Disadvantages of Natural Gas Cars

Instead of buying a car that uses gasoline or diesel fuel, people now have many other options, including vehicles that run on natural gas. These cars have engine modifications or add-ons, and some conventional cars also can use natural gas with special conversion kits. Natural gas is less expensive than regular gas and is a cleaner-burning fuel. However, there are some disadvantages with natural gas cars.

Fueling Stations

The low number of natural gas fueling stations is a big disadvantage and can make traveling to certain regions difficult or impossible.

Station Hours

These stations also are only open certain days and hours, so owners of natural gas cars have to be very good at planning ahead.

Pumps

Filling the natural gas car tank will require a little practice, because the pumps are very different from regular gas pumps, as are the tank latches.

Monthly Billing

Another possible disadvantage is that owners of natural gas cars can't pay a small amount for fuel every few days, because the pumps scan a fuel card that must be paid for monthly.

Tank Size

Since the natural gas tanks are larger than those in a regular car, much of the trunk size is sacrificed and sometimes part of the passenger area also.

Resources

• Further information on natural gas cars