Is Converting My Car To CNG Worth It? I’m Worried About The Upfront Cost, Maintenance Hassle, And Whether The Fuel Savings Actually Add Up In The Long Run.
Converting to CNG depends on balancing upfront costs, maintenance, and fuel savings. Upfront, kits cost $550–$1,100 globally, plus regulatory fees.
Savings hinge on mileage and fuel prices. In Nigeria, a 1.6L car saves $0.37/km, recouping an $820 kit after ~22,000km (under a year for 25,000km/year drivers). Low-mileage (under 10,000km/year) users rarely break even.
Maintenance has pros: cleaner burning cuts upkeep costs and extends engine life. But it needs specialized checks (e.g., annual tank certs) and certified techs, scarce in places like Nigeria.
Other tradeoffs: less trunk space, 10–15% power loss, and lower resale value. It works for high-mileage drivers in areas with easy CNG access—otherwise, it’s hard to justify.
