A. A natural gas vehicle (NGV) is a car, truck, van or bus which uses compressed natural gas to fuel its engine. Because it is not a liquid fuel, natural gas is compressed at 3,000 or 3,600 pounds per square inch so that it can be stored in steel, aluminum, fiberglass or carbon-fiber cylinders.
A. NGVs work 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.
A. At fueling locations, natural gas is compressed and dispensed into vehicles in much the same way as gasoline. Fleet fueling stations can be conveniently located on-site, using either the "quick-fill" or "time-fill" method of fueling. Quick-fill refueling takes about three to seven minutes. Time-fill refueling is usually done overnight, in about five to eight hours. A refueling station may be installed wherever natural gas is available. NGVs are convenient for fleets since the vehicles usually return to the same location each night for refueling.
Home refueling appliances that provide consumers with an overnight refueling option are available. These appliances require 120 VAC/60HZ electric service along with the standard natural gas service available at most homes. Other slightly larger compressors which operate on 220 volts are ideal for businesses with small fleets.
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.
A. NGVs are simply the cleanest of any vehicles in commercial production today. In fact, NGVs 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.
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