Pre-Requirements for Installation of CNG Kit
Here are the pre-requirements for the conversion of vehicle of petrol CNG:
- Make sure your petrol car is compatible with the CNG kit.
- Purchase a genuine CNG kit from an authorised dealer.
- Ensure that all the equipment that is installed in your vehicle is brand new.
- Hydro test the CNG tank for any leakage before it is fitted inside the car.
Installation of CNG
Once you have sorted the pre-requirements, the next step is to install the CNG kit in your car. It is a complicated process and should be done by a professional. It is not recommended to carry out the installation by yourself; if you do so, do it under an expert’s guidance. Below are the components required to convert a petrol car to a CNG car.
- Pressure regulator
- Air/Gas mixer
- CNG filling valve
- High-pressure line
- Valves
- CNG tank
- Selector switch (To switch between petrol and CNG)
- Manometer
- Heating system
- Emulator
Step-by-Step Guide to Converting Your Vehicle to CNG Fuel
If it is your first time converting your vehicle to CNG fuel, this is a simplified step-by-step guide outlining the process:
Step 1: Check for Compatibility
Verify whether your car model will be compatible with a CNG kit. Most petrol engines can be converted, but extremely old cars or turbo engines cannot be used.
Step 2: Select an Appropriate CNG Kit
Choose a real, branded CNG kit suitable for your car model. Buy it only from an authorised dealer and make sure the equipment is brand new and not reconditioned.
Step 3: Get Government Approval
Visit the local RTO before installation and seek permission. This entails applying to alter the fuel system of your vehicle and amending your vehicle's Registration Certificate (RC) to the new fuel.
Step 4: Professional Installation
Visit a certified CNG conversion shop and centre. The experts will install the kit appropriately and activate all the safety features. Avoid installation by yourself; do not attempt to install the kit.
Step 5: Post-Installation Verifications and Certification
Post-installation:
- CNG leak tests
- All components should be in their optimal working condition
- Drive the vehicle first on petrol mode and subsequently on CNG
- Get the CNG endorsement certificate from the RTO and store it in the vehicle at all times
Regulations and Permits for a CNG Kit Installation in India
A few formalities need to be completed when a CNG kit is installed. Here's what you have to do:
1. RTO Approval
To have a CNG kit fitted, you'll require permission from the Regional Transport Office (RTO). The procedure requires filling out a formal application and a small processing fee.
2. Update of Fuel Type in CNG in RC
Once you've fitted and cross-checked the CNG kit, you'll have to update your Registration Certificate (RC) to reflect the new fuel type from "Petrol" to "Petrol + CNG".
3. Validity of CNG Endorsement
The CNG endorsement shall be renewed after 3 to 5 years, state-wise. This would mean a Hydro Test of the CNG tank for safety and wear.
4. Certified CNG Testing Centres
Always fit and get tested at a government-approved CNG test centre. The approved list of centres can be found on your state transport department website or visit: https://parivahan.gov.in/parivahan/
CNG in Vehicles
As mentioned earlier, several car manufacturers in India offer CNG variants of their popular models, and such cars are equipped with factory-fitted CNG kits. The second type of CNG equipment is the aftermarket or retrofitted CNG kits. You can purchase these kits from an authorised dealer. Below are the details of both the CNG kits:
Factory-fitted CNG Kit
- It is fitted at the car manufacturer’s factory.
- The CNG kit is specifically designed for a particular model and is not compatible with any other vehicle.
- These CNG kits are safer than aftermarket ones but are on the expensive side.
- The factory-fitted CNG kit does not impact your car's warranty as the car manufacturer provides it.
Aftermarket CNG Fuel Kit
- The aftermarket kit is compatible with any car running on petrol.
- These are universal kits and can be fitted as per the design of the vehicle.
- Aftermarket CNG kits cost less than factory-fitted kits.
- Retrofitting a CNG kit can void the warranty of the car.
- These kits are less safe than factory-fitted kits.
CNG Aftercare
Cars powered by CNG are eco-friendly and economical to run. However, regular upkeep of the fuel system is essential to ensure smooth performance. Here are some practical tips to help you maintain your vehicle in excellent condition:
- Use the correct grade of engine oil that is compatible with CNG fuel.
- Carry out regular engine check-ups as the engine is prone to wear and tear when using CNG fuel.
- Do not push/over-rev the engine when running on CNG fuel. It is normal to expect a power reduction.
- The usage of AC puts more load on the engine. So, CNG may affect the cooling system.
- Check the fuel lines for any leakages at regular intervals.
- Ensure all components are functioning correctly.
Things to Check Before CNG Conversion
Here are the points you should consider before deciding to convert your petrol car to a CNG car:
- Compatibility: Check whether your car is compatible with the CNG fuel. Generally, older cars are not compatible with CNG kits.
- Licencing: If your car is compatible with the CNG fuel system, the next thing you need to do is get approval from the government. You also need to change the fuel type in the Registration Certificate to use the CNG kit in your car. It is a time-consuming process. However, it is much easier to get approval if you fit the CNG kit in a brand-new car.
- Genuine CNG Kits: Purchase a branded CNG kit from an authorised dealer to ensure that the equipment is genuine. Avoid buying one from a local dealer.
- Installation/Maintenance Cost: You will end up investing a significant amount of money if you choose to convert your petrol car to CNG. But the good news is, you can recover the cost in the long run due to the low running cost of the CNG car. However, CNG fuel may adversely affect the engine in the long run, and the maintenance cost may increase.
- Performance: You will experience a drop in power after switching to CNG fuel. Without proper maintenance, the engine's life can be reduced. So, engines running on CNG require proper maintenance.
- Availability: CNG filling stations are not available at every location like petrol/diesel filling stations. You may have to account for this factor when going on a long drive, and may need to carry a petrol can as a backup.
- Insurance Premium Rate: If you decide to convert your petrol car to CNG fuel, the insurance premium will increase. The insurance premium is calculated based on several factors that also include fuel type. The maintenance cost of a CNG car is high. Hence, the car insurance premium increases. However, it is applicable only for the Comprehensive Car Insurance Plan.
Advantages of Using CNG
Here are the advantages of CNG fuel:
- Eco-friendly: CNG is a green fuel as it produces fewer greenhouse gas emissions than its conventional counterparts.
- Low Running Cost: The cost of running a CNG car is low because the CNG costs less than petrol and diesel. The CNG fuel also excels when it comes to fuel economy.
- Dual Fuel: The most significant advantage of a CNG car is that it can also run on petrol. So, if you cannot find a CNG filling station, you can easily manage my petrol filling.
Disadvantages of Petrol to CNG Conversion
Below are the disadvantages of a CNG car:
- Limited Availability: One of the biggest cons of a CNG car is the limited availability of CNG refuelling stations. You can find CNG filling stations at select locations, whereas petrol/diesel refuel stations are located everywhere across the country.
- Reduced Space: The CNG tank is usually fitted in the boot of the car. Hence, you have to compromise on the boot space to accommodate the CNG kit. The CNG fuel tank is also bulky, and it increases the kerb weight of your vehicle. The increased weight will impact the overall performance of the car.
- Installation Cost: The aftermarket CNG conversion kits' price is on the higher side, and hence, the initial investment is high. The factory-fitted CNG cars are also expensive when compared to their conventional counterparts.
- Safety: CNG fuel is not as safe as petrol. Being a gaseous fuel, the risk of leakage is high, which may lead to an explosion.
Frequently Asked Questions
