CNG Vehicle Kit Factory Fitted / Retrofitted

Compressed natural gas (CNG) can be used in place of gasoline (petrol), Diesel fuel and propane/LPG. CNG combustion produces fewer undesirable gases than the fuels mentioned above. It is safer than other fuels in the event of a spill, because natural gas is lighter than air and disperses quickly when released.

This has lead to the development of different ways suitable for reducing the number of harmful gasses emitted from the exhaust of the vehicle. Different ways include the introduction of 100% electric vehicles, making some big or small changes in diesel as well as petrol engines to meet those requirements. One such option is amongst us for a long time and has got more reliable than before. Installation of CNG (Compressed Natural) Gas kits in the petrol vehicles. 

Which is better petrol or CNG?

Both CNG, as well as petrol, have their own pros and cons depending upon the parameter. The ways through which a fuel can be studied are.

• Performance–  Petrol leading this hands down. An engine running on petrol has more power as compared to its counterpart. 
• Economy– Considering the price of petrol and CNG petrol is a less economic solution. The cost of petrol per liter is more as compared to the other fuel. Added to that is the cost of long term CNG vehicles is more as compared to the petrol car. Yet doing the math and adding all the affecting factors CNG is about Rs. 3-4 per Km cheaper than its rival fuel.
• Pollution– Petrol emits more harmful gases like Nox and Cox, on the other hand, CNG is more known for producing reduced harmful gases but emitting less harmful Greenhouse gasses.
• Convenience– The worst drawback of CNG is the reduced boot space to accommodate the huge CNG cylinder. CNG as a fuel is not available everywhere. Installation may lead to a change in the vehicle dynamics of the vehicle.
• Safety- Considering the fact that CNG is safe but not as safe as petrol. Being a gas it is more prone to leakage and catching fire.

CNG in vehicles

The two kinds of CNG equipment in the market are the factory fitted or retrofitted.

Factory Fitted CNG kits

• Some cars come equipped with a CNG kit straight from the factory.
• Those CNG kits are specially designed for a particular vehicle and cannot be installed in any other.
• Factory Fitted kits are safer as compared to other counterparts but are a bit more expensive to buy as a whole package.
• In India people usually prefer such cars as they have their warranty intact.

Retrofitted CNG fuel kits

• Any car running on petrol can be retrofitted with a CNG kit and can run on CNG.
• These types of kits are universal can be mounded according to the car, resulting in being less safe.
• The overall cost of the vehicle is lower than the Factory Fitted CNG kits.
• The biggest con of retrofitting a CNG kit in the vehicle is that the customer loses the vehicle warranty.

Advantages of using CNG

• Unlike CNG has a high octane rating of about 120 to about 130.
• In terms of combustion, the engine carries a better combustion process which results in cleaner exhaust emissions. Emissions are reduced by up to 80% as compared to cars running on other fuels.
• Cars running on CNG have less NVH (Noise Vibration Harshness) levels.
• CNG-powered vehicles have lower maintenance costs than other hydrocarbon-fuel-powered vehicles.
• CNG fuel systems are sealed, preventing fuel losses from spills or evaporation, So CNG-powered vehicles are considered to be safer than gasoline-powered vehicles.
• Being a gaseous fuel, CNG mixes easily and evenly in air.
• CNG is less likely to ignite on hot surfaces, since it has a high auto-ignition temperature (540 °C), and a narrow range (5–15 percent) of flammability.

Pre-requirements

• It is necessary to check whether the person installing the CNG kit is using the right and genuine CNG kits.
• With that, it is to note that all the equipments installed in the car are new.
• The CNG Tank is Hydro tested for any leakage.

Installation of CNG

Installing an aftermarket CNG kit is a typical task. It should be done by professionals or under their guidance. The components of successfully retrofitting a CNG kit are.

1. Pressure Regulator
2. Gas/Air Mixer
3. CNG filling valve
4. High-pressure Line
5. CNG tank and valves
6. Petrol/CNG Selector switch
7. Manometer
8. Heating System
9. Emulator

CNG Aftercare

• After the installation, the work doesn’t end there. There are specific guidelines for maintaining a vehicle running on CNG.
• The grade of engine oil for CNG vehicles is different from other counterparts.
• The vehicle engine is more prone to wear as there is no fluid inside the engine sot frequent engine checkup are necessary for increasing the life of the engine.
• Running a car on CNG will definitely hamper the performance of the vehicle in a negative way. So one has to be patient while driving one.
• Air Conditioner of the vehicle takes the drive from the engine which adds more load to it. CNG may or may not affect the cooling system of the vehicle.

Process for Endorsement on RC and Insurance for CNG Kit.

Once an Approved * CNG Kit Installed in the car, below is the list of documents to be submitted in RTO

• Original RC / Smart Card
• Notarized Copy of Insurance
• Pollution certificate post CNG Installation
• Notarized Copy of ID Dox along with Address Proof and PAN
• Original copy of Invoice raised by CNG Installation Center along with Kit Details on Invoice
• CNG Kit Type - Sequential / Open Loop / Closed Loop Certificate
• Copy of Authorization & Approval Letter of Retrofitter - format is with them
• Check list as per AIS-024 TO AIS-028 certified by the retrofitter.
• Copy of CNG cylinder certificate issued by Dept. Of Explosives, Nagpur with certification by retro fitter
• Copies of side &Top view of approved layout drawings/ plans approved by designated testing agency duly certified by retro.
• Undertaking as per format form which is there with Installation center that Kit is Installed as per approved layout plan and complies

You can also raise a request simultaneously to endorse CNG Kit in your Car Insurance Policy with the Insurance Company. However - some Insurance companies Endorse CNG Kit on the policy only when its endorsed on the Car Registration Copy.

On Submission of Documents
Physical Inspection of Vehicle is even done in some RTO - where RTO Officer will verify the Kit including Kit Certificate and other details - matching with records