Evolution Of CNG Technology And Cars Over The Years

CNG was, for a long time, regarded as just a low-cost alternative to petrol and a fuel option for cab aggregators, but not anymore. Here’s how it’s made people change their perspective today

When we talk about compressed natural gas (CNG) cars, the first thing that comes to our mind is “affordability.” It’s because of the positioning of CNG models in the Indian market ever since their inception in early 2000s, while being provided as a retro-fitted option. Today, things have changed drastically for the CNG technology, and we mean that in a good way. Let’s see how the CNG option has evolved in our markets over the years.

Introduced As A Low-cost Alternative To Petrol

As mentioned earlier, CNG became famous among car buyers in the early 2000s when it was being offered as a retro-fitted fuel alternative. It was regarded as a low-cost option to petrol and an easy-to-maintain alternative as well.

It wasn’t until the 2010s that carmakers themselves started rolling out cars with a factory-fitted CNG kit, and it was none other than the country’s largest carmaker – Maruti Suzuki – who took the first step. It came out with a series of CNG cars, starting with its best-selling model: the Alto.

Also Read: Here’s Why An Aftermarket CNG Kit Is A Big NO Over A Factory-fitted Kit

Difference In Perspective

When CNG was suggested by the government as a fuel alternative, it was majorly targeted at transitioning public transport from the fossil-sourced fuel options to a relatively cleaner alternative. Consequently, it became a popular choice among cab aggregators in the market, making the private car owners steer away from the CNG option.

However, with the changing times, the perception of CNG changed among buyers and carmakers alike as the latter started offering more models with factory-fitted CNG kits. Today, carmakers like Maruti, Hyundai, Tata and Toyota are already providing the relatively greener fuel option on some of their models, with Maruti still leading the race.

More Variants, More Features

Unlike earlier CNG cars – which came only in the entry-level to mid-spec variants – carmakers today have understood the requirements of private buyers, and are offering the kit on higher-specced or range-topping trims as well.

Providing more variants with CNG kits has also led to cars with the alternative fuel option being more loaded than before. Today, cars like the Maruti Baleno/Toyota Glanza, Tata Altroz, and even the Toyota Hyryder come with more premium features and safety equipment than previously sold CNG models. These include a touchscreen system, auto AC, and even a sunroof. Even the safety tech in CNG cars today has been upped a few notches as they come with a reversing camera, up to six airbags, and electronic stability control.

One of the best improvements in CNG cars’ features has come in the form of uncompromised boot space, as seen on the CNG versions of the Tata Altroz and Maruti Grand Vitara/Toyota Hyryder. It has been possible due to the well-designed boot ergonomics of these cars (Grand Vitara-Hyryder’s boot is bigger too), wherein the CNG tank goes deep inside the boot or is placed under the boot floor in a multi-cylinder layout (Altroz CNG). The Grand Vitara-Hyryder duo also became the first premium cars in India to get the CNG kit till date; only smaller hatchbacks were being offered with the alternative fuel option before this.

Upgrades In Powertrain

Of course, as a result of evolving technology, the powertrains of cars have received stark improvements over the last few years. Not only has their performance seen a rise to come closer to petrol-only counterparts, but their suspension, chassis, body framework and braking systems have also been tweaked a lot more to carry the additional weight of the tank(s). This helps in having no compromise in both performance and safety.

The improvement in CNG tech has also had a direct impact on increasing the claimed fuel efficiency of these cars today, with CNG SUVs like the Grand Vitara/Hyryder too having figures upward of 25km/kg. By allowing the owner to start the vehicle directly in CNG mode (a Tata exclusive as yet), CNG has evolved in that department too.

Also Read: The Bigger, The Better? These 10 Cars Have The Biggest Displays In The World

A Growing Number

One of the major concerns that kept private car buyers from purchasing CNG cars was the long queue at its refuelling stations due to limited network. However, with more and more customers picking CNG cars frequently, the refuelling stations across the country have been increasing as well.

As per the government data, there were over 4,500 CNG pumps already into existence in July 2022. The Petroleum and Natural Gas Ministry has already announced its plans to have more than 8,000 refuelling units by 2024 which should lead to an uptick in the sales of CNG cars.