
Yes, you can purchase a new vehicle specifically designed to run on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), or you can convert a standard gasoline-powered car to use CNG. However, the market for new CNG vehicles in the U.S. is primarily limited to commercial fleets and specific heavy-duty models. For everyday consumers, the most practical path often involves a bi-fuel conversion, which allows a car to run on both CNG and gasoline, providing flexibility when CNG fueling stations are not available.
New CNG vehicles are not as common as electric or hybrid models. You'll typically find them from manufacturers like Ford and General Motors, but they are often sold as chassis cabs for upfitting into work trucks or as commercial vehicles. The Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD and Ford F-150 have been available in CNG-ready versions in certain years. Passenger cars are extremely rare; the Honda Civic Natural Gas was a notable exception but was discontinued in 2015.
The more common approach is a bi-fuel conversion. This is an aftermarket process where a qualified technician installs a CNG tank, fuel lines, and a dedicated fuel injection system. This modification is EPA-compliant when done correctly. Almost any gasoline-powered car with a modern fuel-injected engine can be converted, but it's most cost-effective for high-mileage vehicles where the fuel savings will offset the initial investment of $5,000 to $12,000.
| Vehicle Manufacturer | Model Example | CNG Availability Type | Key Consideration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ford | F-150, F-250 HD, F-350 | Factory-Bi-Fuel (Fleet-focused) | Primarily sold to commercial fleets; limited retail availability. |
| General Motors | Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD | Factory-Bi-Fuel (Fleet-focused) | Similar to Ford, aimed at commercial and government buyers. |
| Honda | Civic Natural Gas (discontinued) | Factory-Dedicated CNG | Historically the main passenger car option; now only on the used market. |
| Ram | 2500 Heavy Duty CNG | Factory-Bi-Fuel | Another heavy-duty truck option for fleet operations. |
| Various (Aftermarket) | Toyota Camry, Ford Crown Victoria | Bi-Fuel Conversion | Almost any gasoline car can be converted by a certified installer. |
Before choosing a CNG vehicle, the biggest factor to consider is fueling infrastructure. Public CNG stations are not nearly as widespread as gasoline stations, so your ability to conveniently refuel will depend heavily on your location and daily routes. The financial payoff is best for drivers who log high annual mileage.

Honestly, you're mostly looking at work trucks. I looked into this for my contracting business. Ford and Chevy sell big pickup trucks—like the F-250 or Silverado 2500—that can run on CNG right from the factory, but they're really meant for companies. For a regular car, your best bet is finding a used Honda Civic Natural Gas, but they stopped making them years ago. The other option is paying to convert a car you already own, but that's a big upfront cost.

From an environmental standpoint, it's encouraging that many fleet vehicles are adopting CNG. While the consumer market is slim, the technology is proven. The key is the bi-fuel system, which is a clever engineering solution that provides a safety net. I appreciate that the conversion process is regulated by the EPA, ensuring emissions standards are met. It's a viable, cleaner-burning alternative for those with access to fueling, and it's a shame there aren't more factory options for everyday drivers who want to reduce their carbon footprint.

It's a niche market. You won't find many on a regular dealer lot. The real action is in the conversion scene. A certified shop can turn a standard gasoline car into a bi-fuel vehicle. Think of it like adding a second, much cheaper fuel tank. It's perfect for a high-mileage commuter car or a delivery vehicle. The conversion isn't cheap, but if you drive enough, the savings on fuel compared to gasoline can be significant. Just make sure you have a CNG station on your route.

The short answer is: mainly trucks and fleet vehicles. It's not like walking into a dealership and picking a CNG sedan off the lot. The Honda Civic was the last real passenger car, and it's been gone for a while. Today, if you see a CNG vehicle, it's probably a Ford work truck or a city bus. For your personal car, converting a reliable gasoline model is the way to go. It gives you the flexibility of two fuels, which is essential since finding a CNG pump can be a challenge outside of major trucking routes or certain states.


