With the increasing availability of CNG fill stations across the country, conversion to natural gas systems allows fleet managers and truck owners to utilize a domestically supplied fuel, as well as control fuel costs. Conversion of existing gasoline-fueled vehicles is an excellent option for truck owners who aren’t yet ready to replace their current vehicles, but want to take advantage of cost savings and operate a “greener” fleet.
View/download more information (pdf) about CNG fuel system conversions by Auto Truck Group. To locate more than 10,000 alternative fuel stations across the U.S., go to the Alternative Fueling Station Locator.
Why CNG
CNG is an intelligent and affordable selection for any fleet of vehicles. CNG is the cleanest burning transportation fuel on the market today and burns cleaner than petroleum based products because of its lower carbon content. It also produces the fewest emissions of all other fuels and contains significantly less pollutants than gasoline.
Using CNG helps fleets save money on fuel, reduce emission levels, and meet commitments to sustainable mobility. Plus, it’s a domestic fuel - 98% of the natural gas we use in the United States is produced right here in North America.
Fleets that use CNG benefit from more stable fuel pricing and may save almost 50% over petroleum products such as gasoline and diesel fuel. Today, there are more than 1,600 CNG refueling stations available across the United States with new stations opening daily.
CNG capacity is measured in gasoline gallon equivalents (GGEs). A gallon of gasoline is equal to approximately 5.7 lbs. of natural gas (about 125 scf). CNG trucks get the same mileage as gasoline or diesel vehicles, however the range may differ depending on the CNG storage. Just as you do not go down to empty on your gasoline vehicle, you won’t do that with CNG, either. Take the GGE and multiply by 80% (usable amount); then take that number and multiply by your typical MPG. That will give you an approximate range for the vehicle based on the duty cycle.
What to consider when purchasing a CNG system
There are additional specifications fleets should consider when adding a CNG system to their vehicles. These specifications ensure the CNG products are legal, perform as designed, and can be properly serviced. Here are some of the key specifications for CNG products: