Natural Gas Vehicle Benefits
Natural gas vehicles (NGVs) offer substantial economic and environmental advantages over vehicles powered by gasoline or diesel. They can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and use a historically affordable and price stable fuel, while being comparable in power, torque, and range.
The latest near zero natural gas engines reduce emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon dioxide (CO₂), and particulate matter compared to diesel engines. When powered by renewable natural gas (RNG), CO₂ emissions can be lowered by up to 97% and total well to wheel greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80%, offering a cleaner solution for heavy duty transportation that is available today.*
Natural gas has historically been more price stable and consistently cheaper than gasoline or diesel on a gallon equivalent basis. This price advantage can lower operating costs for fleets and generate long term financial savings.
Today’s advanced natural gas engines offer more power than ever, comparable to most diesel offerings in horsepower and torque. They provide similar performance and drivability but are quieter. Natural gas vehicles do not require Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) or Diesel Particulate Filters (DPF), simplifying maintenance and reducing downtime like their diesel counterparts.
The existing natural gas refueling infrastructure in California is robust, with nearly 200 public stations statewide. Fleet owners also have the option to build private stations in either fast-fill or time-fill configurations to meet their specific operational needs.
Almost all-natural gas used in the U.S. is produced in North America, making it a secure, stable, and reliable domestic energy source. Operating NGVs helps reduce dependence on foreign oil while also supporting a plentiful, homegrown fuel supply.
Natural gas is not toxic to touch and has a very narrow concentration range for combustion, which reduces the possibility of accidental combustion. It is also lighter than air and will rise and dissipate if released. An odorant is added to natural gas, making it easier to detect its presence. CNG also does not form combustible pools on the ground, as other fuels might.
Where to Refuel Your Natural Gas Vehicle
Public Stations
Southern California has one of the best compressed natural gas (CNG) refueling networks in the U.S. There are nearly 200 natural gas fueling stations throughout the state, including 15 public-access stations operated by SoCalGas.
Find a station near you Current SoCalGas CNG Station Prices
At Home
NGV owners can install equipment that allows them to fuel from the convenience of their home.
Building a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Refueling Station
Learn about the benefits of building an onsite CNG refueling station.
Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles
Powered by a fuel cell, these vehicles have zero tailpipe emissions, refuel quickly, and have long range.
Natural Gas Transportation Incentives and Grants
Tax credits, grants, incentives, or other funding opportunities may be available to help offset the costs of a natural gas or hydrogen fleet vehicle purchase or building a fueling station.
CNG/RNG Vendor Directory
The CNG/RNG Vendor Directory is a list of vendors that provide goods and services to users of compressed natural gas or renewable natural gas as a transportation fuel.
Additional Resources
The Transport Project is a national coalition of roughly 200 fleets, vehicle and engine manufacturers, servicers, suppliers, fuel producers and providers dedicated to the decarbonization of North America’s transportation sector.
The AFDC provides information, data, and tools to help fleets and other transportation decision makers find ways to reach their energy and economic goals through the use of alternative and renewable fuels, advanced fleet, and other fuel-saving measures.
Contact us at CleanTransportation@socalgas.com
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