Cars That Run on Compressed Natural Gas
Cars that run on compressed natural gas (CNG) emit little pollution, since natural gas is an exceptionally clean-burning fuel. Honda makes the only true CNG car in the U.S., although car owners can obtain CNG conversion kits to create a duel-fuel vehicle. Other types of CNG vehicles are vans and trucks, particularly those driven in large fleets for school districts and other public or private entities.
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Function
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Vehicles use energy to move from one point to another and natural gas provides a clean fuel for engines. The fuel tanks in CNG cars can be large and take up more space, carved out of the trunk for under the car storage. In the case of modified cars, the tanks lie in the trunk, reducing the capacity for luggage or other items.
Considerations
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Fueling stations for CNG vehicles may be hard to find and impossible to find in remote areas along highways and interstates. CNG vehicles have been attractive in large fleets because the cost of operating the vehicles is low. Municipal agencies either have their own pumping stations or contract with CNG providers. New York and California were the only two states where Honda sold its CNG Civic, although as of March 2011, Honda is broadening its reach into other states. In response to increasing use of the CNG vehicles, fuel providers have opened CNG stations near airports in Dallas, Las Vegas and Houston for cars, taxis and limousines that run on CNG.
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Benefits
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Two important features of CNG cars and vehicles drive interest and sales of these vehicles. First, the vehicle emits little, if any, air pollution, making it a responsible choice in cities that struggle with pollutants from vehicles. Second, the fuel costs less than gas or diesel. People who have access to a natural gas line can lease or purchase equipment that fills the CNG tanks, offering savings and convenience.
Warning
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Vehicle owners can purchase conversion kits to use natural gas in whole or in part to operate the cars. Installing these kits is not without risk, however. Natural gas is a flammable explosive and using CNG kits without the expertise to install the kit and adjust the car's computer can result in serious harm to the vehicle and its occupants. Finding a qualified mechanic to install the kit or a referral to a specialist may be the safest way to add the conversion kit.
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