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Natural gas vehicles (NGVs) fueled by compressed natural gas (CNG) can have a positive impact on environmental air quality. Natural gas is a clean, cost-effective alternative fuel choice. Compared with conventional vehicles, NGVs produce only 5 to 10 percent of allowable emissions, which means far less greenhouse gases.*
The use of NGVs not only helps the environment, it decreases U.S. dependence on foreign energy sources and relies on the abundant supply and reliable distribution network of natural gas within the U.S.
Natural Gas Vehicles Fueled by CNG
What are natural gas vehicles (NGVs) and how do they work?
A natural gas vehicle is a car, truck, van, bus or even forklift that runs on compressed natural gas (CNG). It is stored in safe, secure aluminum, fiberglass, steel or carbon-fiber cylinders within the vehicle.
NGVs work like traditional vehicles, burning a gaseous blend of natural gas and air in an engine. However, natural gas vehicles run cleaner, as the more efficient natural gas does not require the conversion of liquid fuel. When you drive a natural gas vehicle, you wouldn't know the difference. NGVs such as the Honda Civic GX operate the same as a gasoline-fueled car. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has called the natural gas Honda Civic GX the cleanest internal-combustion vehicle on Earth.
Get more details on NGV emissions.
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How safe is a NGV?
Within a NGV, the compressed natural gas cylinders are significantly stronger than gasoline tanks, and they meet or exceed U.S. Department of Transportation safety standards. Although highly unlikely, should a leak occur, CNG will not produce flammable liquid on the ground like gasoline would, but rather will rise and disperse if released, because it is already a gas.
How do I get a NGV?
The Honda Civic GX is the only factory built automobile available in the U.S. using CNG. It is a dedicated vehicle meaning it only runs on natural gas. Currently, the Honda is only in limited production, so there may be a long waiting list. Learn more about the Honda Civic GX or locate a dealer in your area.
Many vehicles may be converted to use natural gas, but only with an EPA certified conversion kit, which are limited in number. However, the EPA ruled that vehicles built before model year 2000, or those with over 80,000 miles, are exempt from the certification requirement. Please visit NGV America, for a listing of vehicles that can be converted.
SCE&G does not sell CNG conversion kits for vehicles.
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What is the CNG equivalent to a gallon of gasoline?
1.25 Therm = 1 Gallon equivalent of gasoline.
A therm is a unit of heat energy equal to 100,000 British thermal units (BTU). It is approximately the energy equivalent of burning 100 cubic feet (often referred to a 1 Ccf) of natural gas.
| Natural Gas vs. Gasoline Vehicles* |
| |
Cost of Fuel |
Mileage |
Distance per Tank |
Cost per Mile |
| Natural Gas Vehicle (8 GGE tank) |
$1.31 x 8 = $10.48 per tank |
28 mpg |
224 Miles |
$.0468 |
| Gasoline Vehicle (8 gallon tank) |
$1.70 x 8 = $13.60 per tank |
28 mpg |
224 Miles |
$.0607 | *NGV tanks are sized in "gallons of gasoline equivalent" (GGE). NGVs get the same mileage per GGE as gasoline powered vehicles get per gallon of gasoline (i.e., a Honda Civic GX with an 8 GGE tank will get the same gas mileage and distance as a gasoline powered Honda with an 8 gallon gasoline fuel tank.) This chart is based on compressed natural gas selling for $1.31 per GGE and gasoline selling for $1.70 per gallon. Fuel prices fluctuate regularly and should be taken into account when making purchasing decisions.
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What are the refueling options for NGVs?
CNG is put into vehicles similar to the way gasoline is used to refuel. There are two refueling options: "fast fill" and "time fill."
"Fast fill" can be done at a natural gas refueling station and takes about five to seven minutes. "Time fill" refueling takes from four to eight hours, and is intended for home and commercial refueling where the vehicle will sit unused overnight, or for an extended period of time. Residential refueling appliances and commercial refueling stations may be installed wherever natural gas is available.
Fuelmaker compressors can be installed in a garage or outside your home near your driveway. NGVs are typically re-fueled overnight for your convenience. You can find more information at www.fuelmaker.com.
At this time there are only a few CNG stations available for public use in the SCE&G service territory.
Locate a CNG station near you.
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Does SCE&G install CNG home refueling stations?
At this time, SCE&G does not offer CNG fueling for residential use.
What about CNG stations for commercial fleets?
Commercial fueling stations designed to provide CNG for larger single vehicles or multiple vehicles in a fleet are available and will vary in design and cost, depending on the needs of the customer. Stations can be designed for either fast fill, slow fill or a combination of both. The cost for a commercial station will vary depending on the number of vehicles or the need for “fast fill” stations.
If you are interested in having a re-fueling station built at your business or if you have a large fleet, please contact Transeco Energy for more information at www.transecoenergy.com.
There are fleet optons available for businesses and municipalities. For more information, contact Gus Chapman at 1-803-217-9799 or gchapman@scana.com.
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What about funding and incentives for NGVs?
If you are considering buying a NGV for personal use or using natural gas vehicles within your fleet, you may be eligible for grants, tax incentives or other funding opportunities. For fleets, these grants can help offset the purchase price of new NGVs or help fund the construction of a fueling station. NGV America provides a current list of tax incentives and grants available.
Tax Incentives
The Federal government allows for several tax benefits for NGV station and vehicle owners. Check out NGV America’s government policy section for more details on tax incentives. Learn more about South Carolina's state tax incentives for NGVs.
Disclaimer: The above tax information is for general information only. Please contact your tax advisor or the tax codes for details.
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Where can I find more information about NGVs?
American Clean Skies Foundation
Clean Vehicle Education Foundation
Fuelmaker
NGV America
U.S. Department of Energy – Fuel Economy
Source:
Department of Energy (Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy).
*Emissions reductions may vary by make/model of vehicle.
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