The buzz around transitioning from a petrol-powered vehicle to a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) vehicle is overwhelmingly interesting among motorists across Nigeria.
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This is a sequel to the removal of subsidy on petrol, shooting the price of a litre of petrol up by more than 700%, pushing the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI) to embark on an aggressive campaign for adoption of CNG as an alternative and because of many benefits of using CNG-powered engine.
While its advantages are many, you should be aware that some key challenges are associated with cars that run on CNG.
Here are the challenges that can affect the efficiency of using CNG-powered vehicles to help you make informed decisions about whether to convert your cars or buy a CNG-powered vehicle or to stick to your diesel or petrol-powered vehicle
More Space Needed for Fuel Storage
CNG is a gas, while petrol is a liquid, which means CNG takes up more space to store the same amount of energy. Vehicles using CNG need bigger or more storage tanks, which can reduce the available space in your car.
For example, CNG tanks might take up space in your boot (trunk) or the bed of a pickup. Some vehicles, like the Volkswagen Touran Ecofuel, Volkswagen Caddy Ecofuel, and New Fiat Panda, are specifically designed and built to have CNG tanks under the car to save space.
Unfortunately, this isn’t always possible, especially for modified cars because CNG experts will have to create space from small available ones. The tanks might even be installed on the roof of bigger vehicles like buses, which may require extra work to strengthen the vehicle because of the structural modification.
Higher Initial Costs
The cost of converting a car that is running on petrol to CNG is high because the CNG conversion kits are imported into Nigeria. According to CEO of PCNGI Steering Committee Mr Michael Oluwagbemi in an interview with Daily Trust disclosed that it may cost between N300,000 to N600,000 to convert to CNG vehicle.
Some experts even said it may cost more because of the service charge that would apply and other logistics. As such, converting a regular petrol vehicle to run on CNG or buying a new CNG vehicle can be more expensive upfront.
You need special tanks and a system that can handle the gas, which adds to the overall cost of the vehicle. Although CNG is cheaper in the long run, this high initial cost may discourage some people from making the switch unless the government intervenes.
Higher Fuel Consumption
Vehicles running on CNG tend to use more fuel than those using diesel or petrol to cover the same distance. Although the cost of CNG is cheaper – N230/KG as against Petrol’s N1,200/litre – you may need to refill more often because the fuel doesn’t last as long.
In a test comparing CNG and diesel trucks, CNG vehicles used more fuel, which could reduce some of the cost benefits.
In 2014, a test of Euro6 heavy vehicles on CNG and diesel, which was carried out by the Danish Technological Institute showed that CNG had higher fuel consumption than gasoline-powered cars.
Risk of Explosion
CNG is stored at a high pressure. If there’s a leak or a malfunction in the tank, it can lead to an explosion, this is rare anyway because CNG systems are designed with safety features, but people need to be aware of this potential risk. Users must pay attention to the tank.
Methane Leakage
Natural gas is mainly made up of methane, which is much worse for the environment than carbon dioxide (CO2) when it leaks. Methane is over 100 times stronger at trapping heat, making it a serious contributor to climate change.
If there’s a leak in the system, the environmental impact could be significant, even if the vehicle itself produces fewer harmful emissions like NOX (nitrogen oxides).
Limited Fueling Stations
In Nigeria at the moment, CNG stations are limited to a few major cities such as Lagos, Ibadan, Abuja, Kano and a few others. So, unlike petrol stations which can be found in nearly all major towns and cities that have roads, CNG fueling stations are not as common.
This means if you drive a CNG-powered vehicle, you may struggle to find a place to refill, especially on long trips. It will even be worse for CNG cars driving on deserted roads that are common in the Northern parts of the country. While petrol stations are everywhere, CNG stations are still growing, which can be inconvenient.
Lower Driving Range
Vehicles running on CNG generally have a shorter driving range than petrol or diesel vehicles, meaning you need to refuel more often. Even though CNG is cheaper, the tanks don’t hold as much energy as petrol or diesel, so you may find yourself visiting the fueling station more frequently.
This means you may have to refuel more often, which can be inconvenient, especially if there are limited CNG stations around. While petrol or diesel vehicles can travel long distances on a full tank, CNG vehicles might need refills more frequently.
Lower Power Output
Vehicles running on CNG may not perform as powerfully as those running on petrol or diesel because vehicles powered by CNG may have less horsepower, according to chassis.ng, an auto parts purchase website.
This means the engine might feel less powerful, especially when climbing hills or carrying heavy loads. Commercial drivers who are known for overloading might notice the difference.
Longer Refueling Time
Filling up a CNG vehicle takes longer than refuelling a petrol or diesel car. Since the gas needs to be compressed into the tank, it takes more time than simply pumping liquid fuel into a car. This longer refuelling time can be inconvenient, especially if you’re in a hurry.
To convert or not to?
If the technicians cannot adhere to the strict conversion guidelines, users should buy vehicles that are specifically designed in the factory to run on CNG. However, the decision is now yours: to convert to CNG or to stick with a petrol-powered vehicle. If you decide to convert, ensure to constantly check with your technician for leakage or other risk that may put your life and others in danger.
Advantages of CNG-Powered Vehicles
Environmental Benefits: CNG produces significantly lower emissions than petrol or diesel. It emits fewer pollutants such as carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter, making it a cleaner alternative that helps reduce air pollution and combat climate change.
Cost-Effectiveness: While the initial conversion cost can be high, CNG is generally cheaper than petrol or diesel in the long run. The cost savings on fuel can quickly offset the initial investment. The lower price of CNG can result in substantial savings for drivers, especially those who cover long distances regularly.
Abundance and Energy Security: Natural gas is more abundant and widely available than petroleum. Many countries, including Nigeria, have substantial natural gas reserves, reducing reliance on imported fuels and enhancing energy security.
Engine Longevity and Maintenance: CNG burns cleaner than petrol or diesel, which means fewer deposits in the engine and exhaust system. This leads to less wear and tear on the engine, potentially extending its lifespan and reducing maintenance costs.
Safety Features: Modern CNG tanks are designed with multiple safety features, including reinforced steel and automatic shut-off valves. While CNG is stored under high pressure, the tanks are much stronger than conventional fuel tanks, and CNG disperses quickly in the event of a leak, reducing the risk of fire or explosion.
Government Support and Incentives: Governments around the world, including Nigeria, are promoting CNG as an alternative fuel by offering incentives and subsidies to offset the initial conversion cost. These initiatives make CNG adoption more feasible for consumers.
Reduction in Greenhouse Gas Emissions: CNG vehicles emit less carbon dioxide (CO2) compared to petrol or diesel vehicles. While methane is a potent greenhouse gas, advancements in technology are addressing methane leakage to minimize its environmental impact.
Growing Infrastructure: Although CNG fueling stations are currently limited, governments and private sectors are investing in expanding the infrastructure. In Nigeria, efforts are being made to increase the number of CNG stations, making it more convenient for drivers in the near future.
Lower Noise Pollution: CNG engines generally run quieter than diesel engines, contributing to reduced noise pollution, especially in urban areas.
Energy Efficiency: While CNG may have a slightly lower energy density, advancements in engine technology are making CNG vehicles more efficient. The difference in performance and range is becoming less noticeable with modern CNG-powered engines.
Addressing Specific Concerns
Storage Space: Modern vehicles are being designed with optimized storage solutions for CNG tanks. Many manufacturers are incorporating underbody tanks that don’t compromise vehicle storage space, particularly in newer models designed specifically for CNG.
Higher Initial Costs: The cost of conversion is an investment that pays off over time through significant fuel savings. With government incentives and a growing market, the initial cost can be mitigated, making it more accessible.
Fuel Consumption: While CNG might have a lower energy content than petrol or diesel, it is significantly cheaper. The cost per kilometer for CNG is lower, and the increased consumption is offset by the lower price.
Methane Leakage: Innovations in technology are continuously improving the safety and efficiency of CNG systems, minimizing methane leakage. Proper maintenance and adherence to safety protocols can further reduce environmental impact.
Refueling Time and Infrastructure: As the adoption of CNG grows, so does the infrastructure. Refueling stations are being developed, and the technology for faster refueling is improving.
Thank you Yemmy. We are aware of the advantages. You can find it here: https://infomediang.com/advantages-of-compressed-natural-gas/ Let’s hope that the government isn’t going to abandon the CNG project the way they abandoned gas. There was a time government campaigned that “gas is cheaper than kerosene”, today we all know the cost of 1KG of gas.
This same CNG is being used in advance country for years and all these disadvantages has been to their Advantage.
Stop being Negative and move on with the Positive Moving train. CNG is the way.
Thank you for your comment. We earlier pointed out that the advantages outweigh the challenges. You can find it here: https://infomediang.com/advantages-of-compressed-natural-gas/ Kindly also pay attention to positive news.
As for the Europe you mentioned: The government over there didn’t put the cart before the horse.