Expert Answers: Can my Car be Converted to CNG?
With the rising interest of Nigerians in Compressed Natural Gas (CNG). Everyone is curious, can CNG work for my type of car? Can my Car be converted from being petrol powered, to CNG?
This article is here to provide the expert advice you need to know If your vehicle can be converted to CNG or not.
NOT ALL CARS CAN BE CONVERTED TO CNG
Now that might be a huge shock to some or the “eh eh, I said it, for some Nigerians who already doubt the effectiveness of CNG powered engines. So let's break it down so you know where your car actually fit, either the “converting to CNG Asap” team or the “Will just have to stick with petrol or diesel” team.
1. Not all car engines are convertible.
At the time of this writing, in Nigeria, there are just 2 types of engines that power cars or vehicles in general.
The Petrol Engines.
The Diesel Engines.
The Petrol Engine
The petrol engines are relatively straightforward to convert to CNG. The main modifications involve installing a CNG conversion kit that includes components such as a CNG fuel tank, high-pressure lines, and injectors designed for CNG.
Many gasoline engines are "spark-ignited" and can run on CNG with these additions.
The Diesel Engines
Diesel engines operate differently from petrol engines (using compression ignition instead of spark ignition), so converting them to CNG is more challenging. While some heavy-duty diesel engines can be converted to use a mix of diesel and CNG (called dual-fuel), a full conversion to CNG-only for diesel engines requires replacing or modifying the fuel system, ignition system, and other components.
These changes are often complex and expensive, so diesel engines are less commonly converted.
So what type of car engines work perfectly for CNG? The Petrol or Gasoline Operating Engines. If your car is using Diesel, sorry oh, it is possible to convert but it's more complex and expensive, that's all.
2. Your Car Age: Ancient of Days or Shine-Shine Bobo?
Shine-Shine Bobo Models: Vehicles with modern fuel injection systems are generally more compatible with CNG conversion kits. This is because fuel injection systems are more precise and can handle the specific requirements of CNG fuel delivery more effectively.
Ancient of Days Model: Cars with carburettors instead of fuel injectors are more challenging to convert because carburettors are not designed to deliver fuel as precisely as fuel injectors. Modifying these vehicles may require custom parts or adjustments, which can drive up costs and complexity.
Here are some more interesting facts about the shine-shine Bobo team (lol)
Many newer cars have complex ECUs (Electronic Control Units), which regulate fuel flow, emissions, and other factors. CNG kits may need to be compatible with or calibrated to the car’s ECU to ensure smooth performance.
PAUSE: So far, what type of cars can be converted to CNG?
Answer: Shine-Shine Bobo cars that run on Petrol
3. Your Car Engine Size: Smart and Sharp or Baba Olowo Size?
Smart and Sharp Engines: These vehicles typically have smaller engines, which can be more cost-effective to convert. Many manufacturers offer CNG conversion kits specifically designed for popular compact and mid-size models, making the process easier.
Heavy-Duty Vehicles (Baba Olowos type): Converting large engines (e.g., trucks, SUVs) can be more expensive due to the size of the CNG tank required and the specific modifications needed for high-capacity fuel delivery systems. Additionally, the larger fuel demands mean larger CNG tanks are required, which may reduce storage space significantly.
PAUSE: So far, what type of cars can be easily converted to CNG?
Answer: Smart and Sharp Shine-Shine Bobo cars that run on Petrol (Lol)
Well, as the Baba Olowo, you can still try the expensive option of conversion.
4. Availability of CNG Conversion Kits
Manufacturer-Specific Kits: Some car models are popular for CNG conversions, so aftermarket CNG kits are readily available. These kits are generally easier to install because they are designed specifically for those models. Custom Kits: For cars without readily available conversion kits, custom solutions may be possible but are typically more expensive and labour-intensive. Custom kits need careful installation and testing to ensure safety, which can add significantly to the conversion cost.
PAUSE: So far, what type of cars can be easily converted to CNG?
Answer: For this, it's your choice that counts.
5. Space for CNG Cylinder
Cylinder Placement: The CNG cylinder is typically installed in the trunk, as it’s a high-pressure tank that needs a secure space. For compact cars with limited trunk space, this could significantly reduce cargo capacity, which may not be practical for those who need ample storage.
Tank Size and Range: Larger tanks allow for a longer driving range, but they require more space. For some vehicles, particularly those with limited interior room, finding a place for a sufficiently large CNG tank can be difficult. Options may include underslung tanks (placed beneath the vehicle), but this can sometimes be impractical or costly.
Weight Distribution: Adding a CNG tank can impact a vehicle’s weight distribution, which can affect handling and braking. It’s essential to ensure that the tank’s placement and the vehicle’s balance are carefully considered during conversion.
PAUSE: So far, what type of cars can be easily converted to CNG?
Answer: What's your best guess at this point?
Want to learn why you should convert your car to CNG today? Read here
