Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is a natural gas vehicle?
A. A natural gas vehicle (NGV) is a car, truck, van or bus that uses compressed natural gas (CNG) to fuel its engine. Because is it not a liquid fuel, natural gas is compressed at 3,000 or 3,600 pounds per square inch so it can be stored in steel, aluminum, fiberglass or carbon-fiber cylinders.

Q. How do NGVs work?
A. NGVs work like conventional gasoline or diesel-powered vehicles. They burn a gaseous mixture of fuel and air in an engine; however, natural gas has the advantage of already being a gas, which helps the engine run cleaner.

Q. Are NGV safe?
A. Absolutely! The cylinders that hold the compress natural gas are significantly stronger than gasoline tanks. They have withstood impact and bonfire testing and meet or exceed U.S. Department of Transportation safety standards. Even in the unlikely event of a leak, CNG will not form combustible pools on the ground as other fuel do. Because natural gas is lighter than air, it will rise and dissipate if released.

Q. Are NGVs cleaner than gasoline or diesel vehicles?
A. NGVs are the cleanest of any vehicles in commercial production today. In fact, NGVs produce 5% to 10% of the emissions allowable by today’s most stringent standards. Dedicated NGVs can reduce exhaust emissions of carbon monoxide (CO) by 70%; nitrogen oxides (NOx) by 87% and carbon dioxide (CO2) by 20% below those of gasoline vehicles.

Q. How do you fuel NGVs?
A. NGVs are refueled at either fueling locations or with home refueling appliances:

• Fueling locations: Natural gas is compressed and dispenses into vehicles in much the same way as gasoline. These locations will either offer a “quick-fill” or “slow-fill” method of fueling. Quick-fill refueling takes about three to seven minutes. Slow–fill refueling is usually done overnight in about five to eight hours. NGVs are convenient for fleets since the vehicles usually return to the same location each night for refueling. For a list of NGV refueling stations in the U.S., visit: www.eere.energy.gov/afdc/fuels/natural_gas_stations.html (U.S. DOE- maintained site of U.S. stations)
• View a map of Oklahoma fueling stations.
• Home refueling appliances: Provide consumers with an overnight refueling option. These appliances require 240 VAC/60HZ electric service along with the standard natural gas service available at most homes. Other slightly larger compressors which operate on 220 volts are ideal for businesses with small fleets.

Q. Is compressed natural gas cheaper?
A. On average, natural gas costs approximately one-third the price of gasoline at the pump. Natural gas is sold in GGEs, or gasoline gallon equivalents. A GGE has the same energy content (124,800 Btu) as a gallon of gasoline.

Q. Is natural gas a domestically produced fuel?
A. While in 2005 the United States imported over 65% of the oil used, 97% of the natural gas in the U.S. was produced in North America (85% from the U.S. and 12% from Canada).

Q. How many NGVs are on the road today?
A. There are approximately 140,000 NGVs in the U.S., but there are over 8 million NGVs worldwide.

Q. Where can I buy an NGV?
A. Currently, the Honda Civic GX is the only original equipment manufacturer (OEM) product available in the U.S.

Q. Are there any Federal Tax incentives for the purchase of NGVs or for fueling systems installations?
A. Yes. Federal Tax incentives provide for an income tax credit for the purchase of a new, dedicated alternative fuel vehicle and installation of vehicle refueling systems.

Q. Are there any state incentives or rebates available?
A. Yes.

• Tax credit for 50% of the cost of installing fueling infrastructure. Credits are in effect Jan 1, 2010)
• Tax credit for 50% of the cost of converting a vehicle or for 50% of the incremental cost of purchasing a new OEM vehicle. Credits are in effect until Jan 1, 2010

Q. Who can I call for more information?
A. Please call 1-866-206-9587, option 4, or e-mail us.