Whether you have a fleet of vehicles or heavy-duty equipment needing sustainable power, choosing the right fuel source involves a number of factors. Explore the differences between natural gas and diesel to determine which fuel would make the most sense for your business.
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Natural Gas Versus Diesel Fuel
Ever since natural gas was first brought to the United States in 1816, scientists and engineers have been perfecting its use and application. Today, the consumption of natural gas is continuing to increase, making it a top contender for transportation fuel and electricity generation. With that being said, the price of diesel fuel has decreased, giving fleet managers a reason to consider their fuel options. From overall cost-effectiveness to long term benefits, there are stark advantages when examining the use of diesel vs natural gas fuel.
- Cost-effectiveness
- Ecological responsibility
- Long term maintenance
1) Cost-Effectiveness
For most industries, fuel cost is the most important factor when considering what type of fuel is the best choice for their applications. While diesel is currently on a downward trend, the supply of diesel continues to be volatile. Natural gas fuel, alternatively, is not tied to foreign oil markets and isn’t affected by the erratic price swings. The domestic supply of both CNG and LNG, along with its stable fuel efficiency provides continual access to natural gas and enables industries to receive a quick return on fuel investments.
2) Ecological Responsibility
Early adopters of natural gas trucks or equipment were primarily focused on lowering carbon dioxide and methane emissions. While diesel is known as one of the dirtiest fuels on the market, leaving large amounts of soot, dust, and fumes in the air we breathe, natural gas continues to be a “green” fuel. Compared to propane-based fuels, natural gas emits up to 30% fewer greenhouse gases and doesn’t leave behind any heavy metals or soot particles.
Pro Tip: Natural gas-powered trucks have a reduced sound pressure level than those of diesel engines, making them a great choice for populated areas or night driving.
3) Long Term Maintenance
Compared to diesel engines, liquefied natural gas (LNG) fuel systems do not require SCR systems or particulate filters that need to be maintained. While natural gas equipment uses a spark-ignited engine that may need spark plugs changed periodically, the cost of maintenance tends to be much lower compared to diesel. Due to the low carbon content of natural gas, the life of an engine’s lubricating oil can be extended, reducing the number of oil changes needed.
Choosing the Best Fuel for Your Industry
While diesel remains a top fuel choice for heavy-duty trucks and power generation, natural gas continues to be a cleaner alternative in today’s fuel economy. If you’re considering converting your fleet of diesel trucks to natural gas or have large equipment that is emitting too many harmful gases, our solutions have stood the test of time. Whether liquefied or compressed, natural gas can travel through a pipeline, truck, or rail, giving you immediate access regardless of your location.
Get in touch with our team for a customized solution to meet your industry’s individual needs.