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CNG Car Vs Petrol Car: What's the Difference?

Team AckoFeb 26, 2024

CNG Car vs Petrol Car

The main difference between a CNG car and a petrol car is the fuel they use. A CNG car uses Compressed Natural Gas as fuel, whereas a petrol car uses petrol as fuel. CNG fuel is comparatively cheaper & more fuel efficient. CNG is also a cleaner fuel emitting fewer pollutants & greenhouse gases.

In this article, we will compare CNG cars to petrol cars to help make the right choice. Let's dive into the debate of the CNG car vs petrol car.

Contents

What is a Petrol Car?
What is a CNG Car?
CNG or Petrol Car; Which is Better?
CNG vs petrol car: Mileage
CNG vs Petrol Car: Engine Life
CNG Car vs Petrol Car: Maintenance
CNG vs petrol car: Cost
CNG vs petrol car: Boot space
Advantages of petrol cars
Advantages of CNG cars
Disadvantages of petrol cars
Disadvantages of CNG cars
How to convert a petrol car to a CNG car
- Top petrol cars in India
- Top CNG cars in India
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is a Petrol Car?

A petrol car is a vehicle that runs on petrol, which is a fossil fuel derived from crude oil. Petrol cars are the most common type of car on the road and have been around for over a century. They are available in a wide range of models, including sedans, SUVs, and sports cars.

What is a CNG Car?

A CNG car is a vehicle that runs on Compressed Natural Gas, which is a cleaner-burning fuel than petrol. CNG is made by compressing natural gas to less than 1% of its volume at standard atmospheric pressure. CNG cars are becoming more popular as an eco-friendly alternative to petrol cars.

CNG or Petrol Car; Which is Better?

When it comes to the question of CNG vs petrol cars, there are several aspects to consider. Let's take a look at some of the most important factors.

Aspect	Petrol cars	CNG cars
Fuel cost	Expensive	Inexpensive
Initial cost	Lower than CNG cars	Expensive
Running cost	Higher than CNG cars	Lower than petrol cars
Maintenance	Lower than CNG cars	Higher than petrol cars
Performance	Powerful than CNG cars	Lesser power than petrol cars
Range	Low	High
Mileage	Low	High

CNG vs petrol car: Mileage

When it comes to mileage, CNG cars have an advantage over petrol cars. CNG cars are more fuel-efficient and can travel further on a single tank of gas. Here is the fuel efficiency comparison of petrol and CNG cars.

CNG cars	Petrol cars
On average, CNG cars can travel up to 25% further than petrol cars on the same amount of fuel.	Petrol cars offer lower mileage compared to petrol cars.

CNG vs Petrol Car: Engine Life

Refer to the following table for a detailed engine life comparison between petrol and CNG cars.

CNG cars	Petrol cars
CNG cars have similar engine life to petrol cars.	Petrol cars have similar engine life to CNG cars
CNG is a cleaner-burning fuel that produces less wear and tear on the engine.	More wear and tear on the engine of petrol cars due to carbon.

CNG Car vs Petrol Car: Maintenance

Refer to the following table for the maintenance comparison of CNG and petrol cars.

CNG cars	Petrol cars
CNG cars are generally more expensive than petrol cars.	Petrol cars are generally more inexpensive than CNG cars.
CNG cars require special equipment to fill up, and the tanks need to be inspected and replaced periodically.	Petrol cars do not require special equipment and need the usual services.
However, the lower fuel cost can offset some of these costs over time.	The lower initial cost can offset the higher fuel cost.

CNG vs petrol car: Cost

CNG cars are generally more expensive than petrol cars to purchase. However, the lower fuel cost can make up for the higher purchase price over time.

CNG vs petrol car: Boot space

CNG cars have less boot space than petrol cars. This is because CNG tanks take up more space than petrol tanks. A petrol car may be a better choice If you need a car with a large boot space.

Advantages of petrol cars

Here are the pros of petrol cars.

Widely available: Petrol cars have a wider availability of fuel stations across the UK, making them more convenient to refuel.
Wide range of models: There are several types of petrol cars available in the market, including hatchbacks, sedans, SUVs and MPVs.
Better power: Petrol cars tend to have higher horsepower and better acceleration compared to CNG cars.
Longer driving range: Petrol cars have a longer driving range on a full tank of fuel compared to CNG cars.
Lower upfront cost: Petrol cars are generally less expensive to purchase than CNG cars.
More boot space: Petrol cars have a bigger boot space than CNG cars since they do not house the CNG kit.

Advantages of CNG cars

Here are the pros of CNG cars.

Lower emissions: CNG cars emit fewer pollutants and greenhouse gases than petrol cars, making them a more environmentally-friendly option.
Better fuel efficiency: CNG is typically less expensive than petrol, resulting in lower fuel costs for CNG car owners.
Longer engine life: CNG cars have a longer lifespan compared to petrol cars due to the cleaner burning fuel.
Lower CNG cost: CNG costs are lower than petrol. Hence, the overall ownership cost is lower.

Disadvantages of petrol cars

Here are the cons of petrol cars.

Higher emissions: Petrol cars emit higher levels of pollutants and greenhouse gases than CNG cars, contributing to air pollution and climate change.
Lower fuel efficiency: Petrol engines can be less fuel-efficient than CNG engines, resulting in lower fuel economy and higher costs.
Higher fuel cost: Petrol prices can fluctuate and tend to be higher than CNG prices, resulting in higher fuel costs for petrol car owners.
Higher maintenance costs: Petrol cars may require more frequent maintenance and repairs compared to CNG cars due to the more complex engine design.

Disadvantages of CNG cars

Here are the cons of CNG cars.

Higher upfront cost: CNG cars can be more expensive to purchase and maintain compared to petrol cars due to the more complex fuel system and engine design.
Less boot space: The CNG kit takes up most of the boot space, leaving lesser cargo space for lugguages.
Limited refuelling stations: CNG cars have a more limited availability of fuel stations compared to petrol cars, making refuelling less convenient in some areas.
Lower power: CNG cars tend to have lower horsepower and slower acceleration compared to petrol cars.

How to convert a petrol car to a CNG car

Most Indian car manufacturers offer factory-fitted CNG kits with their cars. However, if you are driving a petrol-powered car and want to convert it to a CNG-powered car, you can equip it with CNG kits to convert your petrol car into a CNG car.

Ensure you get it fitted by a certified professional for the best results. Visit an authorised dealer to get your car converted to a CNG model.

Top petrol cars in India

Here are some of the best petrol cars in India.

Tata Tiago	Maruti Suzuki Swift
Hyundai i20	Honda City
Hyundai Creta	Mahindra XUV700
Maruti Baleno	Maruti Suzuki Brezza
Maruti Suzuki Alto	Hyundai Grand i10 Nios

Top CNG cars in India

Here are some of the best CNG cars in India.

Maruti Suzuki Alto	Maruti Suzuki Wagon R
Maruti Suzuki Brezza	Hyundai Aura
Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder	Tata Tigor
Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara	Maruti Suzuki Eritga
Tata Tiago	Maruti Suzuki Dzire

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are the answers to some common questions about CNG vs petrol car comparison.

Are CNG cars more environmentally friendly than petrol cars?

Yes, CNG cars produce fewer emissions than petrol cars, making them a more eco-friendly choice.

Is it safe to drive a CNG car?

Yes, CNG cars are safe to drive if they are properly maintained and serviced. The tanks used to store CNG are designed to withstand high pressures and are rigorously tested for safety. Ensure you convert your petrol car to a CNG car at an authorised dealer for better results.

How do I refuel my CNG car?

CNG cars are refuelled at special CNG filling stations. These stations have a compressor that compresses the natural gas and fills the car's tank through a nozzle.

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Disclaimer: The content on this page is generic and shared only for informational and explanatory purposes. It is based on industry experience and several secondary sources on the internet, and is subject to changes. Please go through the applicable policy wordings for updated ACKO-centric content, and before making any insurance-related decisions.