CNG Vehicle

CNG stands for compressed natural gas. It is one of the most viable alternatives to traditional fuel 
energy resources for the automotive industry. CNG is low in pollutants, high in calorific value and 
heat yield, economical and available in abundance globally. Reasons for switching over to this 
alternate fuel are mainly: 
1. Economic benefit: the cost of CNG is almost a third of the cost of petrol in terms of calorific value 
resulting in substantial saving in fuel cost, and investment on the CNG kit is paid back in a short 
period 
2. Environment friendly: the use of CNG as a fuel reduces vehicular exhaust emissions significantly. 
Carbon monoxide emissions are reduced by 70 to 90% and hydrocarbon emissions by 40 to 60% as 
compared to vehicles that use the conventional fuel - petrol. Carbon dioxide emissions, a cause for 
global warming, are also reduced significantly by 10% 
3. 100% income tax depreciation: corporate organisations, firms, etc. Can claim 100% depreciation 
on a CNG conversion kit as this is a pollution controlling equipment. Organisations that buy CNG 
conversion kits should consult their income tax consultants and avail of the depreciation benefits 
4. Flexibility and ease of use: the basic engine characteristics of a vehicle are retained while 
converting it to run on CNG. The vehicle therefore is capable of running either on petrol or CNG at 
the flick of a switch on its dashboard. 
Disadvantages 
1. loss of luggage space. 2. CNG cylinders take up a lot of storage space and generally have to be 
placed in the boot of the car. 3. The body of the cylinders too have to be made of good grade steel 
capable of handling the roughs and toughs of travelling. 4. The cost of conversion too is another 
major determining factor. The conversion kit can cost from Rs. 25,000 to Rs. 35,000. But experts 
claim that this cost can be recovered from the fuel savings. Finally, based on its characteristics. CNG 
may slightly hamper vehicle performance.