About CNG (Compressed Natural Gas)

Natural gas is one of the safest, cleanest, and most useful forms of energy. It represents about 25% of all primary energy used in the United States. The natural gas used for NGVs (Natural Gas Vehicle) is the same natural gas that is piped to millions of homes for cooking and heating. Information on the superior safety characteristics of natural gas can be found here. Around 90% of natural gas is methane (CH4),which is just one carbon atom with four hydrogen atoms attached, with the remainder comprising of propane, butane and other components. Composition varies according to the source of the natural gas.

The only simpler fuel available is hydrogen, which is technically an energy 'carrier' rather than an energy source itself. As yet there is no economic method of creating and distributing large quantities of hydrogen, so, until this occurs, natural gas will remain the clean fuel of choice for some time. Being rich in Hydrogen, natural gas is often used as a feedstock, which is one of the reasons why natural gas vehicles are often referred to as the 'pathway to the hydrogen economy'. Ultimately, an investment in natural gas infrastructure is an investment in hydrogen infrastructure

Natural gas, although a fossil fuel, is considered to be an alternative energy source because it is a preferable alternative to oil. You may say, "Why is natural gas considered to be an alternative fuel? Isn't gas a fossil fuel?" You are right – natural gas is a fossil fuel but it is different from gasoline, petroleum and coal because it does not contain the same harmful compounds found in other fossil fuels. Unlike gasoline, petroleum and coal, natural gas has a negligible sulfur dioxide content, does not contain lead, has a low nitrogen dioxide content, a low particulate content, and a low carbon monoxide content. As well, natural gas does not require carcinogenic (cancer-causing) additives to boost octane levels because natural gas is naturally high in octane. In addition, natural gas is still abundantly available which means that it is practical to rely on its continued supply for hundreds of years into the future. 

CNG - is natural gas under pressure which remains clear, odorless, and non-corrosive. Although vehicles can use natural gas as either a liquid or a gas, most vehicles use the gaseous form compressed to pressures above 3,600 pounds per square inch. 

Benefits from using CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) 
1. Making America less dependent on foreign oil.
2. Urban smog reduction.
3. It's safe and lighter-than-air, CNG is nontoxic and disperses quickly. It has a higher ignition temperature than  gasoline and diesel fuel, which reduces the chances of accidental ignition.
4. Cost effective. Current prices are cheaper by about 40% per gasoline gallon equivalent. Natural gas as a vehicle fuel actually costs less today than conventional gasoline.
5. CNG burns cleaner and produces lower levels of harmful pollutants than gasoline or diesel vehicles.
6. CNG vehicles reduce emissions of carbon monoxide and reactive hydrocarbons.
7. CNG contains no particulates such as those associated with diesel fuel, and also reduces emissions of carbon  dioxide - the principal "greenhouse" gas.
8. Vehicle emissions are lower with natural gas than with gasoline because ignition temperatures are higher  and combustion is more efficient.
9. Engine maintenance cost can be reduced by extending time between oil changes because the particulate materials that are produced during the combustion cycle of gasoline engines and cause the engine oil to get dirty are not present in the CNG engine.
10. Fewer environmental hazards combared to other fuels.
11. Readily available. The United States has a huge natural gas resource base.
12. It's the most practical. Natural gas is the most efficient feedstock for the production of hydrogen. It's part of an infrastructure that's convertible to hydrogen. CNG stations can easily be converted to hydrogen delivery due to their common properties.
13. It's possible to produce hydrogen-natural gas-blended fuel. A hydrogen/cng blend makes good economic and environmental sense.
14. All 50 states and all major metropolitan areas have existing infrastructure which gives access to natural gas  and are not dependent on other countries.
15. Natural gas is also piped directly to the fueling station, reducing the need to transport the fuel, as well as, eliminating the need of ordering and delivery schedules.
16. It's Cheaper Than Hydrogen. The projected cost of hydrogen currently is in excess of $8.00 per gallon.