Hi Jake, are you looking to buy a car that’s not only eco-friendly but also budget-friendly? Look no further than natural gas cars! In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about natural gas cars for sale.
Introduction: What are Natural Gas Cars?
Natural gas cars, also known as compressed natural gas (CNG) cars, are vehicles that run on natural gas instead of traditional gasoline or diesel fuel. CNG cars use compressed natural gas stored in tanks in the vehicle’s trunk, which is then converted into energy through an internal combustion engine. As natural gas is a cleaner burning fuel source, CNG cars emit fewer pollutants and have a lower carbon footprint compared to traditional vehicles.
History of Natural Gas Cars
The first natural gas vehicle was created in 1860 by Belgian engineer Etienne Lenoir. However, it wasn’t until the 1970s that natural gas cars gained popularity in response to the 1973 oil crisis. Since then, many automakers have produced natural gas cars, including Honda, Mercedes-Benz, and Chevrolet, among others.
How do Natural Gas Cars Work?
As mentioned earlier, CNG cars use compressed natural gas stored in tanks in the vehicle’s trunk. The gas then goes through a regulator where it’s brought to a lower pressure and sent to the fuel injectors, which introduce the gas into the engine’s combustion chamber. The engine then converts the energy from the natural gas into mechanical energy that powers the vehicle.
Types of Natural Gas Cars
There are two types of natural gas cars available: dedicated and bifuel. Dedicated CNG cars are designed to run solely on natural gas, while bifuel cars can run on both natural gas and gasoline or diesel fuel.
Advantages of Natural Gas Cars
Natural gas cars offer several advantages over traditional gasoline or diesel cars, including:
Lower Fuel Costs
Natural gas is typically cheaper than gasoline or diesel fuel, which means that CNG cars can save you money in the long run. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, natural gas costs about $1.00 to $2.00 less per gallon than gasoline, depending on regional market conditions.
Lower Emissions
Natural gas is a cleaner burning fuel source compared to gasoline or diesel fuel, which means that CNG cars emit fewer pollutants. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, natural gas vehicles can produce up to 90% fewer emissions compared to traditional vehicles.
Quieter Engine
As natural gas is a quieter burning fuel source compared to gasoline or diesel fuel, CNG cars can have a quieter engine, which can reduce noise pollution.
Reduced Dependence on Foreign Oil
As natural gas is a domestic fuel source, using CNG cars can reduce the country’s dependence on foreign oil.
Longer Engine Life
Natural gas burns cleaner than traditional fuels, which can lead to less wear and tear on the engine, resulting in a longer engine life.
Government Incentives
The government offers various incentives for natural gas car owners, including tax credits, fuel credits, and grants, among others.
Disadvantages of Natural Gas Cars
While natural gas cars offer several advantages over traditional vehicles, they also have some disadvantages, including:
Higher Upfront Costs
Natural gas cars can be more expensive upfront compared to gasoline or diesel cars. This is due to the additional equipment required to store and use compressed natural gas as a fuel source.
Limited Driving Range
CNG cars have a limited driving range compared to traditional vehicles. As CNG cars require larger fuel storage tanks, they have less trunk space and a shorter driving range.
Limited Availability of Fueling Stations
As natural gas is not as widely used as traditional fuels, CNG fueling stations can be limited in certain regions, making it difficult for CNG car owners to find a place to refuel their vehicle.
Less Power
CNG cars have less power compared to traditional vehicles, which means they may not be suitable for towing or carrying heavy loads.
Less Resale Value
As CNG cars are not as common as traditional vehicles, they can have lower resale value.
Conversion Costs
Converting a traditional vehicle to run on natural gas can be expensive, which can deter some potential buyers.
Natural Gas Cars for Sale: A Comprehensive Guide
Here’s a table that contains all the information you need to know about natural gas cars for sale:
| Make and Model | Price Range | Fuel Efficiency | Driving Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Honda Civic Natural Gas | $25,000-$30,000 | 31 MPG city/40 MPG highway | 221 miles |
| Chevrolet Impala Bi-Fuel | $38,000-$40,000 | 17 MPG city/24 MPG highway (gasoline); 16 MPG city/24 MPG highway (natural gas) | 150 miles (natural gas); 500 miles (gasoline) |
| Mercedes-Benz B-Class Natural Gas | $44,000-$47,000 | 23 MPG city/31 MPG highway | 251 miles |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much does it cost to fill up a natural gas car?
It depends on the price of natural gas in your region, but generally, it can cost around $2.00 to $3.50 per gasoline gallon equivalent (GGE) to fill up a natural gas car.
2. How many fueling stations are available for natural gas cars?
As of 2021, there are over 1,600 natural gas fueling stations in the United States.
3. Can I convert my current car to run on natural gas?
Yes, you can convert your current car to run on natural gas, but it can be expensive and may not be worth the investment, depending on the age and condition of your current vehicle.
4. Is it safe to drive a natural gas car?
Yes, natural gas cars are safe to drive. In fact, natural gas is less flammable than gasoline or diesel fuel.
5. Do natural gas cars have less power?
Yes, natural gas cars typically have less power compared to gasoline or diesel cars.
6. Are there any government incentives for natural gas car owners?
Yes, the government offers various incentives for natural gas car owners, including tax credits, fuel credits, and grants, among others.
7. What is the driving range of a natural gas car?
The driving range of a natural gas car varies depending on the make and model of the vehicle and the size of the fuel storage tanks. Generally, CNG cars have a shorter driving range compared to traditional vehicles.
8. How long does it take to fill up a natural gas car?
It takes around 5-10 minutes to fill up a natural gas car, which is similar to the time it takes to fill up a traditional vehicle with gasoline or diesel fuel.
9. Can I drive a natural gas car on the highway?
Yes, you can drive a natural gas car on the highway.
10. What happens if I run out of natural gas while driving?
If you run out of natural gas while driving, your CNG car will automatically switch over to gasoline or diesel fuel, depending on the type of bifuel car you have.
11. Do natural gas cars require more maintenance?
CNG cars require similar maintenance to traditional vehicles, but the fuel system may require additional maintenance to ensure proper function.
12. What should I do if there’s no natural gas fueling station in my area?
If there’s no natural gas fueling station in your area, you may need to consider another fuel source or plan your trips accordingly.
13. Are natural gas cars good for the environment?
Yes, natural gas cars are good for the environment as they emit fewer pollutants and have a lower carbon footprint compared to traditional vehicles.
Conclusion: Take Action Today!
Now that you know everything there is to know about natural gas cars for sale, it’s time to take action! Consider the advantages and disadvantages of natural gas cars and decide if it’s the right choice for you. If you’re ready to make the switch, check out our table of natural gas cars for sale and find the perfect vehicle for your needs. Together, let’s make the world a greener, cleaner place!
Disclaimer
While natural gas cars offer several advantages over traditional vehicles, there are risks associated with any type of vehicle. Always consult with a qualified mechanic or dealership before making any major vehicle purchase. The information in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal or professional advice.
