Hello Jake, welcome to our guide on CNG cars for sale in the USA. In this article, we will provide you with all the information you need to know about CNG cars, their features, advantages, and disadvantages, and why they could be a great choice for your next car purchase.
Introduction
Compressed natural gas (CNG) cars are becoming increasingly popular in the USA, especially as people become more environmentally conscious and look for ways to reduce their carbon footprint. CNG cars are a type of alternative-fuel vehicle that uses natural gas as an alternative to gasoline or diesel fuel.
There are several reasons why people are choosing to buy CNG cars in the USA. For example, CNG is much cheaper than traditional gasoline or diesel fuel, and it is also much cleaner, which means that it emits fewer harmful pollutants into the environment.
In this guide, we will take a closer look at the features and benefits of CNG cars, as well as their drawbacks and limitations. We will also provide you with a comprehensive table of all the CNG cars currently available for sale in the USA, along with their specifications and prices.
What is a CNG car?
A CNG car is a type of vehicle that uses compressed natural gas as an alternative to gasoline or diesel fuel. Natural gas is stored in high-pressure tanks inside the car, and a special fuel system delivers the gas to the engine, where it is used to power the vehicle.
CNG is a cleaner-burning fuel than gasoline or diesel, and it produces fewer harmful emissions. It is also much cheaper than traditional gasoline or diesel fuel, which makes it an attractive option for people looking to save money on fuel costs.
How do CNG cars work?
CNG cars work in much the same way as traditional gasoline or diesel cars, with a few key differences. The fuel system and engine are specially designed to run on natural gas, which is stored in high-pressure tanks inside the car.
When you start the car, the engine runs on gasoline or diesel fuel until it reaches operating temperature. Once the engine is warm, the fuel system switches over to natural gas, which is delivered to the engine via a special fuel system.
What are the advantages of CNG cars?
There are several advantages to owning a CNG car in the USA, including:
1. Lower fuel costs
CNG is much cheaper than traditional gasoline or diesel fuel, which can result in significant savings over time.
2. Cleaner emissions
CNG is a cleaner-burning fuel than gasoline or diesel, which means that it produces fewer harmful emissions and pollutants.
3. Reduced dependence on foreign oil
Because natural gas is produced domestically in the USA, owning a CNG car can help to reduce our dependence on foreign oil.
4. Longer engine life
CNG burns cleaner than gasoline or diesel fuel, which can result in longer engine life and reduced maintenance costs.
What are the disadvantages of CNG cars?
While there are many advantages to owning a CNG car, there are also some drawbacks and limitations to consider:
1. Limited range
CNG cars have a limited range compared to gasoline or diesel cars, which means that you may need to refill the tanks more frequently.
2. Limited availability
While CNG is becoming more widely available in the USA, it is still not as widely available as gasoline or diesel fuel.
3. Higher upfront costs
CNG cars can be more expensive to purchase upfront than traditional gasoline or diesel cars.
4. Reduced trunk space
Because CNG tanks are larger than gasoline or diesel tanks, they can take up more space in the trunk of the car, which can limit storage capacity.
CNG Cars for Sale in the USA: A Comprehensive Table
| Make and Model | Year | Price | Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Honda Civic Natural Gas | 2015 | $26,740 | 220 miles |
| Toyota Mirai | 2017 | $57,500 | 312 miles |
| Chevrolet Impala Bi-Fuel | 2015 | $38,210 | 150 miles (CNG), 350 miles (gasoline) |
| Ford F-150 | 2014-2019 | $34,620-$50,675 | 750 miles (CNG), 610 miles (gasoline) |
FAQs
1. How much does it cost to fill up a CNG car?
The cost of filling up a CNG car will depend on the price of natural gas in your area, as well as the size of your car’s fuel tank. On average, it can cost anywhere from $1.50 to $2.50 per gasoline gallon equivalent (GGE) of CNG.
2. Can I convert my existing car to run on CNG?
Yes, it is possible to convert many existing gasoline or diesel cars to run on CNG. However, it can be expensive to do so, and it may not be practical for all vehicles.
3. Are CNG cars safe?
Yes, CNG cars are generally considered to be safe. However, because natural gas is stored in high-pressure tanks, there is some risk of explosion or fire in the event of a collision or other accident.
4. How many CNG filling stations are there in the USA?
As of 2021, there are over 1,500 CNG filling stations in the USA, with the largest concentration of stations located in California, Texas, and Oklahoma.
5. How do CNG cars compare to electric cars?
While both CNG and electric cars are considered to be alternative-fuel vehicles, they operate in very different ways. CNG cars use natural gas as fuel, while electric cars use batteries to power an electric motor. Ultimately, the choice between CNG and electric will depend on your individual needs and preferences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, CNG cars for sale in the USA can be a great choice for people looking to save money on fuel costs and reduce their carbon footprint. While there are some drawbacks and limitations to consider, the advantages of CNG cars make them an attractive option for many drivers.
If you are interested in purchasing a CNG car, be sure to do your research and consider all of your options. Use our comprehensive table to compare different makes and models, and don’t hesitate to contact a local dealer for more information.
Thank you for reading our guide to CNG cars in the USA. We hope you found it informative and helpful in making your next car purchase.
Disclaimer Regarding Risks
Please note that while CNG cars are generally considered to be safe and reliable, there are some risks and limitations to consider. Natural gas is a highly flammable substance, and there is some risk of explosion or fire in the event of a collision or other accident.
Additionally, because CNG fueling stations are not as widely available as gasoline or diesel stations, there may be some limitations on where and when you can refill your car’s tanks. Be sure to consider these risks and limitations when making your decision to purchase a CNG car.
