CNG two-wheelers may offer high mileage and low emissions but might stumble on performance

Furthermore, CNG two-wheelers offer lower performance compared to petrol two-wheelers.

An example of this is the CNG-powered Honda Activa. One of the main issues was the lack of power. There was a noticeable delay in response, especially during cold starts, and the vehicle struggled for power in CNG mode. Users were advised to run the scooter on petrol for a few kilometres before switching to CNG.

Bajaj further added, “When we made the prototype and compared the CNG motorcycle with the ICE motorcycle—the petrol motorcycle—there was an almost 50% reduction in CO2.” This highlights the environmental benefits of CNG two-wheelers. They emit 50% less CO2, 75% less carbon monoxide and almost zero non-methane hydrocarbons compared to petrol two-wheelers.

On the topic of cost-effectiveness, Bajaj stated, “In terms of the operating costs, which is more important for the regular customer, then is the emission consideration for better or worse? There is almost a 50 to 65% reduction in the operating cost in terms of the fuel bill. So it’s effectively like saying petrol, instead of Rs 110 a litre, is suddenly going to become Rs 50 a litre.”

Despite these advantages, CNG two-wheelers also have some drawbacks. They are usually more expensive than their petrol counterparts. The availability of CNG stations is limited, which can pose a challenge for users. The installation of a CNG tank can significantly reduce the storage space in two-wheelers, especially scooters.

Another challenge for the CNG-powered Honda Activa was the installation of the CNG kit. The kit, which included two CNG cylinders with a combined capacity of 1.4 kg, was located behind the apron. This not only reduced the scooter’s storage capacity but also added an additional 14 kg of weight, affecting the scooter’s performance. Furthermore, the CNG kit required biannual inspections for leaks and recalibration, adding to the maintenance cost.

Despite these challenges, the CNG-powered Honda Activa showed promise in terms of reduced emissions and lower operating costs. However, the trade-off in performance and convenience proved to be a significant barrier to its success.

On the other hand, petrol-run two-wheelers, when compared to CNG vehicles, have their advantages — they are generally easier to maintain due to their widespread use. In addition, with petrol pumps readily available, petrol they essentially have an unlimited range. While CNG two-wheelers offer a more environmentally friendly and cost-effective solution, they are likely to face challenges in terms of fuel availability, storage space and performance.