Natural Gas is reported to be cost effectively powering more than 24 million vehicles worldwide. NGV Gas, a division of CNG Holdings has launched a local ground level promotional campaign in South Africa with the aimed at converting more local fleets to Natural Gas.
Converting to Natural Gas can help any size fleet driven company save on their fuel bill. The kit can be purchased or financed and is easy to install. NGV Gas is currently converting petrol and diesel vehicles up to 350KW starting from as little as R20 000.
Trucking with CNG
Diesel fuel has been deemed the fuel of choice for trucks for decades, but its high costs, need for regular servicing and high maintenance costs have intensified the need for alternative fuel for heavy-duty vehicles. Recent technological advances, the vast availability of Natural Gas and the recent Carbon Tax Bill have increasingly placed Natural Gas as an ideal and viable alternative fuel.
Natural Gas runs much cleaner than petrol and diesel, with up to 35% less CO2, NOX, HC and PM emitted compared to other fossil fuels. This has a direct impact on maintenance costs. Because Natural Gas is a cleaner fuel, it elongates the periods between maintenance procedures while significantly lowering running costs. With less contamination and residue build-up across engine components, the truck’s engine is able to run smoother for longer.
Natural gas has the most reliable, accessible and resilient supply network, around the clock and across the globe. A division of CNG Holdings, NGV Gas sets up Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) filling stations for private and public transport, as well as in-house fillings stations for large companies.
Air pollution from diesel engines has been a concern, particularly in countries that struggle to meet air-quality standards, such as South Africa. On the contrary, Natural Gas produces complete combustion which results in fewer pollution emissions when compared to other fuels.
Natural Gas is safer, in the event of a spill, it dissipates in the air without forming a pool on the ground, while liquid fuels could contaminate the environment or even spark a fire.
Because the price of Natural Gas does not increase with oil and petrol prices, it is a sound fuel option for heavy-duty vehicles which naturally consume a larger amount of fuel energy. The prices of diesel and petrol will likely continue to be unstable, keeping natural gas economical for the foreseeable future.
