Reaching an Understanding

Early in this process, I began to understand how difficult it is for most people to own a CNG fueled vehicle and have it make sense.  At this time there is exactly one factory made CNG vehicle in the US, The Honda Civic GX (which I will go into greater detail at a later date).  Others are soon to come, but today that is the option.  That leaves us with purchasing one which has been converted, or converting one of our own.  There is a general understanding that the conversion costs around $10,000.  There is a federal tax credit which covers 50% of the costs of a NEW conversion.  If we do a little quick math on my individual situation, it would take around 3 years to recoup my expenses and begin to save money.  Possible for the adventurer?  Surely, but it isn't that simple.


There are two forms of CNG conversions, those which are certified by the EPA and those that are not.  EPA certified conversions are obviously the more legitimate of the two.    They have been given our government's approval as being a safe for us and the environment as a clean fuel option.  If you viewed the video of the CNG tank explosions above, you likely deduced as I did that we want to be as legit as possible!  I'm not knocking non-EPA certification if you are someone who has the knowledge and experience to make it safe, but I have no mechanical skills.  So you've gotten a little excited and you have decided that you will just purchase your vehicle of choice and take it to an EPA certified installer and in three years you are saving money.....not really.

EPA certification is a process.  Conversion manufacturers apply for current year model conversions every year.  Currently, it takes about a year for our government to release approval for current year models.  I have no idea (oil's influence on our government?).  At some point I may ask the question just to see what sort of response I get.  That leaves you with purchasing a vehicle then waiting one year before you can get an EPA certified conversion and start saving money.  We are up to four years before we break even in my case.  Still a slight breeze in your CNG sail?

There is also the question of the vehicles warranty.  Sometimes installation can create issues with the warranty.  This leaves a potential converter with possibly even more time between new vehicle purchase and new CNG installation.


That leaves most of us who drive about as many miles or less than I do with choosing one which has already been converted, buy a Honda Civic GX, or wait for the new Ford CNG pickup or Chevy Impala bi fueled car.