Are CNG (compressed natural gas) vehicles a fad or the way of the future?
We are well on our way toward the complete electrification of the vehicle fleet.
There is no other option available to us.
Some car manufacturers are already taking the gamble of establishing a date by which they will cease production of gasoline and diesel-powered vehicles.
But we are aware that there is a gap between what the major manufacturers want us to believe or want to sell us and what they are capable of doing given the available resources and the response they get from customers.
In the meantime, more intermediate options, such as hybrids and CNG vehicles, have come into existence.
Everyone is familiar with combinations, but compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles are not as widely known, and it is necessary to investigate how to implement them.
What exactly is CNG? Everything necessary for you to know
CNG, which stands for compressed natural gas, is a fuel primarily made up of methane gas and is considered one of the primary alternatives to oil.
In its early days, it was used for heating homes; however, in modern times, we are more likely to associate it with the operation of motor vehicles.
This is because although it shares some characteristics with gasoline and diesel fuel, the chemical composition of the power allows it to perform more effectively (CH4).
It is significantly less expensive than other types of conventional fuels from an economic point of view.
It is estimated that it can achieve up to forty percent savings compared to its rivals.
Yes, the refueling cost is already lower than other options, and in many countries—and especially in the European Union—this service is subsidized, making it even more affordable.
And now, due to the climate emergency, we have arrived at the most significant point.
Is CNG a clean fuel? According to the findings of some studies, up to 30% less CO2 emissions, 65% less CO (carbon monoxide), and 90% fewer nitrous oxides (NOx).
In addition, it does not produce sulfur, which is highly hazardous to people’s health, and other particles emitted by gasoline and diesel-powered vehicles.
Because of the engine’s smooth operation, there is also a reduction in noise pollution.
The world is not perfect in every way
The fact that the distribution to gas stations is done securely and through the gas network, which saves us from having to use supply trucks, is a fact that we have not commented on in the previous paragraphs.
It would appear to be the perfect energy source, at least until we get to the electric ones if we were to introduce it in this letter.
However, it should be noted that some drawbacks should be taken into consideration.
The first and most significant issue is that most gas stations have not yet adopted CNG as an alternative fuel option. However, it is not their fault in any way.
If consumers don’t buy compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles, then gas stations won’t install CNG pumps, and if gas stations don’t install CNG pumps, then consumers won’t buy cars.
It’s a never-ending cycle that will be broken as soon as the administrations get their hands on the situation.
But let’s not get ahead of ourselves: the problem is that if you don’t plan your route well, you run the risk of running out of fuel on long trips. Let’s not get ahead of ourselves.
And even on a day-to-day basis, if there isn’t a gas station nearby, it isn’t a profitable investment for you because of the competition.
CNG vehicles are designed with an engine and a gas tank from the beginning to circumvent this issue.
You won’t end up stranded, but the gasoline engine has a limited range, and you’ll have less space for your belongings.
On the other hand, the average cost of a car that runs on compressed natural gas is significantly higher than that of a vehicle that runs on gasoline.
You will indeed end up amortizing the investment more or less late because you will save money on refueling.
Still, not everyone can afford an overprice when purchasing a vehicle.
Because gas is more corrosive than gasoline, we need to perform meticulous maintenance to prevent the engine from being damaged.
This brings us to the third issue: you cannot avoid getting a mechanical overhaul.
In the end, if you take care of the car the way you should, it should last you about as long as a conventional vehicle would.
The implementation on a global scale is inconsistent
The countries that have placed more emphasis on CNG can be broken down into two categories: those belonging to the European Union and those belonging to emerging economies.
The implementation is contingent on various factors, such as a concern for the environment, the availability of resources, or the requirement to have inexpensive fuel.
When it comes to the European Union (EU), the imperative to cut emissions of CO2 and other pollutants has carried a heavier weight.
The financing of the acquisition of automobiles and the filling up of gas tanks has been subsidized.
There are also a variety of tax breaks and green labels available for those who choose to drive in major urban areas. Italy and Germany are currently out in front of this type of vehicle.
On the other hand, nations like Argentina have been at the forefront of developing CNG technologies thanks to their extensive network of gas stations equipped with gas pumps.
Turkey has followed in the footsteps of other countries that have undergone a similar conversion, but it has decided to switch to LPG. They have accomplished the same goal: to become less reliant on oil.
Is it possible to convert my car to run on CNG?
Of course, you can! Converting a vehicle that runs on gasoline to one that runs on compressed natural gas is not too difficult.
The final price will depend on whether the injection is done directly or indirectly; the latter is a more cost-effective change (but the differences are not abysmal either).
To put it briefly, how much ground are we covering here?
The costs associated with switching from gasoline to compressed natural gas (CNG) can range from 1,900 to 3,000 euros on average.
Remember that we have to do it in a workshop that is both authorized and specialized, that we have to pass the ITV as quickly as possible, and that we have to submit the new paperwork to the Directorate General of Traffic of the country to have the vehicle card updated.
Converting diesel vehicles is also possible, but the process is prohibitively expensive, and almost nobody has made the investment (it does not pay).
Analyze: is it just a passing trend, or is it the way of the future?
The solution will now be disclosed as follows: Unfortunately, CNG is neither a passing trend nor the fuel of the future because it is a natural and present alternative to replace gasoline and diesel cars.
At the same time, electric technology was not yet perfected and democratized; it cannot be considered a fad because of this.
That is to say; it wasn’t just a matter of being pretentious; instead, we had an essential ecological and economic improvement at the time.
Nevertheless, it is not the future either because the interest that it generates is beginning to wane.
The general public has shown a marked preference for hybrids in recent years.
Also, be aware of the following because it will cost us in the end: many hybrid vehicles produce just as much pollution as regular automobiles (especially micro hybrids, which are still combustion cars with a bit of electric help).
Between the years 2000 and 2015, the CNG industry experienced a boom.
It appeared that many governments, including the European Union that was previously mentioned, were placing a significant amount of stock in natural gas.
The market identified a potential profit-making opportunity, and drivers showed signs of tentatively building their trust in the project. Italy and Germany are two countries that are good examples of this.
However, the foundation for success lies in many countries working together to develop a strategy for implementation, and this has not been the case.
There is still a significant amount of widespread misinformation among prospective clients in some nations, such as Spain and Bulgaria.
Only a tiny percentage of people had access to adequate information to support their choice to buy a gasoline-powered vehicle.
The news about the topic has been overlooked, and there has been no indication that certain governments have made any efforts to encourage the conversion of the fleet.
The consequence is that nobody invests in CNG, perpetuating the vicious cycle.
The death toll for compressed natural gas was struck in 2020 when Volkswagen announced that it would no longer produce CNG car models after that year.
The German company’s objective is to concentrate on its ambitious projects in the realm of 100 percent electric technology.
The transition will be accomplished through hybrid automobiles, which receive a positive reaction from customers worldwide.
If such a significant brand has already abandoned hope in this fuel, the few manufacturers still placing their money on it will pull out of the market sooner rather than later.
It is unfortunate because the benefits of driving a car powered by compressed natural gas (CNG) outweigh the drawbacks by a wide margin, provided that the administrations give their full support.
The potential of this fuel could be increased by providing financial assistance to gas stations to install gas pumps. It pollutes, yes, but it pollutes much less and makes less noise.
Noise pollution is another factor contributing to the loss of life and lowers the quality of life for people living in large cities; however, this issue is rarely covered in the media.
Because of this, we would like to conclude this piece with one last request: If you currently drive a vehicle that runs on gasoline but is already planning to switch to an electric car in the year 2030, you should consider having your current vehicle converted to run on compressed natural gas (CNG).
If you save money, not only will you come out ahead, but so will the rest of us.
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