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Think Outside the Pump:
Compressed Natural Gas & Natural Gas Vehicles
Move over, gasoline and diesel. Your competition is greener, more affordable — and available right now.
Did you know there are more than 12 million compressed natural gas vehicles operating today? That includes one out of every five transit buses in the U.S.
The number is on the rise, too, as more and more cities, counties, school districts, and corporate fleet owners turn to this cleaner, greener and abundant transportation fuel. Plus, there can be enticing financial perks for making the switch — even for everyday consumers who want to turn just one of their family’s vehicles into one powered by compressed natural gas (CNG).
We Can Help.
Let SourceGas help you make this alternative to gasoline work for your fleet — or your family.Compressed Natural Gas, Defined
Natural gas is a naturally occurring hydrocarbon gas mixture consisting primarily of methane which is found in deep underground natural rock formations and is domestically produced. Experts estimate the U.S. has a plentiful, 100-year supply of natural gas resources at current consumer demand and more supplies continue to be found. Natural gas is referred to as Compressed Natural Gas when it is compressed to less than 1 percent of its standard atmospheric-pressure volume primarily to be used as vehicule fuel.CNG is considered an alternative fuel and is used to power natural gas vehicles (NGVs). Just a few of the benefits of using CNG and NGVs include:
Green and Clean: Better Air Quality
Using CNG can lead to significantly reduced vehicle emissions. Consider these stats from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)::: Reduces carbon monoxide emissions by 90 to 97 percent, carbon dioxide emissions by 25 percent and nitrogen oxide emissions by up to 60 percent
:: No evaporative emissions
:: Diminishes volatile organic compounds (VOCs) by 89 percent
Learn more about CNG’s positive effect on air quality.
Easy on the Budget: Cost-Savings and Stability
In study after study, CNG has reduced fleet fuel costs by up to 50 percent compared to gasoline and diesel vehicles, without affecting engine performance. And because the availability of CNG is not related to imported foreign oil or refinery operations, pricing is stable and your fuel dollars stay here in the U.S.Check out the average price of CNG versus gasoline and diesel over the past several months.
Better yet, see how much you could save using this Natural Gas Fleet Savings Calculator.
Good for You and Your Community: Locally Sourced
The more NGVs on the road, the easier everyone in your community breathes. And it’s not just about air quality. The decision to use CNG — which is typically sourced from property owners in your surrounding communities — supports local economies and local jobs.Fewer Safety Hazards: Lighter Than Air
When a vehicle powered by gasoline or diesel springs a leak or is involved in an accident, gasoline can seep into the ground, causing safety concerns and environmental hazards to the soil and groundwater. CNG, on the other hand, naturally disperses quickly into the atmosphere.Questions?
For more information on the benefits of natural gas vehicles, please contact Leonard Tidyman by email or by phone at 479-582-7817.Making the Switch
Just about any vehicle today can be converted to take advantage of the benefits of CNG. A conversion will need to be completed by a qualified fuel system retrofitter who has been trained in the installation of an EPA-certified conversion kit. Most converted vehicles become bi-fuel, allowing them to run on either CNG or gasoline.The average cost to retrofit a vehicle for CNG is $10,000 — an amount that is typically recouped in two or three years, thanks to sizeable fuel cost-savings.
New natural gas vehicles are also rolling off the assembly lines. General Motors, Dodge, Honda and Ford are all currently producing NGVs. Learn more about NGVs available for consumers.
Where to Fuel Up
To meet increasing demand, the number of commercial CNG fuel stations across the nation is growing each month. Check out this Fuel Finder webpage (and available mobile app) to research CNG stations near you.For fleet owners, SourceGas fuel station compressors can be installed via a natural gas service line, allowing for quick and convenient refueling at designated locations. For information on SourceGas commercial fueling stations, send an email to Leonard Tidyman or Marshall Moody.
Home fueling station appliances are also available, currently averaging around $5,000. That cost is expected to decrease in the near future as more appliances hit the market.
Enjoy Special CNG Financial Incentives
Financial incentives and funding opportunities for converting vehicles to CNG are often available at the federal, state, and even regional level. For tax incentives, please consult your tax advisor for the most current information.Federal Incentives
Individuals and organizations investing in NGVs may be able to receive a tax credit of 50 to 80 percent of purchase or conversion costs (capped depending on gross vehicle weight). New incentives are also being discussed in Washington right now. CNG refueling units are also eligible for alternative fuel tax credits. Learn more about available federal incentives.Clean Cities, a government-industry partnership sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy, provides funding for government and transportation authorities who use NGVs. Learn more. Other funding opportunities are also available through the EPA, Federal Transit Administration and more.