Why Isn’t Natural Gas Used as Fuel in Cars?
Refuelling with compressed natural gas is more complicated than refuelling with ordinary liquid fuel. Because this is a pressurised gas, a positive seal between the filling connection and the receptacle is required. There are many reasons why natural gas isn't used to fuel regular vehicles.
Natural gas is not utilised to fuel the majority of conventional vehicles due to a number of problems, including the necessity for specialised filling stations, many rules for CNG that make it a poor alternative, low efficiency, and high cost.
Gas Leakage
Any gas leakage creates a significant fire and explosion danger if the operator does not adequately seal the filler connection. This implies that filling a car in a safe manner would need the assistance of a fully qualified service attendant. There would be no self-serve from potentially irresponsible drivers.
Fuel Stations
The scarcity of fuelling stations is also an issue. There aren't many gasoline stations equipped to dispense compressed natural gas. In certain areas, natural gas may not be accessible at all, making fuelling a challenge.
Regulations
Furthermore, the CNG fuel tank regulations are stringent and burdensome. Because the tanks take up a lot of room, the number and kinds of vehicles in which they may be mounted are occasionally limited.
Other objects, such as the spare tyre, may be displaced as a result. They all have an expiry date after which the old tank must be removed, disposed, or recycled, and a new tank must be placed. All of this contributes to the vehicle's long-term maintenance costs.
Efficiency
Natural gas is a clean-burning vehicle fuel, but it produces less power per litre than gasoline. This translates to a shorter range and worse performance, making it less efficient.
Cost
Finally, installing a CNG system in an existing car might be costly. City or county fleets, which have a dedicated service facility where the vehicles may be filled, are the principal purchasers of this sort of vehicle. For the average person, a CNG car would be a costly and inconvenient solution.
