of the bi-fuel version of the Ford Super Duty pickup trucks. The total cost of the conversion is $13,000 to $15,000.
DETROIT -- Ford Motor Co. is teaming with a Canadian company to offer a high-performance, bi-fuel version of the F-250 and F-350 Super Duty pickups starting next year.
The bi-fuel Westport WiNG power system runs on natural gas or regular gasoline and is built by Westport Innovations Inc., a Vancouver, British Columbia, maker of natural gas engines.
The WiNG system is an advanced, integrated bi-fuel system for passenger and commercial vehicles targeting fleet customers, Westport said in a statement.
The bi-fuel F-250 and F-350 pickups are equipped with Ford's 6.2-liter V-8 engine.
A Ford spokesman said the entire conversion costs between $13,000 and $15,000.
Ford has offered a separate, dedicated natural gas engine option on Super Duty trucks for about six months.
The automaker began pairing with outside specialists in 2008 to offer natural gas powered vehicles. The first model marketed was the E-series van, followed by the Transit Connect van.
"We're seeing strong customer interest across the spectrum from fleets of all shapes and sizes for a factory-validated product, as more and more owners understand the economic and operational benefits of a cleaner fuel that's sourced right here in North America," Ian Scott, president of Westport's light duty division, said in a statement.
Koss said it is too early to forecast sales volumes for the bi-fuel Super Duty trucks.
Natural gas typically costs up to 50 percent less than diesel fuel on a per-gallon basis.
The Ford F-250 and F-350 pickups with the optional bi-fuel system underwent the same manufacturing tests for safety and durability as other Ford products, Westport said.
The WiNG systems are engineered at Westport's technical facility in suburban Detroit. They will be installed in the Super Duty trucks and shipped to Ford dealers in the second quarter of 2012.
They are designed to meet 2012 emissions standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency and California Air Resources Board.
Westport will demonstrate the WiNG-powered F-250 Oct. 3 and 4 at the Green Fleets conference in Grapevine, Texas, and Oct. 20 to 23 at the Natural Gas Vehicle Association conference in Fort Worth, Texas.
