Does buying a CNG car still make sense?

Passenger cars are now available with different fuel options based on your need and budget. One has plenty of options to choose from CNG bi-fuel tech, EVs, and hybrids.  Every fuel category has its own merits and demerits. It solely depends on individual requirements and which fuel option can give the most bang for your buck. Therefore, we are here to discuss CNG, which is the most feasible alternative other than petrol or diesel. Now, CNG is a more straightforward option for people who are looking for an affordable substitute rather than EVs or Hybrids. Perks like economical pricing, availability of CNG pumps, easy maintenance, and high mileage make the buyers choose it over EVs and Hybrids. However, there are some drawbacks that can be troublesome for some buyers. So, let’s discuss whether buying a CNG car is a sensible decision in today’s age.

PROS- Buying a CNG car

• Eco friendly

By burning fewer greenhouse gases and less harmful pollutants, CNG becomes a greener choice for the environment. In comparison with petrol and diesel, CNG emits almost 90% fewer pollutants.

• Refinement 

When compared to diesel engines, CNG engines offer more refinement and increased mileage figures. Moreover, you get a silent driving experience, there are no diesel engine characteristics of clattering.

• Affordable Price

CNG cars are in a very affordable price bracket when compared to EVs, Hybrids, and also diesel engines. They cost generally 80,000 to 90,000 rupees more for their factory-fitted CNG kit options. This further saves our money rather than opting for a diesel alternative which is generally 1.50 to 2 lakh rupees costlier.

• High Mileage 

CNG returns higher mileage per kilogram of gas when compared to 1 liter of petrol resulting in a significant reduction in your fuel costs. The cost of CNG is also less when compared to petrol but it is increasing day by day. 

CONS- 

• Performance

Turning on the CNG mode car sees a slight downgrade in terms of performance. The top speed of your car also gets reduced when you drive on CNG. Moreover, the engine tends to judder more while driving on lower RPMs.

• Convenience 

The major drawback of owning a CNG car is space. Placement of the CNG tank in the boot eats a major chunk of the trunk capacity. This leads to a little or in some cars no availability of boot space.

• Time

CNG refueling is done within some minutes but what consumes time are those long cues on the CNG pumps. Sometimes it takes an hour at some crowded pumps to refuel your gas. 

Checking the availability of CNG pumps in your locality is also an important factor to consider if you live in remote places.

• Prices

CNG prices are booming day by day. Increased by over 30 rupees in a time span of just 1 year, it has now got closer to the prices of diesel. It is highly likely that it may increase over the years and then there would be no difference left between petrol and CNG.

• Maintenance 

CNG cars have higher maintenance when compared to pure petrol models. There are more components involved to run your car on CNG, therefore, justifying the higher maintenance cost.

Conclusion- Buying a CNG car

Looking at the current scenario, if you are on a budget and want a car for traveling 40+ kilometers on a daily basis then CNG might be the pick for you. Advantages of CNGs could surely lower your running cost but at the price of all the listed cons. In some regions, CNG cars are listed on a very long waiting period due to chip shortages. This factor may act as a spoilsport for some buyers.

If you have car buying doubts click here to ask! Get the lowest price for car insurance here. For more such content stay subscribed to MotorOctane Youtube, Google News Facebook, and Twitter. Also, follow us on Flipboard and Reddit where we have a discussion community.