Frequently Asked Questions About Compressed Natural Gas and CNG Vehicles Answered
Frequently Asked Questions About Compressed Natural Gas and CNG Vehicles Answered
It’s no surprise that many organizations approach the possibility of converting a fleet to utilize compressed natural gas (CNG) with some trepidation. Doing so can be a major expenditure for a large fleet - although not nearly as expensive as buying new vehicles - and many new customers are unfamiliar with the technology.
Since we often hear many of the same questions at Green Alternative Systems, we wanted to address some of the most common inquiries we get regarding CNG vehicles and conversions.
FAQs About Compressed Natural Gas Vehicles:
Q: Is it legal to convert a vehicle to CNG?
Generally, yes. There is no law against after-market modifications. The only exception would be if the conversion is done poorly and you're in a state with strict emissions standards. Always choose a qualified CNG conversion and Propane service that meets EPA and state regulations.
Q: Can I buy commercial CNG vehicles today?
Yes, some manufacturers are now offering vehicles such as light-duty trucks and passenger buses with CNG engines pre-installed ( like Creative Bus Sales zero emission school bus).
Q: If I choose natural gas, what are my fueling options?
There are currently hundreds of CNG fueling stations across the US, with more being added every month. The US Alternative Fuels Data Center (AFDC) maintains a database of CNG station locations.
Like the CNG Fuel Finder app that helps you locate compressed natural gas filling stations for your natural gas vehicle.
Q: How many compressed natural gas vehicles are on the road?
According to the AFDC, there are roughly 150,000 CNG vehicles on the road in America and somewhere over fifteen million worldwide. Sales of CNG vehicles are increasing steadily as more consumers and businesses discover thebenefits of alternative fuel systems.
Q: If I choose natural gas, what are my fueling options?
Besides finding public stations, many larger fleets choose to install a private fueling station on-site. This brings the added benefit of being able to buy CNG in bulk, reducing long-term fuel costs as well as maintenance costs.
Q: Will I have a power loss?
It depends on the vehicle and the engine power. In some cases, there may be a small (less than 10%) loss of raw horsepower. However, in many other cases, the difference is negligible or nonexistent.
Q: When is the best time to buy CNG?
Like all energy commodities, the price of CNG fluctuates due to a wide variety of factors - although prices are usually less volatile than gasoline. There's no predictable "best time to buy," aside from when prices happen to be low. With all the benefits to going green, you don’t have any reason to not convert!
Let Green Alternative Systems Help
Do you have other questions regarding CNG? Contact us at (877) 686-9448 today and we’ll be happy to help!