How well do Natural Gas fueled vehicles perform compared to gasoline-powered vehicles?
Natural Gas has a higher-octane level rating (130) than either gasoline or propane which translates into greater
performance and higher fuel efficiency, especially when matched to a dedicated NG-fuelled vehicle . The higher
the fuels' octane rating, the greater its efficiency. Since Natural Gas is in a gaseous form, it does not need
to be vapourized for combustion and mixes directly with intake air. In cold weather, Natural Gas actually starts
better than a gasoline or propane vehicle.
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How do NGVs work?
The only major difference between a gasoline vehicle and an NGV is the fuel system. Natural gas is
compressed to 3,000 pounds per square inch (psi), the Ontario standard, and is stored on board the
vehicle in cylinders installed in the trunk (cabs), undercarriage (vans and pick-ups) or on the roof
(transit buses). When natural gas powers the engine, it leaves the storage cylinders, passes through
a master manual shut-off valve and travels through stainless steel lines to a high-pressure fuel
regulator located in the engine compartment. The natural gas is injected at atmospheric pressure.
Special solenoid-operated valves prevent the gas from entering the engine when it is shut off.
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What is the difference between Natural Gas and propane?
Natural Gas is different from LPG in a number of ways, but primarily because Natural Gas, or CNG,
(Compressed Natural Gas) is stored in a compressed, gaseous state and propane is a liquid, fossil
fuel bi-product of natural gas processing. Propane liquefies readily under pressure; therefore it
is in a liquefied state when stored in the tank at 200 psi. LPG passes through a vaporizer where
it becomes a gas and then through a low-pressure regulator. Propane, like gasoline, is heavier than
air and will sink to the ground and "pool"; it is also more volatile than natural gas.
Natural Gas is composed of approximately 95% methane, with minor amounts of ethane, propane,
butane and pentane. It is a hydrocarbon, which is colourless, odourless and much lighter than air.
As the storage pressure is 3000 psi, a natural gas system incorporates an additional high-pressure
regulator and a high-pressure tank.
Unlike propane, natural gas is delivered to the refueling station network in a safe, underground pipeline
system, not by bulk-delivery tankers. Refuelling with Natural Gas requires no special license so you can
choose to refuel at a public refueling station (even self-serves), your home or office, and not require
any special license to operate the refueling dispenser or home refueling system.
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Where can I have my vehicle converted to run on natural gas and who will look after it once it is completed?
There are a number of aftermarket conversion centers in most major cities throughout Ontario that will
outfit an existing gasoline-powered vehicle with Natural Gas components. Enbridge Gas Distribution maintains
an aftermarket conversion and service program in the Toronto, Niagara and Ottawa areas. Please visit our
Service and installation section.
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How much does it cost to convert a natural gas vehicle?
Many NGV conversions are available for a comparable price to its gasoline counterpart after incentives are
factored in. For a detailed savings and cost analysis, please contact us by
clicking here.
How do I know if it is worth while for me to drive a natural gas vehicle?
If you are a high mileage driver, a large user of fuel because of idling time, or drive a heavier-duty vehicle
that is not very fuel efficient; you are probably a good candidate for natural gas. See become an
NGV Owner.
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What is a bi-fuel vehicle?
A bi-fuel vehicle allows the vehicle to run on either of two fuel sources, Natural Gas as the primary fuel
or gasoline as the reserve fuel. When the Natural Gas runs out, the engine is switched over to gasoline --
either manually with a dashboard switch, or automatically -- even while the vehicle is in motion. The
bi-fuel vehicle option best suits drivers that will be travelling regularly outside urban areas.
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What is a dedicated Natural Gas vehicle?
A dedicated NGV runs solely on Natural Gas without a gasoline back-up. In rare circumstances an aftermarket conversion centre may remove the gasoline system from a vehicle and add on the
Natural Gas system as the sole fuel system. The dedicated NGV produces superior emissions, assured savings and transparent operation and performance. This fuel option is ideal for urban based fleets such as taxis,
municipal and government fleets, high mileage commercial fleets and off-road vehicles (forklifts and ice resurfacers) that all have guaranteed access to refueling facilities.
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Where can I find refueling stations for natural gas?
More than 75 percent of Canada's driving population has access to Natural Gas. Natural Gas is dispensed
at major service stations (Shell, Sunoco, Pioneer, etc.) throughout Ontario
and Canada. Click here to open up the Ontario public refuelling
station location map.
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Can I refuel at home? At work?
Yes, a Vehicle Refueling Appliance (VRA) offers the distinct advantage of at-home or at-work
refueling. The VRA, available from FuelMaker Corporation, connects to your home or office gas
service and slow-fills your vehicle while it sits inactive. For details please contact
FuelMaker directly.
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Is Natural Gas safe?
Natural Gas the vehicle fuel is the same fuel that heats our homes and offices. It is a proven vehicle
fuel that has been used around the world for the past 70 years. Natural Gas is a safer vehicle fuel than
either gasoline or propane because it has a higher ignition point and is less likely to ignite accidentally.
It is also lighter than air and does not settle in low-lying areas as heavier propane or gasoline fuel vapours
do. In the unlikely event of a leak, natural gas dissipates rapidly into the atmosphere rather than pooling
on the ground. These properties of natural gas demonstrate why it is safe to park your NGV in underground
and in enclosed parking garages.
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Does using natural gas help reduce pollution?
NGVs produce less smog and climate change air pollutants than gasoline-powered vehicles per kilometre driven.
Dedicated factory-built NGVs are the cleanest internal combustion vehicles available today. Natural gas
converted and factory built bi-fuel vehicles are also less polluting than conventional vehicles.
Natural Resources Canada modeling of full life cycle pollutant emissions
for fleet average 2001 model year vehicles
Smog
pollutants |
grams/km
gasoline |
grams/km
NGV |
NGV
reduction |
| NOx |
1.087 |
0.619 |
- 43% |
| VOCs |
0.700 |
0.046 |
- 93% |
| SO2 |
0.249 |
0.093 |
- 63% |
| PM10 |
0.159 |
0.017 |
- 89% |
| CO |
13.940 |
3.587 |
- 74% |
| Climate Change pollutants |
| CO2* |
302.740 |
233.890 |
- 23% |
|
* CO2 equivalent (includes GHGs methane and N20)
Toronto fleet taxis typically drive 140,000 km/year. Courier and delivery vans typically drive 75,000 km
a year. Provincial Government fleet vehicles typically drive 30,000 km/year. Below are estimated annual
pollutant reductions for every 1,000 NGVs replacing gasoline-powered vehicles.
Annual Tonnes of Pollution Reductions per 1,000 NGVs
| Pollutant |
taxi |
courier/
delivery van |
Provincial
fleet |
| NOx |
65.520 |
35.100 |
14.040 |
| VOCs |
91.560 |
49.050 |
19.620 |
| SO2 |
21.840 |
11.700 |
4.680 |
| PM10 |
19.880 |
10.650 |
4.260 |
| CO |
1,449.420 |
776.475 |
310.590 |
| CO2 equivalent |
9,639.000 |
5,163.750 |
2,065.500 |
|
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What are the Characteristics of Natural Gas?
Natural gas, a hydrocarbon which is colourless, odourless, and much lighter than air, is the cleanest burning
fossil fuel available today. Comprised of about 95% methane, its clean burning properties, abundant supply
and relatively low cost have made it a popular and environmentally sensitive fuel choice for drivers around
the world. It can be used as a transportation fuel in either a compressed state, CNG, or a liquefied state,
LNG. Compressed Natural Gas for use as a transportation fuel is generally referred to as NGV or Natural Gas
for Vehicles. Natural gas is in a gaseous state at ambient (outside air) temperatures. Natural gas is
compressed when used in a vehicle to increase its energy density. Once compressed, the gas is stored
in cylindrical tanks.
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How is natural gas produced?
Natural gas is a fossil fuel formed by the decay of organic matter and found in reservoirs 3,000 to
15,000 feet below the earth's surface. All oil deposits contain natural gas although natural gas is
often found in pockets without oil. With the recent popularity of natural gas as a clean alternative
vehicle fuel, and for co-generation purposes, the accelerated demand has sparked renewed activity in
the drilling sector. More new wells are being drilled now than in the last two decades combined.
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