CNG Frequently Asked Questions
We use the Natruell CNG fuel system in our CNG converted bi-fuel vehicles. The manufacturer of this CNG kit also makes the CNG kit for Honda’s NGV Civic. As this is a very high quality system we have included FAQ’s taken directly from Natruell to answer your questions.
Q. What is a Natruell Fuel System?
A. A Natruell Fuel System uses compressed natural gas to fuel its engine. Because it is not a liquid fuel, natural gas is compressed at 3,000 pounds per square inch so that it can be stored in steel, aluminum, fiberglass or carbon-fiber cylinders.
Q. How does a Natruell System Work?
A. A Natruell Fuel System works like conventional liquid gasoline or diesel-powered vehicles in that they burn a gaseous mixture of fuel and air in an engine; however, natural gas has the distinct advantage of already being a gas, which helps the engine run cleaner.
Q. How can I refuel my Natruell System?
A. At fueling locations, natural gas is compressed and dispensed into vehicles in much the same way as gasoline. A Natruell Refueling Station may be installed wherever natural gas is available.
Q. Is compressed natural gas safe?
A. Yes. The cylinders that hold the compressed natural gas are significantly stronger than gasoline tanks. They have withstood impact and bonfire testing and meet or exceed U. S. Department of Transportation safety standards. Even in the unlikely event of a leak, CNG will not form combustible pools on the ground, as other fuels do. Because it is lighter than air, it will rise and dissipate if released. Furthermore, natural gas is not toxic to touch.
Q. How does Natruell System comply with clean air regulations?
A. Vehicles with the Natruell System are simply the cleanest of any vehicles in commercial production today. In fact, a natural gas vehicle produce only 5% to 10% of the emissions allowable even by today’s most stringent standards. Clearly, NGVs present the cleanest choice for today and tomorrow.
Q. Where can I purchase Natural Gas?
A. Natural gas can be purchased at gas stations located in almost every city or a Natruell Fuel Center can be installed at your house. To find locations of gas stations and the price per gallon of natural fuel, Click here to find filling stations http://www.afdc.energy.gov/stations/.
Q. How much room does Natruell’s Cylinders utilize?
A. The tank is installed in the trunk of your can or in the bed of your trunk. Their dimensions are 1 foot x 1 foot x 3 feet.
Q. Can I use gasoline and natural gas with Natruell’s Fuel System?
A. With the flip of a switch by your steering wheel you can operate on natural gas or gasoline.
Q. By using the Natruell System does it void the manufacture warranty?
A. Due to the fact that natural gas burns cleaner than gas and has less wear and tear on the engine, manufactures do not void the warranty (please contact your car’s manufacture to verify).
Q. Do I get the same MPG with my Natruell Fuel System?
A. With the Natruell System your can retain the same power as if you were operating your car on gasoline. Inferior systems do not inject the natural gas directly into your car and lose 20% efficiency.
Q. Will my car lose power with the Natruell Fuel System?
A. The maximum amount of power that you may lose will be 5%.
Q. What size of cylinders can I have on my vehicle?
A. Natruell provides a wide array of cylinders sizes. Natruell provides 16 inch diameter cylinders that are 40 to 51 inches long and 12.75 inch diameter cylinders that are 31, 36, or 52.5 inches long. With each cylinder you must add 4 inches to its length for the cylinder valve.
These FAQ’s were collected from Natruell’s Website. ©2008 Natruell
CNG cars saves you money by:
Saving you $2.84 a gallon on fuel by paying only $.85 cents a gallon instead of $3.69 a gallon.
Saving you $3,000 to $5,000 a year in fuel costs.
Saving you $25,000 to $50,000 in fuel costs over the life of you car.
Saving you hundreds of dollars in oil changes.
Giving your engine twice the life.
Giving you the equivalent to 120 mpg.
CNG cars saves you time by:
Allowing you to drive alone in the carpool lane which will save you several hours of commute time.
Allowing you to park for free in public parking areas
Allowing you to fill up your car at home eliminating gas stations alltogether.
CNG cars help to save the environment by:
Omitting 90% less carbon monoxide
Omitting 60% less nitrous oxide
Omitting 40% less carbon dioxide
Producing only 5% of the emissions allowabe by today’s standards
Being the most environment friendly car on the market
Every year you will save thousands of dollars with your CNG car. In your first year, if you drive a car that gets 14 mpg on average and you drive 20,000 miles per year, you will save $4,000. Because owning a CNG car will contribute to a cleaner environment it may be possible for you to receive a $2,500 tax credit from the state of Utah.
To see how much money you will save in gas each year and over the life of your car by switching to a CNG car, use the tables below. Look up your gas savings by finding your corresponding miles you drive each year and the MPG that your car gets.
Gas Price $3.55
Miles/Year
10,000
15,000
20,000
25,000
30,000
35,000
40,000
45,000
150,000
300,000
30
$970
$1,455
$1,940
$2,425
$2,910
$3,395
$3,880
$4,365
$14,550
$29,100
26
$1,119
$1,679
$2,238
$2,798
$3,358
$3,917
$4,477
$5,037
$16,788
$33,577
22
$1,323
$1,984
$2,645
$3,307
$3,968
$4,630
$5,291
$5,952
$19,841
$39,682
18
$1,617
$2,425
$3,233
$4,042
$4,850
$5,658
$6,467
$7,275
$24,250
$48,500
14
$2,079
$3,118
$4,157
$5,196
$6,236
$7,275
$8,314
$9,354
$31,179
$62,357
10
$2,910
$4,365
$5,820
$7,275
$8,730
$10,185
$11,640
$13,095
$43,650
$87,300
8
$3,638
$5,456
$7,275
$9,094
$10,913
$12,731
$14,550
$16,369
$54,563
$109,125
MPG
Figures are from Natruell’s Website