Reasons to choose CNG cars
CNG, also known as Compressed Natural Gas has been scientifically proven as a cheaper, more efficient, and environmental friendly fuel. CNG is available in abundance and burns clearly as compared to other fossil fuels like petrol and Diesel. Various technological advancements are happening across the world and CNG cars are gaining popularity. CNG car average is much higher compared to its petrol and diesel variants.
Environment Friendly: Cars that use conventional fuels like petrol and diesel emit harmful gases leading to environmental pollution. These gases have been known to cause respiratory diseases like asthma and bronchitis. CNG cars emit very less carbon monoxide, Nitrogen Oxide, and other particulate matter. Compared to gasoline, CNG cars reduce carbon monoxide emissions by 90-97 percent and Nitrogen oxide emissions by 35-60 percent. This makes CNG cars environment friendly.
Fuel Price: CNG fuel is cheaper than petrol and diesel due to its availability in abundance. The method of extraction of this gas is simpler and cheaper compared to its gasoline counterparts. This cuts down the monthly expense of running a car considerably.
Mileage: A CNG car gives a mileage of approximately 26kms/kg to 31kms/kg. This is a tad higher than the petrol and diesel variants. CNG car average ranges from 180kms to 340kms for a full tank. There have been technological advancements in the automobile sector making CNG car average better as compared to the petrol and diesel variants.
Safety: CNG being a gas, is much safer as compared to petrol and Diesel which are in liquid form. Compressing Methane to less than 1% of the volume makes CNG. This compressed gas disperse out of the car quickly rather than getting accumulated within the car. Ignition point of CNG is 540 degrees Centigrade which is double than the ignition point for diesel and petrol. The likelihood of a fire in case of a leak is reduced considerably. Measures are put in place that ensures the engine does not start while fuel filling. CNG cars are crash tested with CNG cylinders in place. These technological advancements make CNG cars very safe.
Lower maintenance cost: CNG is the cleanest fuel and leaves no residue in the engine oil. This increases the life span of the engine and reduces the service cost considerably. CNG gas tanks are stronger and less prone to damage. Spark plugs and converters remain in good condition in a CNG car. These benefits lead to lesser service calls reducing the maintenance cost considerably.
Competitors: Because of the lack of CNG fuel stations across the country, the petrol and diesel variants continue to be competitors for the CNG cars.
• A major disadvantage of owning a CNG car is lack of fuel stations across the country. Some states do not have CNG fueling station till date. Although the government is planning to expand the network, it is important to consider availability of fuel station before you opt for a CNG car. The maximum distance you can go with full tank is around 300kms. For long distance journey in the direction of no CNG pumps, you will need to switch to the petrol transmission.
• Another disadvantage is that the CNG kit takes a lot of space. This reduces the boot space for CNG kit only. So, if you have a big family and need to use the boot space to pack other stuff it will be an inconvenient option.
• There is a decreased power output while using the CNG cars. The difference in power output can be easily felt as compared to its diesel or petrol variant.
• Initial cost of CNG kit installation is high and ranges between Rs20,000 to Rs30,000. Although the running cost will mitigate this cost over time, but you will have to shell extra bucks in the beginning.
CNG cars are being preferred by the citizens as well as the government for the many benefits it offers. It is a step forward for an environment friendly, reasonable option. With the technological advancement and government's focus on making more CNG stations available, CNG cars are the future. Top car manufacturers have come out with brilliant models ensuring high safety standards and advancements.
You can download the Park+ App to know more about various CNG cars. This app is helpful to cater to daily needs of a car owner.