Natural gas vehicles, particularly fleet vehicles, are transforming the transportation business. More than 175,000 natural gas vehicles (NGVs) are on the road today, with a total of more than 23 million worldwide. The majority of these vehicles are heavy-duty fleet vehicles with high mileage that are geared for long-distance travel and carrying.
NGVs have a number of features that make them appealing, particularly as fleet vehicles. Among the benefits are the following:
- Natural gas is more abundant and efficient: the United States is the world’s leading producer of natural gas. Natural gas has a supply of over 90 years, giving it greater price stability than gasoline or diesel. Natural gas is also more efficient than gasoline in terms of fuel efficiency. It has a lower hydrocarbon content and a higher octane rating, which aids engine combustion and efficiency. In a natural gas engine, it comes in two forms: compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquefied natural gas (LNG) (LNG).
- NGVs are beneficial for the environment in the following ways: Despite accounting for only 7% of overall traffic, heavy-duty vehicles account for 50% of all smog emissions and 20% of all transportation-related glasshouse gas emissions. That’s a lot of information. Diesel engines release five times higher NOx (nitrogen dioxide and nitric oxide) emissions than NGV vehicles, according to recent research from the University of California Riverside’s College of Engineering.
- There are more NGVs than you would believe. While it may be difficult to find a consumer NGV vehicle, other sectors have embraced the technology. Natural gas engines are being used in heavy-duty mileage trucks, transit vehicles, trash trucks, and school buses, among other vehicles. Because of their lower fuel costs, higher fuel efficiency, and reduced breakdowns, the heavy-duty trucking industry has welcomed NGV engines in particular. Fueling stations have sprouted up all across the country, making it easier for large carriers to embrace the cost savings and efficiency of NGVs. Finding the correct NGV vehicles for your fleet is also easier than before. Fifty different manufacturers in the United States produce 100 distinct light, medium, and heavy-duty vehicle models.
The benefits of natural gas as a fuel and a vehicle are self-evident. What about the engines, though? What causes natural gas engines to have such high fuel economy and savings? The following is a basic rundown of natural gas engines.
Natural gas engines are extremely similar to spark-ignited internal combustion engines like diesel and gasoline. Fuel is stored in a tank before being injected into the engine and ignited by a spark plug system, causing the engine to start. NGV engines are also divided into three categories:
- Engines that run exclusively on natural gas are referred to as “dedicated.”
- Bi-fuel engines have separate fuel systems and can run on either natural gas or gasoline.
- Engines that run on natural gas but require diesel for ignition, which are typically seen in heavy-duty automobiles.
NGV engines that run on CNG have fewer breakdowns and require less maintenance over time. There is less danger of fuel loss or contamination with CNG fuel systems because they are sealed. Natural gas is less prone to ignite and combines easily with air, so it disperses fast in the environment in the case of a spill. When you consider the fuel economy and cost advantages that NGV engines provide, it’s no surprise that many fleet firms are starting to embrace the technology.
However, there are still negatives, as with any new breakthrough. The following are some of the challenges that still plague the widespread adoption of NGVs:
- CNG and LNG fuelling stations still have a long way to go in comparison to standard gas stations across the country. There are currently 1,680 CNG stations and another 50 planned, as well as 144 LNG stations and another 38 planned. This is a fantastic map of the station distribution, which clearly indicates big areas where fueling may be difficult.
- Fuel storage: NGV vehicles, especially those that run on CNG, require more space for fuel storage than gasoline or diesel-powered vehicles. The cylinders used to store the fuel may reduce the amount of space available in the car. The gasoline storage tanks, on the other hand, are more resilient to prevent spills and ruptures.
- It’s still a relatively new technology. Despite their growing popularity, particularly in the heavy-duty transportation business, NGV vehicles are still relatively unknown. New engine development and infrastructure to accommodate NGV engines will take longer until there is widespread acceptance.
- Natural gas isn’t a renewable energy source. Despite the abundance of natural gas in the country and the lower emissions associated with its use, it is still a non-renewable fuel source. Currently, the United States possesses almost 90 years of natural gas reserves, assuming that consumption remains constant. If that number rises, supply will diminish faster, and prices will likely rise. Natural gas extraction has a significant environmental impact, which may act as a deterrent to greater adoption of natural gas as a fuel source.
The introduction of NGV engines marks a significant shift in the transportation industry. While NGV engines have yet to gain widespread consumer acceptance, the heavy-duty and high-mileage transportation industries are enthusiastic about the technology’s potential. The more we learn about NGV engines and develop the technology and infrastructure needed to support them, the larger the sector will become. In the next years, who knows how many vehicles will operate on natural gas? It’s an intriguing possibility that has the potential to reduce emissions and safeguard the environment. We are here to assist you as your fuel and lubricant provider as new technology is created to better meet the needs of your industry.
What are the drawbacks of CNG vehicles?
What are the drawbacks of CNG vehicles? What you should know
- Purchase costs are higher.
- There are only a few left.
- Storage space has been reduced.
- Performance was lowered.
- Problems with the engine injectors.
- Fuel range is limited.
When it comes to CNG engines, how long do they last?
According to the ANSI NGV2 (natural gas vehicle) standard, which is a voluntary industry standard for CNG cylinders that is more extensive than FMVSS 304 but is not normally a legal requirement, CNG cylinders have a useful life of 15 to 20 years.
“A CNG cylinder’s useful life is determined by the number of years it has been certified for under NGV2 and the environment in which it is utilised. According to Randolf Wollgiehn, marketing manager for CNG Cylinders International, most CNG cylinders for onboard fuel storage are NGV2 approved for 15 or 20 years. “If there is no damage, corrosion, or other difficulties with the tank, it can be securely utilised until the expiration date shown on the cylinder label.
Is it worthwhile to invest in CNG vehicles?
If you’re going to drive a compressed natural gas vehicle, you’ll want to make sure there’s a CNG station nearby so you can fill up. Unfortunately, in comparison to other nations, there aren’t many CNG stations in the United States (there are only about 150,000 CNG vehicles in the US). If you know of a local gas station, you won’t have to worry about running out of gas.
SERVICE AND PARTS
Your CNG vehicle will require routine maintenance, which will include the purchase of parts. Your CNG vehicle’s parts, like those of a CNG station compressor, will need to be repaired and maintained. This means you’ll need to find a reputable mechanic to inspect your vehicle and its systems in order to maintain it running smoothly. For example, if your fuel tank needs to be certified every 36,000 miles or three years (whichever comes first), you’ll want to enlist the services of a reputable professional. Find a local provider that provides CNG servicing and components for your car and confirm that they can meet your needs when you need them.
PRICE
Always examine the pricing while acquiring a vehicle. Because compressed natural gas vehicles are relatively new on the market, they are likely to be more expensive at first. However, when you consider the money you’ll save on gas, the price becomes much more affordable. Furthermore, when the market begins to recognise the advantages of compressed natural gas vehicles, the costs of these models will begin to fall. However, because these models will survive significantly longer than ordinary automobiles, their resale value will skyrocket.
CNG conversion kits can also be reused, resulting in cost savings. These kits may be removed from one vehicle and installed on another, allowing you to use your kit as you like. Finally, CNG fuel tanks have a 30-year lifespan, allowing you to realise expense savings over a longer period of time.
BENEFITS
The advantages of driving a CNG car are numerous. CNG, for example, is a more safer fuel source, so you’ll be reducing the quantity of pollutants you emit into the atmosphere. Furthermore, because CNG fuel dissipates rather than pools, it is less combustible than other fuel sources, which is crucial if you are involved in an accident. Finally, as previously said, a CNG model offers significant cost savings, so you’ll like having this car in your budget.
When you choose to buy a compressed natural gas vehicle, Ozinga provides the energy options you want. To discover more about our CNG services, visit our website or contact one of our energy consultants now.
Why is CNG bad for cars?
You might be concerned about your fuel costs as gasoline prices rise. If you have a petrol vehicle, the obvious solution is to instal a CNG conversion kit aftermarket. But did you realise that there are a number of drawbacks to installing CNG? In today’s topic, we’ll go through the key drawbacks of using CNG in your vehicle.
Decreased Boot Space
The first and most significant disadvantage for CNG car owners is the lack of cargo capacity. There are occasions when you are left with almost no boot room, particularly in hatchbacks and sedans under 4 metres. If you wish to instal CNG, we recommend purchasing a sedan if you frequently take lengthy trips. This is one of the most significant downsides of installing CNG in your vehicle.
Decreased Power Output
Another significant disadvantage of CNG is its lower power output. If you’re used to driving a petrol automobile, you’ll notice a big difference in power output. You will notice a big loss in power the day you switch to CNG, especially on long summer rides when the air conditioning is at its maximum.
Frequent Service Intervals
If you’re moving to CNG, you’ll need to pay closer attention to your car’s servicing schedule. The reason is straightforward. When you run your car on CNG, the spark plugs and engine oil wear out faster than they should. If your automobile runs on CNG, you’ll need to visit the service centre more frequently and keep an eye on how the engine is doing. If you’re driving on CNG, you’ll have to pay greater attention to your vehicle.
Decreased Resale Value
You can avoid this issue if you identify a suitable buyer. If you have an aftermarket CNG installed in your vehicle and plan to sell it to a dealer, expect a price drop. This can also be advantageous. If you’re shopping for a secondhand car, a CNG vehicle is less expensive than a gasoline vehicle!
Long Wait For Refuelling
Another downside of using CNG in your automobile is that you will have to wait longer than you would if you were using gasoline. Given that it is now 2021, many new CNG stations have opened, but the number of CNG vehicles has also increased. Overall, you will undoubtedly have to wait longer than at a gas station. Is the time spent waiting worth the money saved on gas? It’s entirely up to you.
Hydrotesting
Another significant disadvantage of CNG is that your cylinder must be hydro checked every three years. This is a mandatory test that you must do in order to guarantee that your CNG cylinder is safe to use. Do you have a day off only for this test in today’s fast-paced world? You make the call!
Lack of Knowledge
The term “company fitted CNG” refers to a situation in which the manufacturer takes care of everything. If you opt for a retro-fitted CNG kit, you must ensure that the installation is done correctly, as well as the engine oil, HP and LP filters, and so on. The knowledge transfer will not be done by every dealer or service technician. When it comes to your car, be cautious about who you trust.
Last but not least, if your vehicle is BS6 compliant, retro-fitted CNG cannot be registered on your vehicle’s RC at this time. Either buy a car with a factory-installed CNG system or keep driving it on gasoline.
Is a CNG vehicle suitable for lengthy journeys?
Lack of performance: If speed is important to you, CNG vehicles are not for you. Yes, CNG vehicles have less power than gasoline vehicles. If you’re used to driving a gasoline vehicle, you’ll notice the power lag. As a result, getting used to the reduced power of a CNG vehicle may take some time.
CNG fuel tanks (cylinders) are smaller in size than gasoline tanks. As a result, the driving range is reduced. However, you can drive a CNG automobile for great distances because you can easily swap to gasoline if the CNG runs out.
Lack of CNG refuelling stations: While CNG fuel is less expensive, CNG refuelling facilities are not available everywhere. Furthermore, due to a scarcity of refuelling stations, you may have to wait in long lines to fill up your CNG car. It might be aggravating at times, particularly if you are in a rush.
The CNG cylinder obstructs the boot space: The CNG cylinder is usually installed inside the car’s boot. As a result, if it’s a hatchback, it’ll take up the entire boot area. As a result, you will be unable to transport bags on a long journey. Because the boot of a sedan or an MPV (Multi-Purpose Vehicle) is substantially larger than that of a hatchback, the problem can be managed.
Maintenance of the CNG kit is required: The CNG kit must be checked and maintained on a regular basis. To avoid any fuel leaks, the cylinder and fuel lines must be maintained. Apart from routine vehicle maintenance, it is an additional cost.
CNG vehicles require a higher initial investment than gasoline vehicles. As a result, purchasing a CNG vehicle will cost you more money.
What causes CNG vehicles to catch fire?
CNG is unquestionably a safer fuel than gasoline or diesel. However, when utilising CNG in a car, a driver must take several steps to safeguard the safety of the vehicle, its passengers, and the environment. Take a look at these 14 safeguards that every business should take.
When driving a CNG vehicle, the following precautions must be taken:
Do Not Use Unauthorized CNG Kits
Despite the fact that it is recommended that customers purchase a CNG automobile with a factory-installed CNG kit, many people attempt to convert their petrol cars to CNG by having the fuel kit put in their vehicle. Furthermore, they save money by having the installation done by a roadside mechanic or dealer rather than an authorised dealer. This not only causes problems with the car’s mechanics, but it can also lead to a leak, which can lead to a fire. As a result, a car owner should avoid putting an unlicensed CNG kit in his vehicle.
Avoid Using Mismatched/ Substandard Accessories
When installing a CNG kit in a car, the owner must make sure that the fuel kit and cylinder are compatible with the vehicle’s make and model. The CNG kit and cylinder must work with the vehicle’s original wiring and fixtures. Furthermore, the CNG cylinder that will be installed must be of an approved brand and produced in accordance with applicable criteria. Because of the difference in voltage and current ratings, if a mismatched or poor CNG kit is installed in the car, the possibilities of a fire or damage increase.
Replace Spark Plugs
When converting a petrol vehicle to CNG, the car owner must ensure that the vehicle’s spark plug is compatible with the CNG kit. This is critical because CNG causes spark plugs to wear out more quickly. If a particular CNG-compatible spark plug isn’t available, the space between the source of spark and the plug’s metallic tip should be shortened.
Get CNG Cylinder Test Certificate
The car owner must receive a CNG Cylinder Test Certificate from the CNG Retrofitter or licensee once the CNG kit has been installed. The certificate serves as documentation that the car has been fitted with an approved CNG cylinder.
First Petrol, Then CNG
A CNG car driver should always start his vehicle with gasoline and then switch to CNG after driving for at least one kilometre. This helps to keep the car engine lubricated and prevents wear and tear.
Regular Leak Test of the CNG Cylinder
A car owner must inspect the CNG fuel cylinder for leaks on a regular basis. Gas leakage commonly occurs as a result of improper CNG kit installation or overfilling the fuel cylinder, resulting in a fire and cylinder explosion. To avoid this, the gas cylinder should be checked for signs of leakage on a regular basis and should be transported to an authorised service centre if a leak is discovered.
Regular Car Servicing
If a car owner plans to instal a CNG kit or has converted his petrol automobile to CNG, he must have his vehicle serviced on a regular basis. Short circuits in automobiles are most commonly caused by aged wires that lack the requisite insulation. Regular inspections can aid in the maintenance of the vehicle and the detection of any wear and tear. Furthermore, a car with a pre-installed CNG kit or an additional CNG kit should be evaluated for normal wear and tear of the CNG kit and cylinder at an authorised service centre at least once every five years.
No Smoking Inside the Car
A CNG car owner should not smoke inside his vehicle. This is because smoking might spark a fire in a CNG vehicle, which can be quite dangerous.
Follow CNG Car Usage Rules
Owners of CNG vehicles must follow all vehicle usage requirements set forth by the state’s motor vehicle laws. They should not use a car heater for an extended period of time, transfer flammable products, or have crackers explode near the vehicle. Disobeying these restrictions can be exceedingly dangerous, as a CNG car’s ignition temperature can easily reach 540 degrees Celsius when in use, causing it to catch fire. Even the greatest vehicle insurance companies may deny claims because the car damage was caused by the car owner’s irresponsibility.
Turn Off the Car Before Refilling CNG
The driver must guarantee that the vehicle engine is turned off and the key is turned to the ‘Off’ position before the gas station technician begins refilling CNG in the automobile. This ensures that there are no sparks and hence no fire in the car’s engine.
Don’t Use Mobile Phones/ Electronics While Refilling
The vehicle owner must guarantee that he or any of his co-passengers are not using their mobile phones or any other electronics while getting CNG refilled in the automobile, as this can cause a fire.
Keep an Eye on the Cylinder Pressure
When filling a CNG cylinder at a gas station, the automobile owner must guarantee that the pressure in the cylinder does not exceed 200 bars. Overfilling the CNG cylinder and consequent leakage can be avoided by doing so. The gauge installed at the gas filling machine can be used to check the cylinder pressure.
Refill CNG Up to Two-Third of Cylinder Capacity
A CNG cylinder should not be refilled more than two-thirds of its overall capacity during the hot months. This is due to the fact that summer temperatures are extremely high, making a full fuel tank unsafe.
Try to Park Vehicles in Shade or Covered Area
During the day, a CNG car owner should always strive to park his vehicle in a covered or shaded place. This is necessary to avoid the car being exposed to direct sunlight, which can rapidly heat the vehicle and cause it to catch fire.
Driving properly and following the appropriate measures will ensure that a person’s CNG car experience is as smooth as possible. To safeguard the safety of his automobile and its occupants, every CNG car owner must take the appropriate steps. Furthermore, he must conduct a car insurance comparison to determine the finest car insurance, preferably with comprehensive coverage, to ensure that any loss or damage to the vehicle is covered.