by Jim Younkin
(1) CNG vehicles are more dangerous than gasoline vehicles.
This is a false statement, natural gas is less volatile, and the CNG tanks are bullet proof and safety tested. The CNG vehicle safety record is second to none. Gasoline Vehicles are burning up all the time, if gasoline vehicles had just been invented, they would never make it to the road…
(2) CNG Vehicles always run cleaner than gasoline.
False. CNG can run cleaner than gasoline but it all depends on the tuning. Many “OEM” (original equipment manufacturer) CNG conversions may out started out running clean but all vehicles need tuning and retuning.
(3) A CNG Conversion that is EPA Certified will always be clean and safe.
False. An EPA Certification may start out clean but whether it is safe is up to the installer. A little known fact is that since most all of the older CNG Vehicles on the road today are EPA Certified, and as a CNG vehicle ages it develops leaks and runs dirtier, the EPA Certified vehicles on the road are the dirtiest and the most prone to leaks.
(4) The EPA has been the biggest help to the CNG Conversion Industry through its regulation and monitoring.
False. The EPA has actually been the biggest threat and burden on the CNG Conversion industry in the US. The linkage that ties a rebate to EPA Certification is illegal in my opinion, and favoritism at the very least. The installers overcharge about the same amount as the rebate. Fewer vehicles are converted and many would be converterters are scared away.
(5) The EPA can certify any CNG Conversion.
False. The EPA will only certify new vehicles; this is due to the fact that “Certification” testing is only valid within the “useful life” of a vehicle, 100,000 miles.
(6) EPA Certification never expires.
False. This is one of the biggest misconceptions in CNG Conversions. The Certification, like a vehicle “warranty” expires as the vehicle wears. Actually non EPA conversions since they are more readily tunable have shown to be cleaner as they age.
(7) All CNG Conversions must be EPA Certified.
False, this is the most vicious lie, the EPA will certify for a price a new vehicle but they have no time for or interest in the rest of the CNG Conversions as long as they are safe and clean.
(8) Converting a Vehicle to CNG is considered “tampering” and is illegal.
False. The EPA code defines “tampering” as causing a vehicle to run dirty or removing a pollution device from the vehicle. If a CNG Conversion runs clean it is as legal as any other car driving down the road.
(9) A CNG Conversion system you buy on the internet is a recipe for disaster.
False. It’s a sad fact that the United States is behind the rest of the world when it comes to CNG conversion components. There are many excellent CNG Conversion Kits and components available online, including here at AFC. We also offer training and technical support to help your conversion go smoothly.