FAQ

CNG

What’s CNG fuel?

CNG (compressed natural gas) is the methane, the hydrocarbon of which the mix called natural gas is almost entirely composed by.

LPG

What’s LPG fuel?

LPG is the international acronym for liquefied petroleum gas. It is a crude refining product and a natural gas coming from the oilfields.
It has a complex composition but it is mainly made up by propane and butane.

CNG

Which are the characteristics of CNG vehicles supply?

CNG is an excellent fuel for controlled ignition engines, allowing to achieve great performances, low consumptions, very low polluting emissions and almost complete absence of carbon residuals into the engine. Thanks to its molecular structure, it can increase the energetic efficiency while reducing consumptions very much.

LPG

Which are the characteristics of LPG vehicles supply?

LPG gives vehicles excellent performances in terms of power, flexibility and engine good working, as well as it maintains the same engine oil properties for longer.

CNG

How many CNG supplied vehicles are used in Italy?

In Italy 3,420,776 vehicles supplied by alternative fuels and propulsions are travelling, of which 926.704 (2,41) have petrol-CNG bi-fuel engine. All bi-fuel vehicles are 8,88% of national car fleet (information provided by Consorzio Ecogas study centre)

LPG

How many LPG supplied vehicles are used in Italy?

In Italy 3,420,776 vehicles supplied by alternative fuels and propulsions are travelling, of which 2,309,020 (5,99%) have petrol-LPG bi-fuel engine. All bi-fuel vehicles are 8,88% of national car fleet (information provided by Consorzio Ecogas study centre).

CNG

Which are the environmental benefits?

With CNG systems, CO2 (carbon dioxide) emissions are reduced by 20% and particulate matter (PM10), main cause of air pollution, is zero. Find out more LPG OR CNG SYSTEM: WHICH TO CHOOSE

LPG

Which are the environmental benefits?

With LPG systems, co2 (carbon dioxide) emissions are reduced by 10%.
The total absence of sulfur and lead gases is accompanied by a significant reduction in carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and nitrogen. Find out more LPG OR CNG SYSTEM: WHICH TO CHOOSE

CNG

How much does CNG cost approximately?

CNG supplied by filling stations is measured in kilogrammes. 1 kg of CNG (year 2018) costs approximately 0,99 €/kg and corresponds to about 1,5 litres of petrol. In short, the use of CNG offers considerable economic advantages.

Calculates savings

LPG

How much can I save with a LPG system?

Assumed that 1 litre of LPG costs 50% less than 1 litre of petrol and LPG consumptions are about 20% more than petrol ones, it can be said that with a LPG converted vehicle you can have about 40% fuel savings compared to original petrol supply.

CNG

What is the range of CNG vehicles?

The total capacity (in litres) of cylinders installed divided by four gives with good approximation the equivalent CNG cubic metres contained into the tank.
For example, a 80 litres cylinder contains about 20 cubic meters of CNG.
Assuming to average 14 km to the CNG cubic metre (roughly equivalent to 12,5 km per petrol litre), the range should be at around 280 km.

LPG

How much does LPG cost approximately?

1 litre of LPG costs approximately 50% less than 1 litre of petrol.
Calculates savings

CNG

Why can the vehicle range change from a filling to another?

The difference between two different fillings depends on both driving style and quantity of fuel supplied. The engine efficiency and the atmospheric conditions (air pressure and humidity) influence the engine performances too.

Being CNG not liquid, the fuel quantity supplied is not only a matter of tank volume (capacity of cylinders in litres) but also of pressure and temperature achieved at the end of filling; so, fuel quantity supplied can slightly change every time (the same happens in case of liquid fuels, but in a less sensible way).

The quantity supplied also depends on gas features (see next question).

LPG

How does consumption change using LPG?

It is in the nature of LPG to have a specific energy lower than the petrol one; consumption is approximately 20% increased.

CNG

Why can I pay two different amounts for the same refuelling?

It is quite normal that gas network supplies CNG with different composition and origin, even to the same filling station at different times. This can result in difference on kg supplied and amount to be paid. It should be said, however, that the heavier the gas, the bigger the energy content – and the longer the range.

LPG

What is the range of LPG vehicles?

This should be calculated on a case-by-case basis, starting from the dimension of tank, that is subject to 80% filling limitation for safety reasons, as per law requirements.

By way of example, a 60 litre tank can effectively stock 48 litre of LPG. Assuming to average 10 km to the LPG litre (roughly equivalent to 12 km per petrol litre), the range should be at around 480 km.

CNG

How to refuel the CNG vehicle and how long does it take?

A CNG vehicle is filled by connecting the suitable nozzle to the car filling valve, generally situated into the engine compartment or next to the petrol filler.

In a modern filling station supplying CNG by weight, the refuelling can take 2 or 3 minutes on a mid-size vehicle (80 – 100 litres cylinder).

LPG

Why can the vehicle range change from a filling to another?

Different driving conditions and, sometimes, different LPG chemical composition can influence consumptions very much. It is therefore important to compare consumptions all conditions being equal.

CNG

Where can I refuel a CNG vehicle?

Distribution network has today about 1.200 CNG stations in Italy, constantly growing, and approximately 3.700 CNG stations in 29 European countries.

LPG

How to refuel the LPG vehicle and how long does it take?

A LPG vehicle is filled by connecting the suitable nozzle to the car filling inlet, which is different for some countries. Before moving to a foreign country, check if your refuelling point is the right one or buy the suitable adapter.

CNG

Does the CNG system really damage the engine?

CNG system does not damage the right engine operation at all, on the contrary it extends its life.

LPG

Where can I refuel a LPG vehicle?

Distribution network has today more than 4.000 LPG stations in Italy and approximately 8.700 LPG stations in 11 European countries.

CNG

Which vehicles can be converted to CNG?

OMVL provides approved CNG supply systems consistent with most of todays’ car engines on the market, so that you can convert to CNG almost all petrol vehicles (both the carburettor and the injection or supercharged ones) without incurring any technical problem. Ask anyway a OMVL installer for checking in details your engine and providing more specific information.

LPG

Does the LPG system really damage the engine?

LPG system does not damage the right engine operation at all.

CNG

How long does the CNG conversion take?

It depends on the kind of system and the installer labour organisation. On average, the conversion takes a few days.

LPG

Which vehicles can be converted to LPG?

OMVL provides approved LPG supply systems consistent with most of todays’ car engines on the market, so that you can convert to LPG almost all petrol vehicles (both the carburettor and the injection or supercharged ones).

Ask anyway a OMVL installer for checking in details your engine and providing more specific information.

CNG

How big is the power loss of a CNG converted engine?

In case of the modern systems the difference in performances driving the car is almost imperceptible.

LPG

How long does the LPG conversion take?

It depends on the kind of system and the installer labour organisation. On average, the conversion takes a couple of days.

CNG

Despite the CNG saving and eco-friendly aspects, is the car boot space reduced?

More than one only CNG cylinder can be installed on a car. So, by optimising the choice in accordance with the car boot, we can save space considerably without reducing the CNG total capacity too much.

LPG

How big is the power loss of a LPG converted engine?

In case of the modern systems the difference in performances driving the car is imperceptible (approx 2-3 % power loss).

CNG

Do the CNG systems need a specific maintenance?

CNG systems do not need any specific maintenance. Following the instructions indicated by the use and maintenance booklet of the system is suggested. In Italy, a specific tag required by the law (CNG cylinders fund committee) shows safety and validity information about cylinders installed on the car, necessary to refuel. CNG cylinders must be replaced after 4 or 5 years from its final test according to the compliant regulation.

Please check the related laws in force in your country.

LPG

Despite the LPG saving and eco-friendly aspects, is the car boot space reduced?

Two kinds of LPG tank can be installed on a car: ring-shaped or cylindrical. The first one is usually installed into the spare wheel compartment (inside or outside the vehicle) so that luggage capacity is not affected. The cylindrical tank is usually installed into the car boot so that space for luggage is partially reduced according to the tank dimensions.

CNG

Can I park the CNG car anywhere?

In Italy, CNG vehicles are not subject to any restriction concerning underground parking.

LPG

Do the LPG systems need a specific maintenance?

LPG systems do not need any specific maintenance. Following the instructions indicated by the use and maintenance booklet of the system is suggested. In Italy, LPG tank must be replaced after 10 years from its final test. Please check the related laws in force in your country.

CNG

Can I use CNG vehicles in case of traffic restrictions?

Thanks to the very low polluting emissions, CNG vehicles can move freely into the historical centres during traffic restriction periods too, except for different indications.

LPG

Can I park the LPG car anywhere?

In Italy, LPG vehicles can be parked in the above-ground lots and in the first basement of underground multi-level garages, thanks to the safety level achieved by modern conversion systems and required by regulation ECE/ONU 67-01 and lgs. Decree nov 22th 2002 of Ministry of Interior. Please check the related laws in force in your country.

CNG

How much does it cost on average to convert a car from petrol to petrol-CNG bi-fuel supply?

The CNG conversion cost depends on many factors, such as the vehicle original supply (injection, direct injection), the kind of equipment installed (traditional, timed injection), the number of cylinders and so on.

LPG

What level of safety have the OMVL gas systems reached?

All OMVL products are the result of years of research, experimentation and development processes. The quality insurance and management system specifically planned and applied assures the compliance of manufacturing processes to regulations UNI EN ISO 9001:2008 and ISO TS   16949:2009.

Gas systems complies with European and national laws in force. As well as CE regulations and norms concerning polluting emissions (Euro III, EuroIV, EuroV ed EuroVI) and electromagnetic compatibility.

CNG

Can I benefit from economic incentives in case of conversion?

Periodically, some economic measures are aimed at facilitating the CNG vehicles users. Visit the following links for more detailed information about incentives currently in force

www.ecogas.it

www.ngvitaly.com

LPG

Can I use LPG vehicles in case of traffic restrictions?

Thanks to the very low polluting emissions, LPG vehicles can move freely into the historical centres during traffic restriction periods too, except for different indications.

LPG

How much does it cost on average to convert a car from petrol to petrol-LPG bi-fuel supply?

The LPG conversion cost depends on many factors, such as the vehicle original supply (injection, direct injection), the kind of equipment installed (traditional, timed injection), the kind of tank.

LPG

Can I benefit from economic incentives in case of conversion?

Periodically some economic measures are aimed at facilitating the LPG vehicles users. Visit the following links for more detailed information about incentives currently in force

www.ecogas.it,

assogasliquidi.federchimica.it

CNG

Where can I convert my car to CNG?

OMVL authorized workshops are able to install LPG systems on any model. Contact your nearest authorized dealer who will direct you to an authorized OMVL workshop: evolve your driving experience today!

LPG

Where can I convert my car to LPG?

OMVL authorized workshops are able to install LPG systems on any model. Contact your nearest authorized dealer who will direct you to an authorized OMVL workshop: evolve your driving experience today!