To tackle the ever-increasing fuel prices, car owners are often on the lookout for more affordable alternatives and CNG emerges as a major technology in this regard.
In a bid to look for low running cost alternatives, people often opt for aftermarket CNG kit installation as we discuss the pros and cons. CNG is a viable alternative to petrol and diesel. The main attraction of this alternative fuel source is its low running costs. Also, in large cities, the infrastructure around CNGs is relatively well-developed. On the other hand, the initial price of EVs is too high to be an alternative to petrol and diesel. As a result, we are just left with CNG.
Pros and Cons of Aftermarket CNG Kit Installation
Pros
- Low Running Costs – The prime reason why people opt for CNG installation is the low running costs associated with its operation. This is especially true as the prices of petrol and diesel keep on rising frequently. However, the CNG costs are not that volatile. Over the long run, buyers are able to save a lot of money.
- High Mileage – This point is crucial for deciding to go for the CNG variants. In general, we see mileage figures in the vicinity of 25-30 km/kg with factory-fitted CNG cars. That is what the aftermarket CNG fittings could also offer. In comparison to petrol cars, this is much higher.
- Option to Run on CNG and Petrol – Another key advantage of CNG cars is that you can switch to petrol anytime you wish. Hence, you don’t have to worry about getting stranded on the road if your car runs out of CNG. That is an issue with EVs.
- Not a Massive Premium – The cost of the car with the CNG powertrain is not all that high in comparison to its ICE counterpart. Also, there are not many engine modifications needed to make a car CNG. That is, again, a huge point in favour of CNG cars in comparison to EVs.
Cons
- Low Power Output – Talking about the downsides, the major one is that the power and torque outputs of the car are reduced in the CNG mode. The CNG gas is not as energy-dense as petrol or diesel. Hence, the CNG car owners have to deal with the compromise in performance.
- Boot Space – To accommodate CNG cylinders, a large chunk of the boot space is compromised. A large cylinder to store CNG gas eats up a large part of the space in the trunk. Modern cars from Maruti, Tata and Hyundai come with dual-cylinder technology to ensure that the compromise in boot capacity is minimal. However, aftermarket CNG installation involves placing a large cylinder in the back. After that, there is barely enough space to load luggage.
- Reliability – While CNG installation is safe in general, one can never be too sure about the quality of components and work at an aftermarket shop. Car companies install CNG kits in their cars after a lot of research and using professional techniques. That is mostly not the case in the aftermarket. Therefore, you need to be vigilant about the quality of installation.
Our View
In my opinion, installing a CNG powertrain in the aftermarket is a risky proposition. I would rather rely on the company-fitted CNG kits only. Still, if you are sure about the reputation of a car shop and know that the quality of CNG kits is high, you can go for it. You will end up saving a lot of money if you have a high monthly running. Please make sure that your city has enough CNG filling stations.
Also Read: Hyundai Grand i10 Nios Gets Exter-like Dual-Cylinder CNG Setup
