The Pros, Cons, and Costs of CNG Car Conversion Systems

The Pros and Cons of Using CNG for Vehicles

Compressed natural gas (CNG) has been gaining popularity as an alternative fuel source for vehicles around the world. Some countries, especially Argentina, have been transitioning parts of their vehicle fleet to run on CNG in hopes of reducing costs and emissions. But is CNG the right solution for most car owners? Let's take a balanced look at some of the pros and cons of using compressed natural gas fuel for cars and trucks.

The Benefits of Using CNG

There are a few key reasons why both governments and regular consumers get excited about the possibility of switching to CNG:

• It's far cheaper than gasoline or diesel fuel in many parts of the world.
• CNG emits fewer greenhouse gases and is considered a cleaner fuel source.
• Most gasoline engines can be converted to run on CNG fairly easily and for reasonable cost.
• Natural gas is produced domestically in many countries, reducing reliance on foreign fuel imports.

Especially with today's high gas prices around the globe, the potential cost savings of filling up your car with cheap CNG instead of expensive diesel or gasoline can seem very enticing. Countries like Argentina have explicitly pushed vehicle conversion programs with the intention of insulating consumers against volatile fuel costs and keeping overall inflation lower across the economy.

Considering the Drawbacks of CNG Vehicles

However, there are also some notable drawbacks to running a car or truck on compressed natural gas that need careful consideration:

• CNG fuel tanks take up considerable space and reduce cargo capacity for trucks/vans.
• Fewer public CNG filling stations currently available in many areas.
• Upfront costs of converting existing engines to CNG can be prohibitive for some car owners.
• Shorter driving range compared to gasoline or diesel before needing to refuel.

As you can see, while the potential fuel cost savings from switching to CNG are substantial, especially for high-mileage vehicles, there are some real trade-offs to consider regarding functionality and convenience as well. And if gas prices later recede, that economic motivation to use CNG may no longer make sense.

The AutoVent 3000 CNG System

This brings us to the AutoVent 3000, which is an advanced CNG conversion and refueling system designed specifically for automotive use. The AutoVent 3000 system includes:

• CNG tank with safety shutoff valves
• Integrated fill inlet for quick home or commercial refueling
• Patented injector technology for smooth engine performance
• Full computerized monitoring of fuel levels and usage

The makers of the AutoVent 3000 claim their system requires no major modifications to your car or truck's existing engine and can be installed by certified mechanics in just a few hours. Some of the advertised benefits of this CNG system include:

• Maintains full trunk/cargo space - tanks install undercarriage
• Digitally controlled fuel injection for 85% cheaper mileage
• Near equivalent horsepower and torque as gasoline/diesel operation

The AutoVent 3000 is designed to address some of the common drawbacks of typical CNG conversions, particularly around loss of cargo capacity and power output. Professional installation is recommended to ensure proper integration with your vehicle's existing systems.

Is the AutoVent 3000 Worth the Investment?

At around $3,000 just for parts, clearly the upfront cost commitment for the AutoVent 3000 is fairly substantial. With professional conversion labor costs on top, you're likely looking at a total expense of $4,000-5,000 depending on your vehicle make and model.

Whether or not that significant investment is justified depends entirely on your unique driving profile and needs:

• High mileage drivers (over 20,000 miles/year) stand to reap the most fuel cost savings over time.
• Owners who drive fewer annual miles may want to crunch the numbers carefully beforehand.
• Fleets of delivery vans and trucks are ideal candidates given their high fuel usage and need to maximize cargo capacity.

At the end of the day, the AutoVent 3000 CNG system provides car and truck owners with a professionally engineered solution for tapping into the extensive financial and operational benefits of compressed natural gas. But like any major vehicle modification, conducting careful research beforehand and consulting certified professionals is advised.

FAQs

What are the main advantages of using CNG fuel?

The main benefits of CNG are lower fuel costs compared to gasoline or diesel, reduced emissions and environmental impact, abundant domestic supply in many countries, and most gasoline vehicles can be retrofitted to use it.

How does CNG compare to gasoline in terms of driving range?

CNG vehicles generally have a shorter driving range on a full tank compared to their gasoline counterparts. However, advanced CNG conversion systems like the AutoVent 3000 use high-pressure storage tanks to improve range.

Does installing a CNG system like the AutoVent 3000 void my car's manufacturer warranty?

In most cases, third-party CNG conversions do not automatically void the original powertrain warranty, especially if using a CARB-approved system. However, confirm first with your dealer to understand any implications.

Who should consider converting their car to run on CNG?

CNG conversions offer the fastest return on investment for high-mileage drivers and vehicle fleets. Owners who drive fewer than 20,000 miles per year may want to carefully analyze costs vs. savings before converting.