LONG BEACH, Calif. – The 2015 bi-fuel Chevrolet Impala, the industry’s only manufacturer-produced full-size sedan in North America that can run on both compressed natural gas (CNG) and gasoline, will have a starting price of $38,210, including an $825 destination charge, but excluding tax, title, license, dealer fees and operational equipment.
The bi-fuel Impala will be available in the fourth quarter to both fleet and retail customers in either an LS base trim or a higher-equipped LT trim.
The vehicle is available only with a 3.6L hardened engine with hardened valves and valve seats for improved wear resistance and durability with the CNG fuel system. The CNG tank mounted in the trunk has the equivalent capacity of 7.8 gallons of gasoline, which is expected to offer approximately 150 city miles of range on compressed natural gas based on GM testing. EPA estimates are not yet finalized, but with gasoline and compressed natural gas combined, expected range is 500 city miles based on GM testing.
In addition to average fuel savings of nearly $1.25 per gasoline-gallon-equivalent based on current fuel prices, natural gas is one of the cleanest-burning fuels available, so vehicles that run on CNG produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions than gasoline-powered cars.
“The Impala nameplate has recently seen market share growth, and critical acclaim for its design, functionality and low cost of ownership. Now, with the addition of bi-fuel capabilities it will also help customers reduce fuel costs and greenhouse gas emissions,” said Ed Peper, U.S. vice president, GM Fleet & Commercial.
The Impala will primarily run on CNG and once the fuel tank is depleted, the system automatically and seamlessly switches to run on gasoline. Drivers who wish to change fuels while driving can do so by simply pushing a button on the dashboard, which uses an LED light to indicate when CNG is being used. There is no interruption in the vehicle’s performance.
The CNG fuel system is validated by GM covered by GM’s three-year, 36,000-mile new vehicle limited bumper-to-bumper warranty and five-year, 100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, whichever comes first. The vehicle is expected to meet all EPA and California Air Resources Board emission certification requirements.
The bi-fuel Impala, assembled at GM’s Oshawa, Ontario, plant, will be available for purchase later this year at any of the more than 3,200 Chevrolet dealerships nationwide.