Natural gas accounts for over one-quarter of the energy used in the United States. Two forms of natural gas are used in vehicles: CNG and LNG.
- Compressed Natural Gas (CNG): CNG is used in light, medium and heavy duty vehicles and can be utilized in both dedicated fuel and bi-fuel (gasoline and CNG) vehicles.
- Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG): To store more energy onboard vehicles in a smaller volume, natural gas can be liquefied. LNG is typically used in heavy duty vehicles.
Benefits of Natural Gas
Power and performance: Because of its high octane rating and excellent properties for spark-ignited internal combustion engines, natural gas vehicles (NGVs) are similar to gasoline or diesel-powered vehicles in regards to power, acceleration and cruising speed.
Emissions reduction: According to the Department of Energy’s Argonne National Laboratory, natural gas emits approximately 6% to 11% lower levels of greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) than gasoline throughout the fuel life cycle.
Stable pricing: The price of natural gas is more stable than gasoline and diesel.
Energy security: North American has an abundant domestic energy supply of natural gas. 98% of natural gas used in the United States is produced in North America.
Maintenance: If CNG leaks during refueling or elsewhere, there is no need for emergency clean-up due to evaporation. It is nontoxic, noncorrosive, and noncarcinogenic and presents no threat to soil, surface water, or groundwater in the case of a leak or spill.
For more information: Alternative Fuels Data Center