Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) is also know as "methane". This clean burning alternative fuel is found abundantly in the United States. Millions of Americans have been using CNG in their homes for decades.

Did you know that most countries in Europe and Asia use CNG as a fuel for the vehicles as well as homes? They use CNG "bi-fuel" engines (runs on either gasoline or CNG) in their cars and trucks. Their vehicles have the flexibility to run on CNG while in urban areas where CNG pumps are more common, and they can operate on gasoline when doing long stretches of driving where CNG may not be as common. In the US, CNG can easily be found for more than 50% less than regular gasoline or diesel. With US Fuel prices around $4.00 per gallon, many drivers are seeking an answer to lower fuel expenses. At about $1.50 per gallon equivalent, CNG is a great alternative, and with a CNG car conversion you can take advantage of the lower fuel costs immediately.

CNG car conversion kits are very reliable. The technology and engineering has been around for many years.
There are two main types of CNG systems:

1) Sequential electronic fuel injection kit- usually the most efficient and technologically sound for OBDII vehicles (1996 and later car models), and

2) The "venturi" aka the "mixer" system which is cheaper, does not use a computer, and bypasses the injectors. In these two types of kits you will find 4 major components:

1. The CNG cylinder (high pressure tank)
2. Regulator (reduces from high pressure to low pressure)
3. ECU (electronic control unit)
4. Injectors (for sequential fuel injection OBDII kits) or the mixer (for "venturi" or carburetor kits)

CNG cylinders come in 4 types. The type 1 is the cheapest and made of 100% steel. Prices can range from a few hundred dollars to well over $1000 depending on the size and quality. Types 2, 3, and 4 are composed of steel and/or carbon fiber. Type 4 CNG cylinders can easily be over $4,000.

In the US your CNG will store in the cylinder at 3600 PSI. The regulator will take the pressure down to just a few PSI for your engine. Injectors will then spray the appropriate amount of CNG inside the manifold of your engine for ignition. The CNG conversion kit will have a computer or "ECU" to digitally control your engine fuel mix. Bi-fuel CNG conversion kits like this will allow the driver to choose to operate on gasoline or CNG.

Not including the price of the cylinder, a CNG conversion system can cost anywhere from $1,000 up to several thousand dollars for newer EPA certified kits. EPA certified does not necessarily mean they are better kits.

Please be aware of exactly what your are buying when it comes to CNG conversion kits. Your local government rules and regulations can be very confusing and maybe even restrictive to certain CNG components. 

Please visit www.skyCNG.com to learn more and be informed. An informed decision is the BEST decision.

Article by: Brent Skipper - Sky CNG
www.skyCNG.com