Because they are designed to hold pressurized fuel, CNG fuel storage cylinders and supply lines are many times stronger than gasoline tanks and lines, making fuel line rupture less likely in an accident. CNG cylinders undergo extensive testing, including drop tests, fire tests, internal pressure tests, and gunfire tests. Standard gasoline tanks cannot pass these rigorous tests. To watch a video of CNG cylinder testing, see below or click here.
Should a rupture occur, natural gas is lighter than air, and rapidly dissipates into the atmosphere, unlike gasoline which pools under the vehicle and creates a fire hazard. CNG needs a concentration of at least 5.3% in air in order to be flammable. Gasoline is flammable with a concentration as low as 1.4% in air. So if a leak does occur, CNG it is less likely to ignite than gasoline unless the leak happens in a confined space with no ventilation.
Fueling a CNG vehicle is far safer than fueling a gasoline vehicle. The reason for this is that, unlike gasoline, CNG fueling systems are closed systems. CNG vapors do not escape during fueling because the hose connection is designed to permit no leaks. Gasoline vapors represent a fire risk. See the video below of a gasoline fire started by static electricity at a gas station. Gasoline vapors also represent a health risk because benzene, a principal component of gasoline, is a known carcinogen.
Statistics on millions of vehicles show that CNG-powered vehicles are far safer than those that run on gasoline.
To locate a CNG Fuelling Station in your area, please click here.