Complete Guide to CNG Kit Installation & Second-Hand CNG Car Prices
Complete Guide to CNG Kit Installation and Second-Hand CNG Car Costs
Introduction
People use Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as an alternative to petrol and diesel because it provides both economic advantages and environmental advantages. Many car owners are opting to install CNG kits in their vehicles, while others prefer buying second-hand CNG cars to save money. This detailed guide presents all necessary information about CNG vehicles including pricing information and advantages alongside negative factors and decision-making criteria.
What is a CNG Kit?
A CNG kit is a system that allows a vehicle to run on compressed natural gas instead of conventional fuels.The combined system contains these main components.
The pressure gauge serves as a device for monitoring the levels of gas pressure.
The regulator functions to both manage and correct gas flow for maintaining engine operational efficiency.
Clamps enable secure holding of different kit components.
High-Pressure Tube: Handles high gas pressure.
Refilling Valve: Allows refilling of CNG.
The design of the Electronic Control Unit controls gas flow sequences to optimize engine function and deliver efficient smooth performance.
Types of CNG Kits
CNG kits are mainly of two types:
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Venturi Kit
It operates based on a simple method of gas mixing.
Less expensive and easier to install.
Suitable for older carburetor-based cars.
Lower efficiency compared to sequential kits.
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Sequential Kit
Uses an ECU to control gas injection.
The system brings optimized results in fuel consumption together with improved engine functionalities.
More expensive than Venturi kits.
Suitable for modern cars with electronic fuel injection.
Sequential kits can be further divided into:
The open loop system features no oxygen sensor because it is cheaper to produce yet has reduced emission control capacity.
Better emission control becomes possible with an oxygen sensor in this system although it might lead to slight performance changes.
Cost of CNG Kits
The cost of a CNG kit depends on its type and brand. Here are estimated prices:
The price range for a factory-fitted sequential kit spreads from 60000 to 70000 rupees whereas a third-party sequential kit costs within 40000 to 50000 rupees and open loop and closed loop kits fall between 15000 to 20000 and 22000 to 25000 rupees respectively.
The cost range for updating both Registration and RC stands between ₹2,000 and ₹3,000.
The insurance rate may increase between ₹1,200 to ₹1,500
RTO-Approved CNG Kit Brands
Several brands manufacture RTO-approved CNG kits in India. Below are their approximate prices:
Bugatti: ₹45,000Unitax: ₹45,000Longas: ₹42,000Tomasetto: ₹40,000Zavoli: ₹39,999Lovato Autogas: ₹31,999Bedni: ₹30,000Landi-Renzo: ₹30,000SKN: ₹30,000BRC: ₹29,999Tartarini: ₹25,000
Installation Process of a CNG Kit
Expert professionals with certification need to carry out the installation of CNG kits because it requires technical expertise. The steps include:
Vehicle Inspection: Ensuring the car is compatible with a CNG kit.
Selection of kits must happen based on the vehicle model.
Installation: Proper fitting of the cylinder, pipelines, regulator, and ECU.
Checking gas flow and leak detection along with assessing system operational readiness constitutes testing.
Certification: Getting approval from the RTO and updating the Registration Certificate (RC).
Benefits of CNG Kit Installation
The lower price of CNG than diesel and petrol offers users reduced cost for fuel expenditures.
CNG produces environmentally friendly emissions because its fuel burns with reduced pollutants.
The engine operates longer because cleaner combustion minimizes mechanical damage.
Fuel Purity: CNG is less likely to be adulterated compared to petrol or diesel.
Disadvantages of CNG Kit
Users must spend a notable amount on installing the system during its initial deployment.
Reduced Boot Space: The CNG cylinder takes up trunk space.
Power Reduction occurs as some vehicles show decreased power and diminished pickup capabilities.
The current availability of public refueling locations for compressed natural gas stands limited because different areas do not provide easy access to these stations.
Cost of Second-Hand CNG Cars
Using a pre-owned CNG vehicle saves money for buyers. The price depends on the brand, model, year, condition, and location. Below are the estimated prices for used CNG cars:
- Maruti Suzuki Alto CNG (2018 to 2022): ₹2.50 Lakh – ₹4.50 Lakh
Maruti Suzuki WagonR CNG (2017-2022): ₹3, 50,000 – ₹6, 00,000
Hyundai Santro CNG (2019-2022): ₹4,00,000 – ₹5,50,000
Hyundai Grand i10 CNG (2018-2022): ₹5 lakh – ₹7 lakh
Honda City CNG (2017-2021): Rs 6,00,000 – Rs 9,00,000
Things to Check Before Buying a Second-Hand CNG Car
Examine the kit for signs of damage or leakage as well as material degradation.
RTO Approval: Ensure the RC mentions the CNG kit.
Independent testing of vehicle performance will evaluate both acceleration speed and mileage consumption through a driving assessment.
Insurance Coverage: Verify if the insurance includes CNG coverage.
Conclusion
The installation of CNG kits in vehicles or purchase of used CNG vehicles leads to decreased fuel expenses while diminishing environmental emissions. However, one must consider installation expenses, boot space reduction, and the availability of refueling stations before making a decision. You should purchase all CNG vehicles from authorized dealers while obtaining proper certification to prevent safety risks and both legal and safety issues.
The guide delivers complete clarity about CNG kits combined with the knowledge needed to select used CNG vehicles.
