CNG vs. LNG

Both CNG and LNG start with the same pipeline natural gas.

A CNG station uses natural gas delivered to the station using the utility’s local distribution pipeline. A CNG station compresses the gas to fuel vehicle tanks to a pressure of 3,600 PSI. LNG is produced at a large industrial plant that is fed natural gas from a large transmission pipeline. An LNG plant cools the natural gas to approximately -250F to convert the gas to a liquid. The LNG is then transported by truck-and-trailer from the production plant to the LNG fueling station.

CNG and LNG have their own respective advantages and disadvantages. CNG is a simple consumer fuel that is suitable for light-duty, medium-duty, and medium-heavy-duty vehicles. The fueling process is quite simple and CNG costs less than LNG. However, CNG takes more space for storage and the storage tanks are more expensive and heavier compared to LNG. LNG is a professional fuel that is suitable for heavy-duty trucks. Since LNG is a liquid, LNG dispensing and storage are similar to diesel. Since LNG storage is more compact and lighter than CNG, a heavy-duty truck can hold more fuel on-board at lighter weight than CNG.

In summary, light-and medium-duty vehicles will use CNG. Heavy duty vehicles will make a choice between LNG and CNG based on:

• Fuel cost
• Vehicle cost
• Fuel system weight
• Tank configuration
• Fueling frequency and vehicle range between fueling
  

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