Compressed Natural Gas
About Natural Gas Vehicles
Natural Gas Vehicles (NGVs) are powered by compressed natural gas (CNG) or liquefied natural gas (LNG). Both are cleaner, safer and less expensive than traditional fuels. New developments in engine and vehicle technology, more stringent air quality regulations, and government incentives make this choice increasingly attractive.
There are more than 28 million NGVs worldwide and 175,000 on U.S. roads. In the U.S., most NGVs produced directly at the factory by the vehicle manufacturer are buses, refuse trucks and light- and medium-duty fleet vehicles. However, there are also many models of gasoline-powered vehicles which can be converted to operate on CNG suitable for consumer use.
Our nation has the most extensive natural gas distribution system of any country in the world, making it feasible to install CNG fueling equipment at existing gas stations and other locations supplied from existing natural gas lines. There are more than 1,700 public and private NGV fueling stations available now and the number is growing fast.
Are NGVs right for your business? Contact us for more information. Virginia Natural Gas can provide you with clean, affordable natural gas to fuel your vehicles and assist you with evaluating the vehicle and fueling options.
How NGVs Work
Light-duty natural gas vehicles work much like gasoline-powered vehicles. In a CNG fuel system, high-pressure natural gas moves from the storage tank to the engine where its pressure is reduced to the engine’s required fuel injection system pressure. After the natural gas is injected into the engine, the fuel-air mixture is compressed and ignited by a spark plug. The expanding gases propel the vehicle.
Some heavy-duty vehicles use spark-ignited natural gas systems, but other systems exist as well. High-pressure direct injection engines burn natural gas in a compression-ignition (diesel) cycle. Also, diesel engines can often be converted to burn diesel and natural gas simultaneously in a dual-fuel system.
Benefits of Natural Gas Vehicles
Proven & Reliable
There are nearly 25 million NGVs in use worldwide, with more than 175,000 in the U.S.
Fuel Savings
The U.S. is a major producer of natural gas. This abundant domestic supply has driven down the price of natural gas, ensuring that the price will remain below that of gasoline and diesel. Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) currently saves up to 50% over conventional fuels, and CNG vehicles are available for all types of applications, including business fleets and vehicles for personal use.
Environmental Benefits
CNG vehicles produce up to 90% fewer emissions than gasoline or diesel and reduce greenhouse gases 15-20% over diesel and gasoline. If the CNG is sourced from Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) suppliers like landfills, water treatment plants, or agricultural waste digesters, the reduction in greenhouse gases is even more significant; in the 80-90% range or even carbon negative in some cases.
Reduced Maintenance Costs
Oil change intervals for NGVs may often be extended since natural gas burns cleaner than gasoline or diesel. Also, because natural gas engines have practically no carbon build-up, it is not uncommon for them to last longer than gasoline and diesel engines. Today's diesel vehicles require maintenance intensive exhaust treatment equipment such as Diesel Particulate Filters (DPF), Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR), and Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) to meet emission requirements. In contrast, heavy duty natural gas engines require only a maintenance-free exhaust catalyst, so all that expensive equipment is eliminated.
Quieter
Heavy-duty NGVs have an 80-90% lower noise level than comparable diesel vehicles.
Incentives
Significant federal and/or state tax credits and other incentives are often available for converting to NGVs.
CNG Fueling
CNG vs. Traditional Fuels
Business Fleets
Natural Gas Vehicle Types Applications
Natural Gas Vehicles (NGVs) are developed based on the same internal combustion engines as gasoline and diesel vehicles and the performance is comparable with those of equivalent conventional vehicles. There are three types of NGV engine applications:
Dedicated - Vehicle application using only natural gas
Bi-fuel - Light- or medium-duty application which uses natural gas or gasoline interchangeably
Dual fuel - Heavy-duty application using a blend of natural gas and diesel simultaneously
Types of Fuel Storage
Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) - Natural gas is compressed to 3,600 psig but remains in a gaseous state. The fuel density is less than gasoline or diesel, but the vehicle fuel storage cylinder(s) are sized to have enough on-board fuel to achieve the necessary driving range. There are multiple vehicle types using CNG in the light-, medium-, and heavy-duty classifications.
Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) - Natural gas is refrigerated to - 260 degrees F and is stored on the vehicle in a liquid state. This is generally only used in heavy-duty applications that need a greater range because the fuel occupies less space in liquid form. Most LNG vehicles operate like CNG vehicles because although the fuel is stored in liquid form it is then vaporized before being introduced to the engine.
Safety
Natural gas in an inherently safe fuel and, unlike gasoline, it dissipates into the atmosphere in the event of an accidental release. The high ignition temperature and limited flammability range make accidental ignition or combustion of natural gas unlikely.
CNG vehicle storage cylinders and other fuel system components are manufactured to strict standards and installed in accordance with applicable codes. The industry has an excellent safety record, especially when compared to other fuel types.
For more information on NGV safety, codes and standards applicable to NGVs and fueling equipment, and more, please visit NGVAmerica, which coordinates and implements a variety of public awareness, education, market research, codes and standards and technology programs for natural gas vehicles.
Building and Maintaining CNG Stations
Fueling Stations
Public CNG stations are currently limited, but the number of locations is expanding rapidly. Individual consumers or public/private fleet operators may also choose to install their own CNG fueling stations.
A list of Virginia’s existing and proposed CNG fueling stations open to the public are located next or use the U.S. Government Department of Energy's Alternative Fueling Station Locator to find the public station nearest you.
VNG Locations
Find a public, private, or planned station in Virginia.
Newport News (Virginia Natural Gas Station)
746 Diligence Drive, Newport News, VA
Norfolk (Virginia Natural Gas Station)
1184 Lance Road, Norfolk, VA
Downtown Richmond (Clean Energy)
211 Maury Streeet, Richmond, VA
How to Refuel
Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) saves up to 50% over conventional fuels, and there are five public fast-fill refueling stations located throughout Virginia. Consumers who are natural gas customers also have the option of refueling at home with a natural gas home refueling appliance, which uses a time-fill system of filling a tank overnight.
The process for refueling is almost identical to the process used at local gasoline stations. Most public CNG stations accept credit cards at the dispenser and the filling time is similar to using a gasoline pump.
Refueling Instructions for a Fast-Fill Dispenser
Most stations have no attendants on duty. You will first need to be trained on the use of the CNG operations. The Company will provide the short training.
