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CNG: learn about the pros and cons of Natural Gas for Vehicles and find out if it is the best option for your vehicle
Have you ever thought about saving on fuel and still contributing to the environment? If this idea appeals to you, Natural Gas for Vehicles (NGV) may be exactly what you are looking for! In times when alternatives to the energy Clean fuels are increasingly sought after, natural gas is emerging as an interesting option for those who want to save money and, as a bonus, emit fewer pollutants.
But is Natural Gas for Vehicles the right choice for you? Let's dive into the advantages and disadvantages of CNG, understand how it works, how to install it and where to fill up. This way, you can make an informed decision and find out if this option is ideal for your car and your business. bag. Let's find out together?
What is CNG and how does it work?
Natural Gas for Vehicles, or simply NGV, is an alternative fuel composed mainly of methane. It has been gaining more and more fans because it is less polluting than traditional fuels, such as gasoline and diesel. Since it remains in the tank in liquid form, NGV is stored in high-pressure cylinders in the trunk of the car. When the vehicle is started, the gas flows to the engine, is mixed with air and is burned to generate energy. This combustion releases fewer pollutants than gasoline or diesel, making NGV a more “environmentally friendly” option.
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Natural Gas: advantages and disadvantages
Benefits
- Economy: Natural gas can be much more economical than gasoline and diesel, allowing drivers to travel a greater distance with less fuel.
- Environmental impact: Emits fewer polluting substances, such as carbon dioxide, sulfur and fine particles, contributing to cleaner, healthier air.
- Cheap maintenance: Burns cleaner, does not accumulate residue in the engine, which can reduce maintenance costs and extend the life of the vehicle.
Disadvantages
- Installation cost: Installing the CNG kit is not cheap and needs to be done by qualified professionals.
- Occupied space: The CNG cylinder takes up a lot of space in the trunk, which can be inconvenient for those who need a lot of luggage space.
- Autonomy and availability: Compared to gasoline, natural gas has a shorter range, and not all gas stations offer this service. Therefore, it is important to check if there are gas stations with natural gas in your area before opting for this fuel.
The Impact of Natural Gas on the Environment
The use of natural gas has a smaller environmental impact than the use of fuels such as gasoline and diesel. Burning natural gas generates less carbon dioxide and other pollutants, such as sulfur, and reduces the presence of fine particles in the air, improving atmospheric quality.
However, it is important to remember that natural gas, like oil, is a fossil fuel, non-renewable. Its extraction, transportation and processing result in the release of methane, a gas that contributes to the greenhouse effect.
Therefore, the industry needs to invest in technologies that minimize environmental impact. This makes natural gas a less harmful alternative, but it is still far from being completely “green”.
Comparison between CNG and other fuels
| Fuel | Benefits | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| GNV | – Savings on cost per mile – Less environmental impact – Less accumulation of residue in the engine | – High installation cost – Lower autonomy and trunk space usage – Lower availability of positions |
| Petrol | – Greater autonomy – Widely available | – High price – High emission of raw materials |
| Ethanol | – Renewable source and lower CO₂ emissions – High power | – Less autonomy – Can be corrosive and has a variable price |
How to install CNG?
Installing a CNG kit requires a significant initial investment and must be carried out by specialized professionals. This process includes installing high-pressure cylinders, valves, pipes and a fuel converter. The cost of this installation can vary depending on the type of vehicle and kit, but it is usually between R$1.500 and R$5.000.
After installation, the vehicle must undergo annual inspections to ensure that the system is safe and in compliance with INMETRO standards. In addition, it is essential to perform preventive maintenance, ensuring that all components are functioning properly.
Frequently asked questions about natural gas
1. Does it damage the car engine? The impact of natural gas on the engine depends on several factors, including the quality of the installation and maintenance. In general, natural gas tends to be less corrosive and leaves less residue, which can increase the engine's lifespan. On the other hand, natural gas vehicles experience a level of power loss compared to those powered by gasoline or diesel.
2. Is it worth removing the natural gas from a car? Removing natural gas is not easy and can be expensive. In addition, this removal can devalue the vehicle when resold in the future. Therefore, it is important to consider all of these factors before opting for removal.
3. How is natural gas for vehicles obtained? Natural gas is extracted from underground through drilling, and then undergoes treatment and specification processes. It is then transported to gas stations and, from there, to vehicle cylinders.
4. Is CNG a renewable energy source? No, natural gas is obtained from natural gas, a fossil fuel, like oil. Natural gas reserves are finite, and its formation takes millions of years.
5. Can any car use CNG? Most cars powered by gasoline or ethanol can be adapted to use natural gas, as long as the vehicle has electronic injection and the kit is installed by professionals.
Where to fill up with Natural Gas for Vehicles
Now that you know everything about natural gas, all that's left is where to fill up! At Ipiranga gas stations, you can find quality fuel for your car, whether it's natural gas, gasoline or ethanol. In addition, with the KMV program, you earn points and cashback with each fill-up, which you can exchange for benefits such as discounts on concert tickets and airline miles.
What are you waiting for? Find the nearest Ipiranga gas station and fill up your car with the energy it needs!
This is an example of how natural gas can make a difference for those who want to save money and be a little more environmentally conscious.
