The skyrocketing fuel cost in India and other countries has made many people switch to better and more pocket-friendly alternatives like CNG. CNG, also known as compressed natural gas, has received much hype over the last few years.
CNG's immense popularity makes many vehicle manufacturers include it as an option for the customer before making their purchases.
Most cars now come with pre-installed CNG kits. However, if yours doesn't have one, you will be thrilled to know that a CNG kit installation process is very easy. In fact, you can even include a CNG kit in your car insurance.
The sections below comprise this article, the ABCs of CNG and the CNG conversion kit will be discussed, along with the prices, the features they offer, and how they perform. The information provided will help you make an informed decision regarding the installation of the same in your vehicle.
What is a CNG Kit?
A CNG kit is a device needed when a car owner wants to switch to CNG. This kit is only required when the car is made to run using petrol or diesel. CNG cars are available in the market but can be heavy on the pocket.
Installation of a CNG kit to the existing petrol or diesel car is a much more affordable option. A CNG kit generally comes with a:
- Pressure gauge
- ECU or electric control unit
- Refilling valve
- High-pressure tube
- Clamps
- Regulator
CNG Kit Brands Approved by RTOs in India and Prices
The Indian Government has approved more than 20 brands producing CNG kits, and sequential and venturi CNG kits are on the approved list by RTOs in India. Below is a list of some of the top CNG kit brands the Indian Government has agreed to date.
- Unitax
- Zavoli
- Tartarini
- Tomasetto
- Lovato Autogas
- SKN
- Landi-Renzo
- Longas
- BRC
- Bugatti
- Bedni
When it comes to prices, the type of the CNG kit and the brand you opt for belong to the primary determinant. Company-designed CNG kits can cost you around INR 60,000 to INR 70,000.
On the other hand, if you buy sequential CNG kits from an independent seller, the cost will be around INR 40,000 to INR 50,000. Aftermarket CNGs are relatively cheap, but you don't get a warranty in that case.
An open-loop CNG kit costs between INR 15,000 to INR 20,000, depending on the brand, and the closed-loop costs between INR 22,000 to INR 25,000.
You will also have to pay additional charges later, like registration charges, RC endorsement, maintenance fees, etc. The charge amount ranges from INR 2000 to INR 3000.
How Can You Choose the Perfect CNG Kit for Your Vehicle?
A pervasive myth regarding CNG kits is that a company-fitted CNG kit is always a wiser decision for the driver because it will offer better performance and increase longevity.
This myth creates a dilemma for car owners when they decide to switch to CNG. Many automobile experts have suggested that both company-fitted CNG kit and sequential CNG kit offers pretty similar performance.
While you choose your CNG kit, consult with an expert to understand the best CNG kit for the vehicle you own. Here are the types of CNG kits the market has to offer:
1. Venturi CNG Kit
Venturi CNG Kit is the most affordable option for CNG kits, and its installation procedure is also straightforward. It can be installed without an electronic control unit and suits any automobile. The drawback is that this CNG kit needs regular cleaning and servicing. So, even though it's pretty affordable, the cost of servicing can be too much later.
2. Sequential CNG Kit
Experts swear by Sequential CNG Kit, which comes with a separate electrical control unit to ensure better performance. And this also doesn't need regular servicing, unlike Venturi CNG kit.
However, the drawbacks are that this CNG kit only suits vehicles that support fuel injection and the installation process is quite challenging.
Things to Keep in Mind Before Investing in a CNG Kit
The price hike of petrol and diesel makes choosing LPG and CNG a wise decision for vehicle owners. CNG is not only economical, but it also improves the vehicle's performance and is very eco-friendly. Here are all the essential things to know before you take this big step:
Installation and Maintenance Cost
The price of a CNG kit is indeed high, which makes most vehicle owners step away from this investment. However, the maintenance of a vehicle fueled with CNG is cheaper than those fueled with petrol or diesel.
Even though a CNG kit costs between INR 50,000 and INR 60,000, its performance shows the vehicle owner why it's an excellent investment. The cost of a CNG kit can be recovered quickly within 2-3 years.
Availability
One of the very few drawbacks of CNG is that it's not available at every gas station. So, to ensure that you never get into unfortunate situations, remembering to refill regularly is a must. Carrying an extra can of fuel as backup is also highly recommended.
Increase in Car Insurance Premiums
The car insurance premium depends on several factors, such as the model of your vehicle, the type of car insurance policy you've opted for, and more. It's a lesser-known fact that the fuel type of your car is also a determinant of your car insurance premium, and the premium is higher for vehicles with CNG.
To avoid paying a high premium, experts recommend not waiting till car insurance renewal to inform your insurer about the fact that you've changed your car's fuel type.
Benefits of a CNG Kit
The differences between petrol/diesel prices and CNG prices show that using it is a much better option. Here are the benefits of using a CNG kit for your vehicle.
Better Mileage and More Efficiency
One of the many reasons most people are now opting for CNG is because it blesses their vehicles with better mileage. A CNG kit uses significantly less fuel than petrol and diesel to travel the same distance. Plus, the driver saves so much on the cost - even thousands each month.
More Safety
Safety is always the primary concern of a driver, and CNG is the safest option to go for in that case. CNG is not as flammable as petrol or diesel, which makes it safe even when an accident occurs. Plus, a CNG engine's amount of carbon dioxide is also meagre, making it an eco-friendly option.
Savings on Cost
Even though the cost of installing a CNG kit is relatively high, you can quickly recover it within 2-3 years. The running cost of CNG-powered vehicles is meagre, so you save so much money every month.
In Review
Investing in a CNG kit is your best decision to increase your vehicle's overall performance and longevity. Even though it might seem like an extravagant expense at first, you will save a lot after installing the CNG kit.
If you cover around 30 km per day in your car, you can save up to INR 40-50 each day which means that you will save more than INR 16,900 per year. So, it's high time to get yourself a CNG kit and insure it with your car insurance to make your every journey secure.
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