Sponsored feature: Busted - Top myths about CNG cars

 Thanks to high petrol and diesel prices, sales of CNG cars have increased significantly. And, if the requisite infrastructure is put in place, a report by consultancy firm Nomura Research Institute estimates that CNG cars are likely to account for 50 percent of vehicle sales in India by 2030. The government also recently drew up a Natural Gas Infrastructure Development Plan that aims to set up 10,000 CNG stations over the next decade. That means we could well be seeing a larger number of CNG cars, or that there will be several upcoming CNG models. But despite the increasing shift towards CNG cars, they are still surrounded by several myths. These misconceptions relate to acceleration, mileage, the ease of living with one and so on. Here, we bust some of these very myths.

#Myth 1: CNG impacts longevity of the engine

There is no reason why a CNG model can't last as long as a petrol or diesel-engined car. While it is true that CNG does not possess the lubricating properties of liquid fuels such as petrol, which could lead to quicker wear and tear of engine components, manufacturers use specially designed materials to counter this problem. Maruti, for instance, uses specially designed valve seats and mounting parts in the cylinder heads. to ensure the longevity of the engine.

#Myth 2: CNG cars are very sluggish to drive

It is indeed true that CNG cars are not as perky as cars that run on conventional fuels. But the lag in performance is not significant and is in no way a deal- breaker, especially in our crowded cities, or the highways. 

#Myth 3: CNG cars might not be safe

CNG variants of regular cars are as safe as any other car that uses conventional fuels. Carmakers such as Maruti, which is the biggest player in the CNG car market, go to great lengths to make it so. A special nozzle ensures quicker and safer refuelling. the CNG tanks used in the models are both corrosion-resistant and leak-proof, and the pipes and joints are made from stainless steel to both prevent leakage and ensure thorough safety.

#Myth 4: CNG cars are expensive to purchase and run

CNG variants are marginally more expensive than regular models. But if you drive anywhere over 800 km a month, CNG cars have significantly lower running costs compared to both petrol and diesel cars, and the extra money spent on the purchase can be recovered over a period of time. As importantly, CNG models deliver impressive mileage Maruti claims that its Wagon-R can deliver a mileage of 26 km/kg, and its 10.8-kg tank has a claimed range of 33.54 km/kg. In short, like with all cars, regular check-ups at service stations can make the ownership experience an enjoyable and cost-effective one.