What is natural gas?
Natural gas is a mixture of hydrocarbons found in the ground independently or together with crude oil. Its composition varies (depending on where it is found), but its main component is “Methane”(CH4}. The rest of the gas is made up of varying amounts of other gases like ethane, propane, butane, and heavier hydrocarbons, plus Carbon Dioxide, Nitrogen, water and traces of other substances. Natural gas is a by-product of decaying vegetable matter in underground strata. Natural gas is the cleanest burning fossil fuel; it can help improve the quality of air and water,especially when used in highly polluted places.
Malaysia is blessed with abundant natural gas reserves. At 82.5 trillion cubic feet, these reserves are two times the amount of oil, thus there is opportunity to promote and diversify the use of the natural gas not just as a power source in the industrial and utilities sector; but also as an alternative fuel for vehicles. PETRONAS, through its wholly, owned subsidiary, PETRONAS NGV Sdn Bhd , have been making NGV available to Malaysian motorists through its expanding chain of NGV outlets in the Klang Valley and other major urban areas in the country.
FAQ’s at bottom of this page. For more info on NGV visit: IANGV or Green Car Congress
What is NGV ?
NGV stands for Natural Gas Vehicle. They operate similarly to traditional vehicles, but they use natural gas as fuel. Natural gas can power existing cars and trucks by converting the engines to a bi-fuel capability. To convert vehicles to natural gas requires installing a tank, fuel pressure regulators, and fuel lines. Most systems incorporate an electronic module which adjusts the engine to maintain comparable performance levels with either fuel. Limited production of dedicated natural gas engines and vehicles is under way at motor vehicle manufacturers. Refueling stations use the same natural gas as commercial facilities and residences. These stations now provide compressed natural gas for quick-fill.
FAQ’s at bottom of this page
How a Natural Gas Vehicle Work ?
1. Natural gas is compressed and enters the vehicle through the natural gas fill valve (receptacle).
2. It flows into high-pressure cylinders located in or under the vehicle.
3. In a bi-fuel NGV, a fuel selector on the dashboard permits selection of natural gas or gasoline to act as the fuel for the vehicle. A dedicated NGV operates solely on natural gas.
4. When natural gas is needed by the engine, it leaves the cylinders and passes through the master manual shut-off valve.
5. The gas goes through the high-pressure fuel line and enters the engine compartment.
6. Gas enters the regulator, which reduces pressure from up to 3,600 psi to near atmospheric pressure.
7. The natural gas solenoid valve allows natural gas to pass from the regulator into the gas mixer or natural gas fuel injectors. (Or, it shuts off the natural gas when the engine is not running or when, in the case of a bi-fuel vehicle, gasoline is selected).
8. In a bi-fuel NGV, natural gas mixed with air flows down through the gasoline carburetor or fuel injection system and enters the engine’s combustion chambers. In a dedicated NGV, natural gas is injected into the engine’s combustion chamber via specially designed natural gas fuel injectors.
9. In a bi-fuel NGV, when the driver selects gasoline, the conventional gasoline system is activated and the natural gas system is automatically shut off.
FAQ’s at bottom of this page
Why NGV?
Presented below is an outline of the benefits that CNG offers:
Green fuel - Commonly referred to as the green fuel because of its lead and sulphur free character, CNG reduces harmful emissions. Being non-corrosive, it enhances the longevity of spark plugs. Due to the absence of any lead or benzene content in CNG, the lead fouling of spark plugs, and lead or benzene pollution are eliminated.
Increased life of oils - Another practical advantage observed is the increased life of lubricating oils, as CNG does not contaminate and dilute the crankcase oil.
Mixes evenly in air - Being a gaseous fuel CNG mixes in the air easily and evenly.
Safety - CNG is less likely to auto-ignite on hot surfaces, since it has a high auto-ignition temperature (540 degrees entigrade) and a narrow range (5%-15%) of inflammability. It means that if CNG concentration in the air is below 5% or above 15%, it will not burn. This high ignition temperature and limited flammability range makes accidental ignition or combustion very unlikely.
Properties
Low operational cost - The operational cost of vehicles running on CNG, as compared to those running on other fuels, is significantly low.At the prevailing price of fuel ,operational cost of CNG vehicles is 68% lower than petrol and 36% lower than diesel.
FAQ’s at bottom of this page
Government Incentives & Legislations To Encourage Use of NGV
NGV is supported by the government of Malaysia with incentives and legislation to encourage vehicles owner to use NGV. NGV price is only 68 cent/litre equivalent of petrol, is cheaper than other fuels. NGV conversion kits are exempted from import duty and sales tax.
Reduction of road tax from existing levels:
* Monogas vehicle (NGV only) - 50% off
* Bi-fuel vehicle (Petrol & NGV) - 25% off
* Dual-fuel vehicle (Diesel & NGV) - 25% off
All these are major factors for potential owners to consider when making their vehicle fuel choices. However, what many owners may not be aware of is the safety record of NGV vehicles. NGV vehicles safety record compares favourably to other traditional fuels or alternative fuels available today. This is due to the superior (and still improving) technology, higher safety standards and the physical properties of NGV itself which makes it as safe or safer to use than petroleum-based fuels.
Frequently Asked Quetions (F.A.Q) :
1. Natural Gas for Vehicles (NGV)?
Yes! It is natural gas under pressure in cylinders, placed in your car boot compartment.
2. Can my petrol cost be really cut by half?
Yes! The price of NGV is only about half the price of petrol. Petrol price is RM1.20 per litre while NGV price is 56.5 cents per litre. So your petrol cost will definitely be cut by about half.
3. Will it affect my car’s engine?
Not at all! NGV is a clean fuel. It makes your engine run cleaner and quieter. So, definitely NGV can reduce your service maintenance bill.
4. But is it safe?
NGV has been in use overseas since 1945. Today, more than 1,000,000 vehicles use NGV all over the world. And there has not been any serious accident caused by NGV.
5. But what about the storage cylinders?
Unlike a petrol tank, the storage cylinders are so strong they can withstand direct impact from a car speeding at 90 km/hr or a small calibre bullet.
6. What about the gas inside?
The NGV inside is so much lighter than air, it just disappears into the air quickly in case of leakage. It also does not ignite easily.
7. Where do I refill NGV?
At any NGV outlet. Look for the NGV sign.
8. What about road tax for my car?
You get 25% deduction for your road tax. This clearly shows the Government’s commitment to NGV.
9. Can I use both - petrol and NGV?
Yes! You can use either NGV or petrol after fixing the NGV kit in your car.
11. One last question. Is it environment-friendly?
Yes! It definitely is! No black smoke! No lead! It keeps Malaysia’s air clean and people healthy.
3 responses so far ↓
1 loo wing fei // Jul 6, 2008 at 7:31 am
Dear All,
Indeed NGV may be the choice of tomorrow.i just need to highlight one thing is about the cost to fit.Do you know how expensive it is to fit the kit?
1. rm 6500 to 7000 for programmable fuel injection vehicles.
2. rm 4000 to 4500 for normal fuel injection vehicles.
3. rm 3000 to 3500 for carburator vehicles.
How can a low income or medium income people are to fix such an expensive kits.Not to forget the increase of the installation charges after fuel price hike recently.
This is where the government must look into seriously.But at this moment i can’t see any.25% rebate of the road tax,means nothing.This figure is just for the sake of complying the regulation.So pls..do not be proud of the 25% rebate.
Furthermore,how sure are we that the NGV will not suffer the same fate as the fuel price?More demand less supply will drive to increase in price.not to mention politically interest driven. …….let us think..
2 admin // Jul 6, 2008 at 3:42 pm
Dear Wing Fei,
Thanks for your comments. I have met a few people who are currently using NGV. Most of them recovered their investment cost within a year. One of them actually paid using 0% facility from his credit card and made payments over 12 months from the savings on fuel. How fast you recover your investment would depends how much travelling you do.
3 NGV Network ( wwwdotngvdotnetdotmy) // Dec 10, 2008 at 2:54 am
I totally agree with Admin on the case that people have recovered their money within months or in a years time from date of “INVESTMENT” . I firmly say that NGV is a form of Investment with assured returns and not expense or Luxury as my friend Loo Wing Fei points out. Those are prudent will use the 0% scheme offered by banks - only to credit card holders. For more info on how to get your NGV package for almost free visit : http://www.ngv.net.my/zerointerest.htm
Krishna
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