Why Do CNG Vehicles Consume Too Much Gas?

[BenjaminLynn]

When using natural gas, excessive fuel consumption is related to improper installation and adjustment of the compressed natural gas pressure reducer. The advantages of natural gas vehicles include the following: 1. Higher economic benefits: For the same equivalent heat value, countries around the world generally control the price of 1 cubic meter of natural gas to be half that of 1 liter of gasoline or diesel. If the thermal efficiency of various engines is relatively similar, the fuel cost of natural gas vehicles is approximately half that of gasoline or diesel vehicles. This compensates for the shortage of liquid fuel supply caused by the increasing number of vehicles and significantly reduces operating costs. 2. Better social benefits: Compared to petroleum fuels, gaseous fuels have smaller energy losses during preparation and emit fewer harmful pollutants into the atmosphere. From the perspective of fuel sources, they are more environmentally friendly. 3. Relatively safer: The gas cylinders or tanks of CNG, LNG, and LPG vehicles are sturdy and reliable. Natural gas itself is lighter than air (except for LPG), so any slight leakage quickly disperses into the atmosphere. All components of the gaseous fuel system, especially the sealing parts, undergo rigorous inspection. Therefore, natural gas is relatively safer as an automotive fuel.

[Cora]

I found that excessive gas consumption in CNG vehicles is usually related to fuel system failures, such as gas tank leaks or regulator issues. Last time my car had this problem—there was a small crack at the tank connector, causing gas to leak wastefully, and the regulator was aged, failing to control the gas flow rate, leading to faster burning. The engine also needs adjustment; if the ECU isn’t calibrated for natural gas, incomplete combustion will waste fuel. I recommend regularly visiting a service center for gas tank pressure tests to ensure proper sealing, along with cleaning injectors and replacing filters to improve combustion efficiency. Environmental factors should also be considered—for example, low temperatures in winter change gas density, increasing consumption. Avoid sudden acceleration while driving; smooth acceleration can save a lot of gas. Fix problems promptly to prevent skyrocketing fuel costs and ensure safe driving, as natural gas storage carries risks.

[StGage]

As a car owner, I've noticed that high CNG consumption often stems from driving habits and maintenance neglect. I used to have a heavy foot, often speeding over 100 km/h on highways, which made the gas gauge drop rapidly. Aggressive acceleration and hard braking also increase gas consumption due to higher engine load. Low tire pressure and worn tires increase rolling resistance, which similarly drives up natural gas usage. A clogged air filter restricts airflow, reducing combustion efficiency and inevitably leading to higher consumption. During every maintenance check, I inspect these areas - simple measures can make a difference: maintain smooth driving, regularly check tire pressure and inflate to recommended levels, and clean or replace filters. Additionally, choose reliable gas stations, as poor-quality gas with more impurities burns incompletely and gets consumed faster. Addressing these minor issues early leads to more economical and worry-free driving.

[Josh]

From an efficiency perspective, excessive CNG vehicle fuel consumption is often related to environmental and technical factors. Large temperature fluctuations affect gas density—in cold conditions, gas volume contracts, reducing refill amounts but shortening driving range, making consumption appear higher. At high altitudes, lower air pressure may cause engine operation mismatches, reducing efficiency. I've found retrofitted vehicles are prone to issues, such as incompatible aftermarket CNG system interfaces leading to gas leaks or regulator imbalances. Recommendations: Warm up the system for a few minutes at startup for stability; minimize idling to avoid unnecessary consumption. Use high-quality CNG fuel sources and activate the vehicle's fuel-saving mode (if equipped). Regularly calibrate sensors and controllers to optimize natural gas combustion. These adjustments can significantly improve fuel economy and environmental performance.