Ever wondered what really sets a CNG car apart from a petrol car? It's the fuel. Compressed natural gas is used as fuel in CNG cars, while petrol is used in petrol-powered cars.
In comparison, CNG fuel is less expensive and more fuel-efficient. Additionally, CNG is a cleaner fuel because it releases fewer greenhouse gases and contaminants.
To assist in making the best decision, we will compare CNG and petrol-powered vehicles in this post. Let's start the discussion about CNG versus petrol-powered vehicles.
Understanding Petrol and CNG Cars
Let’s first understand the basics of these two types of cars:
Petrol Cars
In pure, simple terms, a car that operates on petrol, a fossil fuel made from crude oil, is called a petrol car. These cars are not newly introduced, because for more than a century, petrol-powered vehicles have been the most prevalent on the road.
They exist in a variety of vehicles such as:
- Sports cars
- SUVs
- Sedans.
CNG Cars
An automobile powered by compressed natural gas (CNG), which burns cleaner than petrol, is known as a CNG car. This gas is considered to be natural gas squeezed into a very small space. As an environmentally friendly substitute for fuel, CNG vehicles are growing in popularity.
What To Choose - CNG or Petrol Car?
How do you make your choice to understand which is better? There are a number of factors to take into account when comparing CNG with petrol-powered vehicles. Let's examine a few of the most crucial elements.
| Aspect | Petrol cars | CNG cars |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | Petrol (gasoline) | Compressed Natural Gas |
| Fuel Availability | Widely available petrol stations | Limited but growing CNG stations |
| Availability of Models | Wide range of models | Limited models |
| Power & Performance | Higher power and acceleration | Slightly lower power and acceleration |
| Driving Range | Longer range per tank | Shorter range, some bi-fuel options |
| Initial Cost | Lower purchase price | Higher purchase price due to CNG kit |
| Boot Space | More boot space | Reduced boot space due to CNG tank |
| Environment Friendliness | Not considered sustainable. | Considered sustainable. |
Pros and Cons of Petrol Cars
Check out both the advantages and disadvantages of petrol cars:
| Advantages of Petrol Cars | Drawbacks of Petrol Cars |
|---|---|
| Easy to refuel at many petrol stations available. | Petrol cars release more harmful gases, resulting in higher pollution. |
| Available as SUVs, sedans, hatchbacks, etc. | Use more fuel compared to CNG cars; it is considered less fuel-efficient. |
| Faster acceleration and higher horsepower. | Petrol is usually more expensive than CNG. |
| Can go farther on one tank, ensuring enhanced driving range. | Needs more frequent servicing and requires higher maintenance. |
| It usually costs less upfront, making it cheaper to buy. | Petrol cars produce a lot of noise, resulting in noise pollution. |
| Bigger boot space as no CNG tank takes up space. | The green tax levied also plays a role in increasing the overall cost of a petrol car. |
Pros and Cons of CNG Cars
Check out both the advantages and disadvantages of CNG vehicles:
| Advantages of CNG Cars | Drawbacks of CNG Cars |
|---|---|
| Produce less pollution and harmful gases than petrol cars. | More expensive to buy and maintain because of the special engine and fuel system. |
| CNG fuel usually costs less than petrol, so running costs are lower. | The CNG tank takes up a lot of room, leaving less space for luggage. |
| Cleaner-burning fuel means the engine lasts longer. | Fewer CNG refueling stations make it less convenient to fill up. |
| Overall, owning a CNG car costs less because fuel is cheaper. | CNG cars usually have less horsepower and slower acceleration than petrol cars. |
List of Popular Petrol Cars and CNG Cars in India (2025)
Here’s a list of both India's top petrol-powered and CNG vehicles:
| Top Petrol Cars | Top CNG Cars |
|---|---|
| Tata Tiago | Hyundai Grand i10 Nios |
| Maruti Suzuki Swift | Maruti Suzuki Wagon R |
| Hyundai i20 | Maruti Suzuki Brezza |
| Honda City | Hyundai Aura |
| Hyundai Creta | Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder |
| Mahindra XUV700 | Tata Tigor |
| Maruti Baleno | Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara |
| Maruti Suzuki Brezza | Maruti Suzuki Ertiga |
| Maruti Suzuki Alto | Maruti Suzuki Celerio |
| Hyundai Grand i10 Nios | Maruti Suzuki Eeco |
Can I Modify My Petrol Car Into A CNG One?
Yes, you can! Most car makers in India sell cars with CNG kits already installed. But if you have a petrol car and want to switch to CNG, you can add a CNG kit to your car. Make sure a trained expert installs it for the best results. To convert your car to CNG, visit an authorised dealer.
Insurance Implications
Based on your car's fuel type, there can be certain implications for your car’s insurance policy as well:
Premiums
Petrol cars have standard charges; however, CNG cars that have an additional CNG kit may face higher premiums, mainly because of installation costs and risks associated with the CNG tank.
Type of Insurance
Both third-party and comprehensive insurance can be covered for both of these cars.
Coverage Specifics
Ensure your current car policy covers your CNG kit (if newly added), as otherwise, the existing car policy will not cover this addition.
Claim Demands
During the claim process, keep insurers informed about the CNG kit from prior, especially if newly added, to ensure the claim does not get rejected.
Key Takeways
Both petrol and CNG cars have advantages and drawbacks. Petrol cars offer power and convenience, while CNG cars are more cost-effective and eco-friendly. Choosing between them depends on your needs and priorities. Additionally, when selecting your vehicle, don’t forget to consider car insurance.
Platforms like Coverfox can help you compare and choose the best insurance policies tailored for both petrol and CNG cars, ensuring you get the right coverage at competitive prices for peace of mind on the road.
Read More:
LPG vs. CNG - What’s Best for Your Car
How to Transfer Your Car Insurance Policy
Frequently Asked questions
Are CNG cars more environmentally friendly than petrol cars?
Indeed, CNG vehicles are a more environmentally friendly option because they emit fewer emissions than petrol vehicles.
Is it safe to drive a CNG car?
If properly serviced and maintained, CNG vehicles are safe to drive. CNG storage tanks are made to resist high pressures and undergo extensive safety testing. For best results, make sure you convert your gasoline-powered vehicle to a CNG vehicle at an authorised dealer.
How do I refuel my CNG car?
Special CNG filling stations are used to recharge CNG vehicles. Natural gas is compressed at these stations and then pumped through a nozzle into the vehicle's tank.
Is a CNG car cheaper to run than a petrol car?
Yes! CNG cars generally have lower running costs because compressed natural gas is more affordable than petrol. Although the initial cost of a CNG kit or CNG variant may be higher, savings on fuel over time make them cost-effective.
Do CNG cars perform as well as petrol cars?
CNG cars offer decent performance for city driving but may have slightly lower power and acceleration compared to petrol cars. Petrol cars generally provide better speed, acceleration, and highway performance, but at a higher fuel expense.
