In line with the government’s efforts to adopt clean and green modes of transport, many automakers have come up with eco-friendly vehicles known as electric vehicles. These electric cars or hybrid cars (petrol + electric) not only reduce the carbon footprint but also help in reducing running costs, as they are very cost-effective in the long run. But these cars’ technology also has some drawbacks too.
Due to the unavailability of charging points, range anxiety is a common problem among owners of electric and hybrid cars.
To tackle this challenge, automakers have come up with various solutions such as CNG kits for hybrid cars that can be fitted to any gasoline or diesel vehicle to easily convert to a CNG vehicle.
CNG kits are easy to install, cost effective, and also eco-friendly.
In this article, we will walk you through what you need to know about CNG Kits in India: Top CNG Kit Companies, Kit Prices, and Its Pros and Cons.
What is a CNG Kit?
A CNG kit is a set of components that convert gasoline or diesel-powered vehicle into a CNG car. These kits are installed in the fuel tank and come with a battery-powered control module.
The CNG kit also consists of a pressure regulator and a CNG tank which is fitted in the boot of the car. CNG kits are available in different variants depending on the make and model of the car.
The most common types of CNG kits include manual, semi-automatic, and automatic.
A manual CNG kit is the cheapest, but you have to fill the CNG bottle manually. Semi-automatic CNG kits are a bit expensive and come with an automated dispensing system. With an automatic CNG kit, you don’t need to do anything manually. The CNG kit will automatically refuel and dispense.
Why Install a CNG Kit in Your Car?
CNG or Compressed Natural Gas is a fossil fuel that is considered a cleaner alternative to diesel or gasoline. CNG is a cheap fuel and is available at low rates in the country. CNG is also an economical fuel as it comes with low maintenance, repair, and fuel cost.
In addition, CNG is a viable option for reducing carbon emissions. Thus, these are some of the reasons why you should install a CNG kit in your car.
However, there are some drawbacks to installing CNG kits. The climate in India is extremely hot, and in summers, CNG cylinders are likely to heat up. Also, CNG stations are few and far between, which is a huge disadvantage.
Different Types of CNG Kits
Mainly, two types of CNG kits are available in the Indian market and used in most automobiles like cars and passenger rickshaws. Those CNG kits are namely:
- Venturi CNG
- Sequential CNG
Top CNG Kit Companies in India
In India, there are around 20 plus companies that are manufacturing CNG kits in India and those are also approved by RTO and the Government of India. Both (Venturi and Sequential ) kits were manufactured by these companies and approved by the Government of India.
The top CNG Kit Manufacturing Companies in India are as follows:
How Much Does it Cost to Install a CNG Kit?
The cost of installing a CNG kit in your car depends on the make and model of your car. The cost of a CNG kit can be anywhere between Rs 50,000 to Rs 3 lakh.
The price range depends on the make and model of the car.
Top CNG Kit Prices in India
| Kit Type |
Price in India |
| Sequential CNG Kit |
OBD-II – Rs 55,000 Rs. 33,000 – Rs. 37,000 (Including installation) |
| Conventional Kit (Open-Loop) |
Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 20,000 (Including kit installation) |
| Conventional Kit (Closed-Loop) |
Rs. 22,000 to Rs. 25,000 (Including kit installation) |
| Additional Charges |
Rs. 2,000 to Rs. 3,000 |
Additional Charges for (Registration Charges + RC Endorsement) Rs. 1,200 – Rs. 1,500 (Added Insurance Endorsement Premium)
Pros and Cons of Installing a CNG kit
Advantages of CNG Kit-
- CNG is a much cleaner fuel than gasoline or diesel. CNG comes with low emissions, and is, therefore, eco-friendly. It is also a cheaper fuel and is available at lower rates in India.
- The CNG kit comes with an automated dispensing system that makes it convenient for you to fill the fuel. Also, the CNG station is available to you round the clock.
Disadvantages of CNG Kit-
- CNG stations are not as widespread as petrol pumps in India. CNG kits are not readily available for every car model and make.
- The CNG kit is also expensive and is considered an expensive option.
Summary
Hybrid cars are clean and green but have some limitations. The main problem with hybrid cars is that they cannot be driven regularly for long distances because they are dependent on electricity.
There are a few ways to convert your car to CNG, such as installing a CNG kit, although these are expensive options. You can also go for a retrofit kit like the Lovato Retrofit Kit which lets you run your car on CNG without making any major changes to the engine of the car.
If you have a long driving distance, it is advisable to use a CNG car instead of a hybrid as it will save you a lot in fuel costs.
CNG is an economical fuel. Alternatively, if you are planning to buy a new car, it is advisable to go for a CNG car as they are cheaper than hybrid cars.
