Why do some cars are converted to CNGs?
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Lower running costs - CNG or LPG conversions are typically done on large-engined petrol cars that retain enough value to make the cost of conversion worthwhile, or for cars that don't have diesel versions available.
V8 petrol Range Rovers are typical candidates for conversion because the market considers them valuable, and the end result is probably better to drive and cheaper to buy than a diesel version.
Subarus were offered with factory fit LPG conversions in several markets (e.g. Germany) prior to the diesel boxer being launched.
Mind, the first LPG conversion I knew of was a French-owned Opel Corsa. Its owner wanted the driving characteristics of a petrol engine but the fuel economy of a diesel, and was prepared to spend up to the purchase price of the diesel version to get it.
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CNG.
Pros: Plumbing a compressor into your gas supply means you can fill it up on mains gas extraordinarily cheaply. This is why it's quite a popular option for multidrop van fleets. Also probably the cleanest fuel in terms of tailpipe emissions of all the options for internal combustion engines.
Con: You'll be utterly stuffed trying to find anywhere else to fill it up.
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It was a way to make gas guzzlers cheaper to run although tax rises on the gas have reduced the margin such that there are fewer conversions these days. Also as big diesels have become better the demand to convert petrols to gas has declined. Availability (or lack of) still puts some off, together with reduced boot capacity because of the gas tank.
Vauxhall, Citroen and others used to sell dual fuel gas cars from new to meet the demand - now they just concentrate on lower emissions from the diesels.
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I have never seen CNG in the UK, but it would be great to fill your car with house gas as there is no duty on it, 10% VAT but no red dye.
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Several hauliers have tried it; apparently the biggest downside is lack of range.
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I must get out the LiLos that are still in the loft,,,,,,,,
tinyurl.com/73fclmz
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"Several hauliers have tried it; apparently the biggest downside is lack of range."
In Iran 60% of cars are CNG/petrol dual fuelled, due to government grants and 400 years worth of gas reserves. The range is low, I would say 100 miles on a fill up.
The noise when filling up is a very loud white noise whoosh for just a few seconds. Everyone also has to exit the car when filling up for safety reasons.
Costs about 95p to fill up!
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I thought VAT on domestic fuel was 5%.
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>> it would be great to fill
>> your car with house gas
>>
You can do that with domestic LPG too, if you have the proper pump. I know people who do, or even those who claim using the big red gas cylinders works out cheaper than garage LPG.
But it's all a bit of a faf if you do a high mileage, which is the point of having CNG or LPG in the first place.
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CNG - pros and cons - Gromit
