The U.S. currently has about 112,000 natural gas vehicles (NGVs) on the road – less than 0.1% of total U.S. vehicles – mostly owned by fleets. The heavy- and medium-duty market segments have seen the most use with city transit buses, refuse trucks and delivery vans. Compressed natural gas (CNG) has been used widely for personal transportation within the light-duty segment in highly developed nations for many years. In fact, natural gas-rich countries such as Brazil, Argentina, and Iran already have more than 1 million NGVs each, and even gas importer Italy exceeds 700,000.
Light-duty trucks, SUVs and sedans can all be powered with CNG while retaining the same engine power and fuel efficiency as their gasoline-powered counterparts.
The one major factor that has slowed the adoption of CNG vehicles within the light-duty market is the number of vehicles that can be purchased directly from the manufacturer with a CNG-ready engine. The majority of NGVs on the road today need their existing engine retrofitted by a certified technician utilizing an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)- or California Air Resources Board (CARB)-certified kit to only run on CNG (a dedicated vehicle) or CNG and gasoline (a bi-fuel vehicle).
Luckily, more and more auto manufacturers are offering designated CNG vehicles as fleet owners and individual consumers see the benefits of natural gas. Many large U.S. cities have made the decision to use natural gas in their taxi fleets, as there are multiple CNG kits available, such as the Chevy Impala and the Ford Transit Connect. Service companies such as AT&T, Verizon and UPS have found solutions for their vans and are utilizing clean, cost-saving natural gas in multiple markets. Today, everyone from the local plumber to energy companies has an option for a natural gas conversion on light-duty vehicles.
As the case for CNG as a transportation fuel continues to grow and infrastructure expands, the number of available light-duty options available through certified conversion kits and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) such as Ford, GM and Chrysler will increase.
Honda Civic GX
Sold to fleets and individuals throughout the U.S. since 1998, Honda’s natural gas-powered Civic GX is built in the company’s new Civic factory in Greensburg, Indiana. Both fleet and retail customers appreciate the fact that it relies on North American supplies of natural gas, not imported oil, for fuel. Not to mention, natural gas is more economical than gasoline and produces cleaner exhaust when driven in any city. Customers can also fill their tanks to suit their needs by utilizing public refueling infrastructure or residential refueling devices. Honda’s natural gas-powered Civic GX is now available at your local authorized GX dealer.
For more information on the Honda GX, visit www.civicgx.com.