For a nation stricken with air pollution, where millions of commuters prefer two wheelers, a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to fossil fuels is the need of the hour. As per the International Organisation of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers (OICA) 2015 Statistics, the domestic motor vehicle sales in India between April 2015 and March 2016 were approximately 20.47 million units, of which two-wheelers were 16.5
million, constituting 80% of the total sales.
Another study by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) reveals that two-wheelers account for 31% of vehicular pollution, whereas four-wheelers constitute 20%.
Considering the number of two-wheelers on Indian roads, the total pollution caused by them is approximately 50% more than that of four-wheelers. The search for alternate fuels for two-wheelers is on the rise, and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) seems to be the road ahead.
Why should you use CNG motorcycles?
A Natural Gas Vehicle (NGV) or a CNG-fuelled vehicle is a vehicle that uses CNG as a cleaner alternative to fossil fuels. CNG offers several benefits over fossil fuels, such as:
- Engine parts corrode gradually with CNG than with fossil fuels
- Offers high mileage
- Almost 30% less emissions
- Cleaner emissions with an extremely low carbon content
The operational cost of CNG fuelled vehicle is 60% less than petrol and 28% less than diesel vehicle. Interestingly, replacing a diesel bus with a CNG bus is equivalent to taking 21 cars off the road. With deteriorating air quality in Indian metros, CNG fuelled vehicles are paving the way towards cleaner and reduced emissions.
Benefits of CNG
Choosing a CNG-powered two-wheeler brings with it a host of benefits:
- Lower emissions: CNG burns cleaner than petrol, producing significantly less carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and particulate matter.
- Cost-effective fuel: On average, CNG costs much less than petrol or diesel, leading to savings in the long term.
- Quieter engine performance: CNG engines generally run quieter, adding to rider comfort.
- Reduced maintenance: Cleaner combustion leads to less residue build-up in the engine, potentially reducing the frequency and cost of maintenance.
- Eco-friendly reputation: Using a CNG two-wheeler signals a conscious lifestyle choice and contributes positively to your environmental footprint.
While investing in a CNG bike, it is also wise to consider two wheeler insurance to protect your eco-conscious choice. Opting for comprehensive bike insurance ensures coverage not just against accidents but also against theft, fire and natural disasters.
Challenges for CNG bikes
Despite their advantages, CNG-powered motorcycles also face certain challenges:
- Limited availability: There are only a few models available in the Indian market, with Bajaj leading the charge.
- Refuelling infrastructure: While metros have a decent number of CNG stations, smaller cities and rural areas still lack coverage, limiting accessibility.
- Performance trade-offs: Some users might find CNG bikes slightly less powerful or responsive compared to their petrol counterparts, especially in high-speed or long-distance travel.
- Storage concerns: CNG tanks may take up additional space or alter the design aesthetics of the two-wheeler.
CNG-fuelled two wheeler feasibility and the road ahead
The government of India has launched 10 Honda Activa CNG scooters along with a two-wheeler CNG kit approved by the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) in Delhi. The Activa is launched at ₹ 65,000 and offers a mileage of 120 km/litre with a running cost of 60-65 paise/km, which is half that of petrol.
Although the two-wheelers have not yet been launched for the general public but their promising mileage and cost effectiveness, accompanied by low and clean emissions, will make them a daily sight very soon. Once they hit the road, don’t forget to buy bike insurance for your CNG fuelled two-wheeler.
Conclusion
CNG two-wheelers, with the promise of low carbon emissions, affordability and convenience, are emerging as a good option on Indian roads. While they are not as mainstream as petrol bikes or electric scooters, CNG two-wheelers are becoming popular.
As more riders opt for CNG-powered motorcycles, supported by infrastructure growth and the safety net of comprehensive bike insurance, we move one step closer to a healthier, greener future for all.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It may contain outdated data and information regarding the topic featured in the article. It is advised to verify the currency and relevance of the data and information before taking any major steps. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or consequences resulting from the use of this outdated information.