CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) has it all. Simply put, it is currently the most environmentally-friendly fossil fuel. Less polluting and more economical than traditional fuels, it is – along with electricity – among the most promising energy alternatives. Drivers using the Network Fleet Card have access to the largest CNG network in Belgium.

Indeed, CNG is a very attractive alternative both environmentally and economically. That is the conclusion of an independent study published in 2019 and conducted by CREG, the Commission for Electricity and Gas Regulation, the federal body for the regulation of the electricity and natural gas markets in Belgium.
Taking into account, for example, purchase price and fuel and usage costs, cars running on CNG are significantly cheaper than diesel cars, from the first kilometre. In Flanders, CNG vehicles do not pay first vehicle registration tax (belasting op inverkeerstelling, BIV) or annual road tax (in force until the end of 2020).
Also, for cars, the price at the pump is up to 40% cheaper than petrol and diesel. But, in addition to the price at the pump, consumption remains lower for CNG (kg/km) compared to diesel and even lower compared to petrol. How about an example? A CNG VW Polo consumes 3.1 kg/100 km, which amounts to +/- € 3.2 for a 100 km journey (source: Touring). With regard to heavy goods vehicles, the CREG study recognises that the market may be impacted differently by CNG due to the influence of other factors such as residual value and maintenance costs.
In environmental terms and, more specifically, with regard to the reduction of fine particles and NOx, CNG is a suitable choice for passenger cars.

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What exactly is CNG?

CNG is the same natural gas that we use to heat our homes, in other words, municipal gas for domestic use. Distributed to stations by the natural gas network, it is compressed on site up to 300 bars, and stored under pressure. It allows you to refuel as simply and quickly as with a so-called traditional fuel: petrol or diesel.

What CNG models are available?

At present, three volume manufacturers offer CNG vehicles: the Italian Fiat, the German Volkswagen group and all its different brands (VW, Audi, Škoda and Seat) and the South Korean SsangYong. From shopping hatchback to family saloon, VW has a complete range, while Fiat’s CNG offering focuses on commercial vehicles. But while VW and Fiat offer vehicles specifically designed to use compressed natural gas, SsangYong offers a CNG kit as an option that is installed in the vehicle on delivery.

Environmentally-friendly and economical, CNG meets numerous expectations of car fleet managers. With the Network Fleet Card, your employees have access to the no. 1 CNG network in Belgium with + 90 supply points.

CNG, LNG, LPG… What are they?

  • CNG (Compressed Natural Gas): this is the same gas that powers our boilers at home and, in other words, fuel obtained by compressing natural gas, which is injected at a pressure of 200 bars into your vehicle’s tank.
  • LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas): like CNG, it is a fuel obtained from natural gas, which becomes a liquid by lowering its temperature to exactly -162°C.
  • LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas): this mixture of propane and butane is not a natural gas, but a sub-derivative of oil that has been compressed at between 5 and 7 bars.

5 facts about CNG

  • CNG makes the vehicle’s engine twice as quiet as a petrol or diesel engine.
  • CNG is a gas that is lighter than air. CNG vehicles are therefore not subject to the banning of access to underground car parks, which usually affects LPG vehicles.
  • CNG ignites at 580°, compared to 220° for petrol and 250° for diesel.
  • No excise duties at the pump.
  • “CNG” is the English term most commonly used. However, it may also be referred to as “GNC” in France (Gaz Naturel Comprimé), and also in Spain (Gas Natural Comprimido) and Italy (Gas Naturale Compresso), while in Portugal it is referred to using the acronym “GNV” (Gás Natural Veicular).

Towards a new kind of mobility

While use of CNG is still limited, it is among the fuels of the future and is causing fleet managers to consider a long-term vision: with petrol becoming more expensive than diesel again and vice versa, and with the development of increasingly strict environmental standards in the face of climate and energy imperatives, and in challenging economic circumstances due to the pandemic, is it not time to review your engine choice for the renewal of your fleet?

Learn more about our CNG offering

Does your fleet consist mainly of diesel and petrol vehicles, and would you like to estimate the saving you could enjoy by adopting CNG? Would you like to know how CNG can meet your company’s environmental transition objectives? Contact us by email. We would be happy to answer your questions: generalcardrequests-be@shell.com