Can vehicles in Xinjiang no longer convert from gasoline to gas after July 1st?
4 Answers
After July 1st, vehicles in Xinjiang can no longer convert from gasoline to gas or change their power type. Few gas stations: After converting to gas, vehicles need to refuel at gas stations, but currently there are not many gas station networks nationwide, resulting in difficulties in refueling. Vehicle malfunctions after conversion: Many car owners have reported that after converting to gas, vehicles often experience minor issues, such as difficulty starting when cold. Gas tanks occupy space: Vehicles converted to gas require the installation of a gas tank in the trunk, making the trunk space feel even smaller. Natural gas is a gaseous fuel, making it difficult to store and transport: It needs to be pressurized or liquefied for bottling, and gas stations require larger investments than gasoline or diesel stations. In areas where gas stations are scarce, refueling is quite challenging.
I've been keeping an eye on the vehicle policy changes in Xinjiang, and indeed heard about the new regulation stating that after July 1st, no additional gasoline-to-natural gas conversions will be allowed. Specifically, it means you can no longer install natural gas systems on fuel-powered vehicles, which aligns with the national policy direction of promoting new energy vehicles. But don't worry, vehicles that have already been converted can still operate as usual, with no impact on inspections or refueling. I reckon this adjustment is due to long-term safety hazards associated with converted vehicles, such as aging gas cylinders or non-standard modifications that can easily lead to accidents. Moreover, with electric vehicle technology becoming increasingly mature, the government is more inclined to encourage a direct switch to new energy vehicles. Friends with conversion needs are advised to check the specific implementation standards with local vehicle management offices in advance to avoid making a wasted trip.
Many of my friends in the transportation business have been asking about this. I checked the announcement from the Xinjiang Department of Transportation, which clearly states that new oil-to-gas conversion services will be suspended starting July. In fact, there were rumors of adjustments two years ago, given the chaos in the modification market: small workshops using low-quality parts and improperly installed gas tanks, which can lead to explosion accidents. Owners who have already converted their vehicles don’t need to worry—annual inspections will proceed as usual, and gas stations will continue to operate. For those who frequently drive long distances, I recommend considering a new dual-fuel vehicle or transitioning to a hybrid, which is much more reliable than going through the hassle of modifications.
Our repair shop has recently received many inquiries. Here's a unified response for everyone: The new regulations target fuel vehicles that haven't been modified yet, and already modified ones are not affected. The main reason behind this is environmental pressure. The air quality in Xinjiang during winter is poor, and the exhaust emission control of oil-gas mixed combustion is not as precise as that of pure electric vehicles. Additionally, modified vehicles usually experience a power drop of about 10%, especially noticeable when climbing hills. The money saved from long-term use may not compensate for the wear and tear. Nowadays, electric vehicles can reach a range of over 500 kilometers, and the cost is roughly the same as using gas. The shift in policy is understandable.
