Clean Transportation

NGVs using renewable natural gas (RNG) are some of the cleanest vehicles in commercial production. The newest natural gas engines with near-zero technology produce 90% fewer Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) emissions than the current standard, and when fueled with RNG, they have up to 115% fewer greenhouse gas emissions than diesel counterparts well-to-wheel. RNG as a motor fuel has also been verified in the State of California as carbon negative, and it is zero-emission equivalent when it comes to smog-forming tailpipe pollutants like NOx.*

The sound pressure level of a CNG engine is lower than that of a diesel engine, making them quieter. This makes NGVs an especially good choice in densely populated areas or for vehicles that operate at night. In addition, refueling with RNG instead of gasoline or diesel reduces odorant and evaporative emissions.

NGVs represent a proven technology that is available right now. The existing public refueling infrastructure in Southern California is robust and continues to expand. The use of RNG for transportation can help create a bridge to a hydrogen future as natural gas from existing pipelines is already the leading fuel feedstock in the production of hydrogen.

Historically, natural gas has cost significantly less than a gasoline or diesel gallon equivalent in the SoCalGas service area. The U.S. Department of Energy's Energy Information Administration tracks historical pricing for gasoline, as well as diesel. Additionally, grants and incentives may be available from a variety of sources to help with the purchase of NGVs.

NGVs often deliver similar horsepower ratings to their diesel and gasoline-powered counterparts. Premium gasoline is 91 octane, while natural gas has an octane rating of approximately 130. This higher octane allows for increased engine compression and combustion efficiency. Because of the cleaner burning attributes of natural gas, NGVs generally have longer engine life compared to most gasoline-powered vehicles.

Almost all-natural gas currently consumed in the U.S. is produced in North America, so driving NGVs can help reduce our dependence on foreign oil.

Natural gas vehicles offer significant safety advantages over many of their fuel competitors in the market. For example, the physical properties of natural gas make compressed natural gas as safe as gasoline or diesel fuels. Natural gas isn't toxic to touch and also has a very narrow concentration range for combustion, which reduces the possibility of accidental combustion. Also, natural gas is lighter than air and will rise and dissipate into the air if released. Another safety advantage is that odorant added to natural gas makes it easier to detect its presence. Additionally, CNG doesn't form combustible pools on the ground, as other fuels might.