CNG vs. Petrol Car: Which One is Better?- CarYanams

CNG fuel is relatively cheaper and more fuel efficient. CNG is also a cleaner fuel, emitting fewer pollutants and greenhouse gases. But which one is better in the comparison of CNG vs. petrol?

In this article, we will compare CNG vs. petrol cars to help you make the right choice. Let’s delve into the debate between CNG cars and petrol cars.

What is a petrol car?

A petrol car is a vehicle that runs on petrol, a fossil fuel derived from crude oil.
Petrol cars are the most common car on the road and have been around for over a century. They are available in various models, including sedans, SUVs, and sports cars.

What is a CNG car?

CNG cars are vehicles that run on compressed natural gas, which is a cleaner fuel than petrol.
CNG is produced by compressing natural gas to less than 1% of its volume at standard atmospheric pressure.
CNG cars are becoming increasingly popular as an environmentally friendly alternative to petrol cars.

CNG vs. petrol car: What’s better?

When the question arises between CNG vs. petrol cars, there are several aspects to consider.

Parameters	CNG cars	Petrol cars
Fuel price	Inexpensive	Expensive
Initial cost	High	Lower than CNG cars.
Running cost	Lower than petrol cars.	Higher than CNG cars.
Maintenance cost	Higher than petrol cars.	Lower than CNG cars.
Eco-friendliness	CNG cars produce fewer emission gases.	Petrol cars produce harmful emission gases.
Performance	CNG cars are less powerful than petrol cars.	Petrol cars produce more power than CNG cars.
Fuel efficiency	High	Low
Range	Low driving range due to the smaller capacity of the CNG tank.	Higher driving range due to the higher capacity fuel tank.
Fuel availability	CNG refuelling stations are not easily available.	Petrol refuelling stations are easily available.

CNG vs. petrol car maintenance

CNG vs. petrol vehicles have the same mechanical components, except for the CNG kit, which consists of the CNG tank, fuel lines, etc. Basic maintenance of both CNG and gasoline vehicles remains the same. However, CNG vehicles have some additional components that require special attention.

Regular maintenance of CNG kits is essential because CNG is a highly flammable fuel. The CNG tank and fuel lines should be inspected regularly for signs of wear. Timely replacement of parts is essential to avoid fuel leaks. The rest of the maintenance of the car is the same as for a gasoline car.

CNG vs. Petrol: Environmental Impact

In terms of environmental impact, CNG vehicles are considered the greenest option compared to gasoline vehicles. CNG is a clean fuel that produces less greenhouse gas emissions and less air pollution than gasoline engines. Gasoline is a relatively clean fuel compared to diesel, but it still emits higher levels of greenhouse gases and other pollutants than CNG.

CNG vehicles have the lowest carbon dioxide emissions and are the greenest fuel option. However, gasoline is still overall cleaner than diesel. For consumers who value sustainability and reducing their environmental impact, CNG vehicles are the best choice over gasoline or diesel vehicles.

Is CNG cheaper than petrol?

Yes, CNG fuel is cheaper than petrol and that is one of the biggest advantages of owning a CNG car. Not only is CNG fuel cheaper than petrol, CNG cars also getting better fuel economy than petrol cars. So, it’s a win-win situation for CNG car owners. To get a clear picture, let’s have a look at the prices of CNG and petrol in Delhi:

Fuel	Price (Delhi)
CNG	Rs. 76..59 per kg
Petrol	Rs. 94.72 per litre

CNG vs. Petrol: Availability and Convenience

Fuel availability is a key factor when choosing between CNG vs. diesel mileage. While gas stations are ubiquitous, the infrastructure for CNG filling stations is still developing. However, many cities and regions are actively expanding their CNG fueling station networks to meet the growing demand for cleaner alternative fuels.

One challenge with CNG vehicles is the limited driving range due to the smaller capacity of the CNG tank compared to a gasoline tank. Fortunately, many CNG vehicle models are equipped with dual-fuel systems, allowing drivers to seamlessly switch between CNG and gasoline. This feature reduces range anxiety and allows you to continue your journey even if there is no CNG station nearby.

Another aspect is the impact of CNG bottles on the trunk. Though CNG cylinders take up a part of the trunk, manufacturers have developed ingenious solutions to minimize the loss of space. Many CNG cars have bottles strategically placed or utilize the space under the rear seats, thus providing enough storage space for your daily needs.

CNG vs. petrol: Higher Mileage

CNG: CNG vehicles typically have higher mileage due to the cost-effectiveness of CNG as a fuel source.
Less Gas Mileage: petrol vehicles may have slightly lower mileage than CNG vehicles, which affects fuel costs in the long run while comparing CNG vs. diesel mileage. According to CarYanams, CNG offers about 1.5 times better fuel efficiency than petrol cars, highlighting its economic advantage.
Reasons for additional investment: Additional investment in the CNG variant compared to petrol is reasonable when the monthly mileage is about 1,500 km, ensuring economic viability.

CNG vs. petrol Vehicles: Engine Life

Cleaner Combustion of CNG: Cleaner combustion in CNG engines can extend engine life by reducing wear and tear.
Wear on petrol Engines: petrol engines are subject to relatively greater wear and tear, potentially affecting their overall lifespan.
CNG Myth: There is a misconception surrounding CNG cars that the fuel shortens engine life, despite evidence to the contrary.
CNG Vehicles and petrol Vehicles: Maintenance CNG vehicles typically require more frequent maintenance, mainly focused on checking the fuel tank. Petrol vehicles tend to require more conventional maintenance, focusing on engine performance and fuel systems.
CNG vs petrol Cars: Price CNG cars often have a cost advantage with fuel prices per kilometre being cheaper than petrol. Petrol vehicles may incur higher costs due to the relatively expensive price of petrol.
CNG vs Petrol: Trunk space The trunk space of the petrol and CNG versions is almost the same. Normally, petrol cars dominate when the CNG tank takes up a lot of space in the trunk.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Petrol Cars

Let’s take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of CNG vs. diesel mileage cars:

Advantages of Petrol Cars:

Lower Initial Cost: The initial cost is cheaper than CNG and Diesel cars.
Comfortable Driving: Low NVH levels ensure a comfortable driving experience.
Performance: Offers better low-end performance with consistent overall power.
Reduced Maintenance: Usually has lower maintenance costs.
Wide Availability: Petrol cars have a wide range of petrol stations available, ensuring easy refuelling at most locations.
Outstanding Performance: Known for delivering strong performance, petrol engines deliver better acceleration and power than other fuels.

Disadvantages of petrol cars:

Higher emissions: petrol engines emit higher amounts of pollutants, which is often criticized by activists and even policymakers. So, in India, the life of a car at the time of new registration is limited to 15 years.
Higher operating costs: Expensive due to higher fuel prices.
Performance: Lower torque and higher efficiency than diesel engines.

Advantages and disadvantages of CNG cars

Now, let’s have a look at the upsides and downsides of CNG cars:

Advantages of CNG cars:

Cost savings: Low operating costs because CNG fuel is cheaper than petrol and diesel.
High fuel economy: The CNG vehicle offers commendable fuel economy.
Environmentally friendly: emits less carbon, making them environmentally friendly.
Fuel Flexibility: Provides flexibility to use both CNG and petrol fuels.
Environmentally friendly: The CNG vehicle significantly reduces carbon emissions, thereby playing a role in minimizing the impact on the environment.
Cost savings: CNG is significantly cheaper than petrol, helping to reduce operating costs for vehicle owners using CNG.

Disadvantages of CNG cars:

Performance lag: Shows lower performance than petrol and diesel cars.
Limited range: A smaller CNG tank affects the operating range of a full tank.
Limited boot space: CNG cylinders take up boot space.
Refuelling problems: Fewer CNG stations cause refuelling problems.
Higher cost: More expensive due to additional CNG kits and maintenance costs.
Slightly reduced power output: The CNG engine may deliver slightly less power than the petrol engine, resulting in slightly reduced performance.

How to convert a petrol car to a CNG car

Most Indian car manufacturers offer factory-fitted CNG kits for their cars.
However, if you are driving a petrol car and want to convert it to a CNG car, you can equip it with a CNG kit to convert your petrol car into a CNG car.
Make sure it is installed by a certified professional for the best results.
Visit an authorized dealer to convert your vehicle to a CNG model.

CNG vs. Petrol: Top Petrol Cars in India

Tata Tiago	Maruti Suzuki Swift
Hyundai i20	Honda City
Hyundai Creta	Mahindra XUV700
Maruti Baleno	Maruti Suzuki Brezza
Maruti Suzuki Alto	Hyundai Grand i10 Nios

Top CNG Cars in India

Maruti Suzuki Alto	Maruti Suzuki Wagon R
Maruti Suzuki Brezza	Hyundai Aura
Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder	Tata Tigor
Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara	Maruti Suzuki Eritga
Tata Tiago	Maruti Suzuki Dzire

CNG vs. Petrol: Conclusion

It’s important to consider your lifestyle needs, habits and desires, as well as your finances when choosing a vehicle and fuel type. Compare CNG vs. petrol features carefully. The long-term implications are that CNG cars are a better alternative and technology is finally allowing them to catch up in terms of power.

But if fuel availability is your top priority, especially when you’re in a tier 3 city, metropolitan area or suburban area, then a petrol car is always a winner. Evaluate your priorities and driving habits to determine the best option to meet your needs.

Read Also: