CNG Kit
CNG Kit: In the last few years, CNG, or compressed natural gas, has gained widespread attention in India. It is both more efficient and less harmful to the environment than ordinary gasoline, making it a viable alternative fuel for vehicles all around the United States.
Because of the growing demand, automakers are including CNG conversion kits in their vehicles. In addition, several CNG conversion kits are readily accessible and can be installed in a day on almost any vehicle. Furthermore, CNG is more cost-effective than both gasoline and diesel, making it the clear choice for American motorists. The government of India has certified approximately 20 CNG kits for use in vehicles.
People in India are learning more about CNG, or Compressed Natural Gas, and how it can be beneficial for their wallets and the planet as its use becomes more widespread. Compressed natural gas (CNG) contains primarily methane (CH4) and is superior to LPG.
CNG is advantageous since it has a low density, making it easier to transport. This means that even when combined with air, CNG will not ignite. As long as drivers follow the proper procedures, utilising compressed natural gas (CNG) in their vehicles is a safe alternative to traditional gasoline. Carbon dioxide (Co2) and very low levels of carbon monoxide (CO) emissions are a major reason why the government is pushing for more CNG use (Co3).
Better instructions and safer installation assistance have been made available to all CNG customers by the Vehicle Research and Development Establishment (VRDE) and the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI). Pelmag, Landirenzo, Tomasetto Achille, Lovato, and Lomani are just some of the top CNG kit brands imported to India from places like Italy and Argentina.
There are currently two types of CNG kits available in the market and used in most automobiles.
One of the biggest questions asked within the automobile world is, “Is there a difference between Venturi CNG kits and Sequential CNG kits?” The simple answer to that question is yes, but you can find an elaborated comparison between the two kits below.
Besides being simple to instal, the most notable benefit of a Venturi CNG kit is its low cost. When putting in a Venturi-style kit, there is no need for intricate procedures or wiring. The Venturi kits are easy to set up and do not necessitate the use of an ECU. When shopping for a compact vehicle like a Maruti WagonR, a Venturi CNG kit with a 12 Kg cylinder will set you back around Rs. 40,000.
The unpredictability of a Venturi CNG kit is its main drawback. Due to the inability to regulate the amount of CNG entering the engine, Venturi kits force a predetermined amount into the intake manifold. This anomaly results in significant stalling and diminished pickup performance. This necessitates regular tuning and cleaning of the kit and the engine, which calls for a certain level of skill.
Using a Sequential CNG kit has many benefits, the most notable of which is improved fuel economy and performance from a more precise injection of CNG. But because CNG has poorer combustibility and a higher octane rating than gasoline, the performance of the vehicle typically drops by roughly 15%. High-compression cars benefit greatly from CNG’s superior performance.
The initial expense of a Sequential CNG kit is a potential drawback, even if there are generally few long-term disadvantages to adopting one. Sequential kits can be more than twice as expensive as a standard Venturi CNG kit, depending on the brand. Another minor drawback is that the engine’s intake manifold must be drilled and machined in order to accommodate the new air filter.
Choose between an Open-Loop and a Closed-Loop system if you’re in the market for a Sequential CNG kit. The oxygen sensor in the exhaust of the former provides feedback to the electronic control unit (ECU), while the latter does not. Both are suitable for use on supported vehicles, but each has its own set of pros and cons.
Mechanism with no open feedback loops Because of their ability to relay information from the Lambda or Oxygen sensor installed in the vehicle’s exhaust system to the engine control unit (ECU), sequential CNG kits are the greener choice. With the use of this sensor, we can see if the exhaust’s emissions are safe. The ECU uses this information to regulate the amount of CNG gas injected into the engine, thereby reducing emissions.
The Closed-Loop technology improves fuel economy by allowing for more precise regulation of the CNG gas supply to the engine. Gasoline injection into the engine is always accurate and optimised, cutting down on pollutants and protecting the health of the environment.
The environmental benefits of the Closed-Loop system come at a cost, however, in the shape of diminished performance. Due to the ECU and Lambda sensor coordinating to inject only the amount of gas needed to prevent pollution, the car will not have the same acceleration power as a petrol engine. This may be a significant challenge for individuals making the transition from gasoline to compressed natural gas-powered vehicles.
The Sequential CNG kit’s Open-Loop system is the antithesis of the Closed-Loop system, as it does not rely on exhaust gas analysis via an Oxygen or Lambda sensor for feedback. This mechanism allows drivers to speed up whenever they need to just adding additional fuel to the engine.
Car owners can save over Rs 4,000 by not purchasing a Lambda or Oxygen sensor if their vehicle is older. However, Oxygen or Lambda sensors are standard on most newer automobiles, but the system remains Open-Looped unless the ECU is connected to the sensor. As a result, more CNG can be injected into the engine, enhancing its performance and responsiveness.
More exhaust emissions are produced by an open-Loop Sequential CNG system, which is its primary drawback. When compared to Closed-Loop systems, Open-Loop vehicles are able to emit more pollution because there is no Lambda sensor to regulate it. The lack of CNG flow monitoring in Open-Loop systems also increases the risk of engine and exhaust valve damage due to excessive engine heat.
Today, there are approximately 20 different brands of CNG kits, which are approved by the Indian government, available in the country. Both, Venturi and Sequential type CNG kits are produced by these brands and have been approved by different RTO’s across the country. The brands available in India today include:
It’s important to do some homework before deciding on a CNG kit because car dealers in India may have partnerships with the aforementioned firms. CNG kits are available for purchase and installation from a wide variety of non-dealer locations, not just dealerships.
There is a wide selection of makes here; nevertheless, before making a purchase, you should research the garage’s technicians and their track record. Read the feedback of other clients to find out what it’s like to work with this garage. Make sure the independent garage you hire to instal your CNG kit fills out all the necessary papers before they call the job done.
| KIT TYPE | PRICING |
| Sequential Kits | Original OBD-II – Rs 55,000 Rs. 33,000 – Rs. 37,000 (Including installation) |
| Conventional Kits (Closed-Loop) | Rs. 22,000 – Rs. 25,000 (Including installation) |
| Conventional Kits (Open-Loop) | Rs. 15,000 – Rs. 20,000 (Including installation) |
| Additional Charges | Rs. 2,000 – Rs. 3,000 (Registration Charges + RC Endorsement) Rs. 1,200 – Rs. 1,500 (Added Insurance Endorsement Premium) |
Manufacturers don’t recommend a particular schedule for servicing your CNG Kit. All CNG kits must adhere to the same standard maintenance procedures. Here are the preventative measures you should take:
CNG cylinders are typically available in 10 or 12 kilogramme sizes, with an efficiency range of 80% to 85%. Therefore, a CNG car may travel up to 200 kilometres on a single cylinder fill. A vehicle’s warranty is null and void if a CNG conversion kit is installed while the vehicle is still under warranty.
Compared to a gasoline engine, a compressed natural gas (CNG) engine is much more efficient. Using a vehicle that runs on compressed natural gas rather than gasoline will save you even more money. More power and efficiency may be obtained from 1 kilogramme of compressed natural gas (CNG) than from 1 litre of gasoline. Consequently, CNG unquestionably provides substantial fuel economy improvements.
You must locate a CNG kit from a CNG station that has been granted government authorization before you can legally instal it in your car. Installing Italian Sequential CNG kits is recommended as they are widely regarded as the highest quality kits available. In order to ensure a successful installation of your CNG kit, we advise you to only work with authorised dealers.
Unfortunately, hundreds of unofficial outlets sell CNG kits, many of which are poorly made and might actually increase the risk of damage to your car. Since the vehicle’s warranty is voided once the CNG kit installation begins, you should also verify that the centre performing the installation has obtained the necessary documents and insurance.
Here are some handy tips before you install a CNG kit:
When discussing CNG kits, this question always seems to come up. Which is better, a factory-installed CNG kit or an aftermarket CNG kit? The widespread belief is that factory-installed CNG kits perform better and last longer than aftermarket kits. On the other hand, you couldn’t be more wrong.
Whether you opt for a CNG kit installed by the manufacturer or one acquired from a third party, the quality and cost of the conversion will be the same. Some automakers, including Maruti Suzuki, use marketing terms like “S-CNG” or “Smart-CNG” to describe their compressed natural gas (CNG) powered vehicles. When we dig a little deeper into Maruti’s S-CNG branding, we discover that it’s just a regular old CNG conversion kit. A manufacturer pre-installs these kits in all Maruti automobiles.
Sequential CNG kits sold by third-parties, on the other hand, require only a vehicle with an Electronically Controlled Injection system. If the S-CNG kit and Sequential CNG kit are both manufactured by the same company, the vehicle’s performance will be unaffected. Company-installed CNG kits can add as much as Rs. 60,000 to Rs. 70,000 to the price of a vehicle compared to the petrol version of the same make and model.
A Sequential CNG can currently be purchased for around Rs. 40,000 – Rs. 50,000 from a private vendor. The cost of Sequential CNG kits is guaranteed to be lower than the competition by at least Rs. 20,000. Manufacturer warranties are voided the moment an aftermarket CNG kit is installed in a vehicle; this is the only reason why manufacturers charge exorbitant prices for CNG-powered automobiles.
Due to the constantly increasing cost of conventional fuels, alternative powertrains such as compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquid propane gas (LPG) vehicles are becoming increasingly popular. Because compressed natural gas (CNG) costs about Rs. 30 less than a litre of petrol and about Rs. 20 less than a litre of diesel, more and more car owners are switching to CNG.
The low cost isn’t the only selling point for compressed natural gas, though. The vehicle’s performance is much enhanced, and running costs are cut by an average of Rs. 3 to Rs. Finally, converting your car to run on compressed natural gas (CNG) is also good for the environment. As such, here are some things to consider before purchasing a CNG kit for your car:
If you’re considering putting a CNG kit in your car, the first thing you need do is find out if it’s even compatible with CNG. It’s important to find out whether or not your vehicle is compatible with a compressed natural gas (CNG) fuel system; while most modern models are. Government permission is required to acquire and instal a CNG kit in a compatible vehicle. In order to get your older car certified for CNG installation, you need need a “Fuel Change” Registration Certificate from the authorities. When working with a brand-new vehicle, installing a CNG kit is much less of a hassle.
In contrast to their gasoline and diesel-powered counterparts, CNG-powered vehicles have higher maintenance expenditures. This is due to the fact that CNG conversion kits have been shown to diminish your car’s overall efficiency and effectiveness. This means that regular tuning and maintenance are essential for the vehicle. A compressed natural gas conversion kit might cost anywhere from Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 60,000. The low operating costs of a CNG-powered vehicle mean that the initial investment can be recouped in two to three years.
Although CNG gas engines are very fuel-efficient, they may require regular cylinder refills that may not be conveniently located. Despite the fact that additional CNG stations are expected to open soon due to the fuel’s growing popularity, you should keep an eye out for a local filling station. A can of regular gas or diesel should also be in the car at all times as a precaution when travelling around in a compressed natural gas vehicle.
Repair and maintenance costs for CNG-powered vehicles are very high, as was indicated earlier. Insurance rates rise as a result. The premium for your car is determined by a number of factors, including its age and make and model, and for CNG vehicles, the premium is more than it would be for a conventionally-fueled vehicle.
Due to the large price gap between gasoline and diesel, installing a CNG kit in your car is a wise financial move. But why should you instal a CNG kit in your car, and how does it help? Some benefits include the following:
Having a CNG kit installed in your vehicle will greatly improve your gas mileage. When compared to gasoline or diesel, the fuel efficiency of a vehicle equipped with a compressed natural gas (CNG) kit is significantly higher. Additionally, CNG gas is less expensive than petrol or diesel, typically saving drivers between Rs. 20 and Rs. It is possible to save several hundred rupees every month just on gasoline costs by switching to a CNG car, and the average cost per kilometre is roughly Rs. 3–5.
To put it simply, compressed natural gas is the best option if you value safety above all else. CNG is safer in the event of an accident because it is not as combustible as gasoline. Natural gas (CNG) engines emit much less carbon dioxide, further proving the eco-friendliness of these sets.
While a CNG kit for your car can cost as much as Rs 60,000 upfront, you’ll get that money back in gas savings within two to three years. CNG vehicles are becoming popular since they have very low operating expenses. After the initial two to three years, you’ll begin to see significant cost savings at each cylinder refill thanks to your CNG kit. Those who want to keep their vehicles for longer than five years will benefit greatly from installing a CNG kit.
It is widely assumed that factory-installed CNG kits are intended to absolve vehicle owners of responsibility for routine upkeep. Every CNG vehicle owner, however, needs to keep in mind that their car was built for gasoline and hence requires some TLC. Here are a few ways to get more use out of your CNG kit:
Although it may seem counterintuitive, you should never start your automobile on CNG, even if your CNG kit permits you to do so. In fact, you need to drive on conventional fuel (petrol or gasoline) for at least a kilometre so that the engine may get adequately lubricated.
There is increased wear and tear on components like air filters in CNG vehicles. For this reason, regular auto maintenance is essential. You should service your CNG vehicle every 12,000 kilometres instead of waiting until 15,000 kilometres have been driven. Some consumables or high-priority areas, like the engine coolant and oil, could be spared with this easy precaution.
Most of us make the mistake of bringing our compressed natural gas (CNG) automobiles to inexpensive, unqualified local technicians. The risk is that this will do more harm than good. Select a reliable repair establishment or a qualified technician to perform any tuning on your CNG kit.
Spark plugs made for gasoline engines have a shorter lifespan when used in a compressed natural gas vehicle. Either invest in spark plugs made specifically for CNG vehicles (at a cost of around Rs. 200 per) or have the distance between the spark plug’s metal tip and the ignition source shortened. A mechanic is the right person for this job.
In a CNG vehicle, the pressure inside the tank drops rapidly as gas is used. This can cause the valve to blow. This is why you should get gas whenever the gauge reads between 20 and 30 percent. Keeping the tank in good working order also involves replacing the valves on a regular basis. Depending on the type of kit you use, the price of CNG tank valves might range from Rs. 200 to Rs.
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