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Compressed Natural Gas: Key to American Energy Independence?

Don't underestimate the value of having the OEMs produce NG vehicles in the past. That means all the safety, emissions, packaging, hardware and durability issues have been addressed. The vehicles were sold to fleets that had their own refueling facilities. Being able to purchase NG at the corner station is really the only thing left to make the concept acceptable to the public - look how many turned away from diesel vehicles because they could only purchase diesel fuel at a truck stop.

This is the perfect example for the government to step in a front the costs of adding NG to every gas station. With the lower cost, people will buy it, since there is really no downside consumers will see.

Will Automakers Switch to Natural Gas?

As someone involved with natural gas (NG) vehicles, too, I disagree with Scott. The electric expense relative to a refinery? BZZZT. If consumers can buy a garage version to fill their own car, the industry can afford larger compressors.

Tank inspections? If NG becomes popular, go back to the car dealer for the 3yr inspection- they have to service them anyway .

Would secretaries rather sit in front of a Molotov cocktail? Please, let's not scare people out of Home Depot because of a propane forklift that might blow up. I'd believe more injury from a loose tank being propelled, but not by fire or explosion. That's only in the movies.

The cost for tanks is cheaper now.

I agree the biggest problem is no NG stations. But there weren't diesel pumps before, either.

Will Automakers Switch to Natural Gas?

The OEMs already did NG cars (Dodge 5.2L, Ford Crown Vic 4.6L) for fleet sales. They would love to do more, since the emissions and calibrations are easier to deal with than gasoline.

The first sentence has the hint why they weren't massively popular - it isn't the acceptance, cost, driveability, or maintenance. It's the fuel distribution to customers. Fleets can afford to have their own refueling station and until there is a convenient NG station at every corner, people aren't going to convert older cars or buy new NG cars.

There are no NG "refineries." As such, there is a huge cost savings and I'm willing to let market forces compete for my dollar, which will keep prices low. Plus, having two vehicle fuel supplies will keep the US economy on steady footing - gee, imagine having a choice when Iranian oil is embargoed after their first nuclear underground test.

When you calculate the KWh to replace 100 billion gallons (US annual gasoline consumption) let us know how the electric grid can handle it. Also, given that electricity can't yet be stored easily or efficiently, it will be a nice second or third alternative but not primary. There is yet no way to store wind or sun, like you can coal, oil, or NG.