How to Convert Your Petrol or Diesel Car to CNG: Cost, Process, Benefits & Safety Tip.

How to Convert Your Petrol or Diesel Car to CNG: Cost, Process, Benefits & Safety Tips

With rising fuel prices, environmental concerns, and the growing push for cleaner alternatives, many vehicle owners are considering CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) as a viable alternative to petrol or diesel. Converting a traditional fuel car to CNG can significantly reduce emissions and operating costs. Here's everything you need to know about the process, benefits, costs, and considerations involved in converting your car to run on CNG.

What is CNG?

CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) is a clean-burning, environment-friendly fuel made by compressing natural gas to less than 1% of its volume at standard atmospheric pressure. It is mainly composed of methane and is stored in high-pressure cylinders.

Why Convert to CNG?

Cost-Effective: CNG is generally cheaper than petrol or diesel, leading to substantial savings in fuel expenses over time.
Eco-Friendly: CNG produces fewer carbon emissions and pollutants like CO, NOx, and particulate matter.
Reduced Engine Wear: CNG burns cleaner, which means less carbon buildup in the engine, potentially increasing engine life.
Lower Maintenance Costs: Engines running on CNG tend to have less carbon residue, which can reduce the frequency of oil changes and other maintenance.

Types of CNG Kits

CNG conversion kits are broadly classified into two types:

1. Venturi-Type Kits

Suitable for older, carburetor-based vehicles.
Relatively simple and inexpensive.
Do not require an ECU (Engine Control Unit) for gas flow regulation.
Less efficient and less precise in fuel-air mixture control.

2. Sequential Injection Kits

Recommended for modern, fuel-injected vehicles.
Controlled by an ECU, offering better fuel efficiency and performance.
More expensive but cleaner and more reliable.

Conversion Process: Step-by-Step

Vehicle Inspection: Ensure your vehicle is compatible with CNG conversion and meets local regulatory requirements.
Kit Selection: Choose between a Venturi or Sequential kit based on your vehicle's engine type.
Installation: Certified technicians install the CNG tank (usually in the boot), regulator, high-pressure piping, fuel selector switch, and ECU (if applicable).
Leak and Safety Check: The system is pressure tested for leaks and safety compliance.
RTO Approval (in countries like India): After installation, the vehicle must be inspected and approved by the Regional Transport Office (RTO). The fuel type is updated on the vehicle registration certificate (RC).
Insurance Update: Inform your insurer about the fuel change to ensure your policy remains valid.

Cost of Conversion

Venturi Kits: ₹25,000–₹35,000 ($300–$450)
Sequential Kits: ₹40,000–₹60,000 ($500–$750)
RTO Charges and Registration: ₹2,000–₹5,000 ($25–$60)

Prices vary by country, brand of the kit, vehicle type, and installation center.

Performance and Mileage

Expect a slight drop in performance (~10–15%) and pickup.
Mileage on CNG ranges between 18–25 km/kg, depending on the vehicle and driving conditions.
Dual-fuel option allows switching between petrol and CNG.

Safety Considerations

CNG kits are safe if installed properly and maintained regularly.
High-quality CNG cylinders are tested for leaks, pressure resistance, and durability.
Annual checks and proper refueling practices are critical.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

Lower running costs
Reduced emissions
Clean engine operation
Widely available in urban centers

Cons:

High upfront cost
Slight performance drop
Reduced boot space due to the CNG tank
Limited CNG infrastructure in rural areas

Who Should Consider CNG Conversion?

Daily commuters covering long distances.
Fleet owners or taxi operators.
Environmentally conscious drivers.
Urban users with access to reliable CNG stations.