Economy: The use of a natural gas vehicle (NGV) provides a very significant saving at two levels. According to data from the Portuguese Natural Gas Vehicle Association (APVGN), on the basis of an equivalent liter, natural gas costs about 70% less than diesel. On the other hand, a NGV consume a clean-burning fuel, which reduces the maintenance requirements as regards the oil exchanges or spark plugs, for example.
Environment: Natural gas is the cleanest of the fossil fuels currently used as alternative. NGVs emissions of carbon dioxide are about 20% lower, the non-methane hydrocarbon emissions are 80% lower, and the nitrogen oxides are 40% less than gasoline-powered vehicles. Furthermore, NGVs emit significantly lower quantities of greenhouse gases and toxins. Plus, natural gas is not corrosive and does not contaminate the soil.
Security: NGVs are as safe as vehicles that run on conventional fuels. The excellent safety record of NGVs is due, mainly, to the structural integrity of the fuel system and the physical qualities of natural gas. The NGVs safety requirements powered are quite demanding, which ensures the user unquestionable levels of security.
Abundance: World reserves of natural gas are almost the double of the oil, according to official information available on the site Association for the Study of Peak Oil and Gas. Another strong argument of this energy source is that it can be achieved through systems pullers applied in dumps and landfills, extracting bio-methane (also known as biogas). The bio-methane can be converted to natural gas and compressed, to be used as a power source for vehicles. Thus, it appears as a renewable energy.