The Indian trucking industry is the lifeblood of the nation’s economy, transporting essential goods across vast distances. But traditional diesel trucks come with a hidden cost: environmental pollution. However, a cleaner, greener alternative is gaining momentum – CNG trucks. Currently there are over 6200 CNG stations across India.
Table of Contents
What are CNG trucks?
CNG stands for Compressed Natural Gas. It’s a fuel primarily composed of methane gas that has been compressed to a pressure of around 3,600 pounds per square inch (psi) to make it more economical to store and transport.
CNG trucks are regular trucks outfitted with special engines designed to burn compressed natural gas instead of diesel fuel. Compared to diesel, CNG trucks emit fewer pollutants such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter. It produces significantly lower levels of greenhouse gases, contributing to reduced air pollution and lower carbon emissions. By using CNG trucks we can reduce the emissions upto:
CNG trucks in India
The beauty of CNG trucks in India lies in their diversity. Whether you need a mini-truck for city deliveries or a heavy-duty hauler for long hauls, there’s a CNG truck to meet your demands.
Some of the popular CNG trucks are:
Mini Trucks & Pickups:
Ideal for navigating tight city streets, these compact trucks offer excellent maneuverability and impressive fuel efficiency.
- Maruti Suzuki Super Carry CNG: Ideal for intra-city deliveries, this mini-truck offers excellent maneuverability and impressive fuel efficiency.
| Engine | 1.2L Petrol Engine converted to CNG |
| Power | 72.41 bhp |
| Price | Ex- showroom price = Rs. 6,30,500On road price = Rs. 7,10,594 |
- Mahindra Bolero Maxitruck Plus CNG: Another strong contender in the mini-truck segment, the Bolero Maxitruck Plus CNG truck provides a good balance between power and fuel economy.
| Mileage | 17.2 km/kg |
| Power | 67.05 bhp |
| Price | Ex- showroom price = Rs.7,89,000On road price = Rs. 9,03,879 |
Light & Medium Duty Trucks:
These trucks provide a good balance between payload capacity and range, making them suitable for regional transportation needs.
- Tata Ace Gold CNG Plus: A popular choice for regional transportation, the Tata Ace Gold CNG Plus offers a good payload capacity and decent range.
| Mileage | 21.4 kmpl |
| Power | 26 hp |
| Price | Ex- showroom price = Rs.3.99 to Rs. 6.69 lakhs |
- Eicher Pro 2049 CNG: This light-duty truck is known for its robustness and fuel efficiency, making it suitable for diverse applications.
| Mileage | 11 kmpl |
| Power | 95 hp |
| Price | Ex- showroom price = Rs.13.32 lakhs |
Heavy Duty Trucks:
Designed for long-distance hauls and heavy cargo movement, these powerful trucks boast large CNG tanks for extended range.
- Eicher Pro 2114XP CNG: A powerful contender for long-distance hauls, the Pro 2114XP CNG boasts impressive muscle and a large CNG tank for extended range.
| Mileage | 6.5 kmpl |
| Power | 135 hp |
| Price | Ex- showroom price = Rs.27.80 to 31.20 lakhs |
- Tata 1412g LPT CNG: Renowned for its reliability, the Tata 1412g LPT CNG is a workhorse for heavy-duty cargo movement.
| Mileage | 7 kmpl |
| Power | 125 hp |
| Price | Ex- showroom price = Rs.22.72 to 22.85 lakhs |
Pros of CNG trucks
- Cost-Effective: CNG is significantly cheaper than diesel, translating to substantial savings on operational fuel expenses.
- Eco-Friendly: CNG burns cleaner, emitting fewer harmful pollutants like particulate matter and nitrogen oxides. This reduces your business’s environmental impact.
- Government Support: The Indian government actively promotes CNG vehicles through subsidies and infrastructure development, making CNG trucks a viable option.
- Variety of Choices: From compact mini-trucks to powerful haulers, there’s a CNG truck perfectly suited for every application.
Cons of CNG trucks
- Limited Range: CNG tanks store less energy than diesel tanks, which means CNG trucks typically have a shorter driving range on a single fill.
- Limited Refueling Infrastructure: While growing, CNG filling stations are not as widespread as diesel pumps, which can limit operational flexibility.
- Higher Upfront Cost: CNG trucks generally have a higher initial purchase price compared to their diesel counterparts.
- Lower Power Output: CNG engines typically generate slightly less power compared to diesel engines of similar size.
Here is the difference between diesel trucks and CNG trucks in India
| Feature | Diesel Trucks | CNG Trucks |
| Fuel Cost (As of April 23) | Rs. 92. 34 per litre | Rs. 87 per kg |
| Emissions | Higher emissions | Lower emissions, considered cleaner burning |
| Power | More power and torque | Less power and torque |
| Vehicle Cost | Lower upfront cost | Higher upfront cost due to CNG tanks and technology |
| Refueling Infrastructure | Widespread availability of diesel stations | Growing CNG station network, but not as widespread as diesel |
Conclusion
Switching to CNG trucks can be a smart decision for your business, offering environmental and financial benefits. However, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons to ensure they align with your operational needs. Embrace the power of CNG trucks, explore the range of CNG truck options available, and find the perfect fit for your needs. With careful planning and strategic implementation, CNG trucks can power your business towards a sustainable and successful future.
Yoga Laxmi
Sometimes English is just silly. That's what got me hooked on writing in the first place. Why on earth can't "grateful" be spelled "greatful"? Here's the thing, I love untangling the knots of language just as much as I love untangling the complexities of logistics. In my blog posts, I'll do both! No "greatful" mistakes here, just good info and a smooth journey through the world of shipping.
