Natural gas is an alternative fuel to diesel or petrol particularly for larger vehicles. Natural gas is mainly made up of methane and is extracted from oil and gas fields. Natural Gas is most commonly used for cooking or heating but can be stored under pressure (compressed natural gas – CNG) or in liquid form (liquid natural gas – LNG) for use in vehicles.
There are three alternatives in terms of natural gas engines. The first is to have an engine dedicated to natural gas as the sole fuel. Alternatively, dual fuel vehicles are available in which natural gas and diesel are both burnt at the same time, or bi-fuel engines in which petrol is used as a reserve fuel. Due to the cost of converting vehicles and the space required for the fuel tank, most natural gas powered vehicles are HGVs, buses and other large vehicles.
There are a number of advantages to using natural gas, mostly of an environmental nature. The engine is much quieter than that of a diesel vehicle, making natural gas powered HGVs ideal for night time deliveries. There is also a 10-15% reduction in carbon dioxide compared to diesel engines, 80% lower nitrous oxide emissions and no particulate emissions. Natural gas vehicles are also exempt from paying London’s congestion charge and may qualify for a reduced pollution certificate, if over 3.5 tonnes, which results in a £500 reduction in road tax.
Whilst natural gas is a cheaper fuel than diesel, the vehicles can be expensive. A natural gas powered HGV will cost about £25,000 to £35,000 more than its diesel equivalent and a van will cost an extra £4000 on average. There are also currently few public refueling stations in the UK, but many vehicle fleets simply install depot-based refueling areas.
For more information on natural gas as a vehicle fuel, visit the Natural Gas Vehicle Association
Thinking of converting to an alternative fuel? Take a look at our step by step Alternative Fuel Conversion guide.
