What is a natural gas vehicle?
Dedicated natural gas vehicles (NGVs) are designed to run only on natural gas; bi-fuel NGVs have two separate fueling systems that enable the vehicle to use either natural gas or a conventional fuel (gasoline or diesel). In general, dedicated NGVs demonstrate better performance and have lower emissions than bi-fuel vehicles because their engines are optimized to run on natural gas. In addition, the vehicle does not have to carry two types of fuel, thereby increasing cargo capacity and reducing weight. Natural gas vehicles are fueled with compressed natural gas (CNG) or liquefied natural gas (LNG). These fuels are considered alternative fuels under the Energy Policy Act of 1992 and qualify for alternative fuel vehicle tax credits. As a new twist, tests are being conducted using natural gas vehicles fueled with HCNG, a blend of CNG and hydrogen. Compared with vehicles fueled with conventional diesel and gasoline, NGVs can produce significantly lower amounts of harmful emissions. In addit
Natural gas vehicles are fueled with compressed natural gas or liquefied natural gas. Like gasoline-powered vehicles, a spark-ignited engine powers light- and heavy-duty NGVs. Some alternative systems exist for heavy-duty vehicles. In general, dedicated NGVs have better performance and lower emissions than bi-fuel NVGs because their engines are optimized to run on natural gas. Clean Energy® reports “NGVs typically use one of two varieties of natural gas: Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) or Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG). The preferred fueling method for light to medium NGVs, CNG stations dispense between five and ten gallons per minute. Heavy-duty NGVs with weight and range requirements typically fuel up on LNG, which allows them to store more fuel on board with less tank weight. L/CNG stations can service both types of NGVs by converting LNG into CNG.” Benefits of Natural Gas Vehicles: Natural gas is a renewable, domestically available, inherently clean-burning fuel. Compared with vehicles f
