CNG and hybrid powertrains are two forms of clean and green powertrain mechanisms.

As the automotive world increasingly focuses on greener and cleaner powertrain technologies, alternative powertrain solutions such as CNG, Auto LPG, hybrid powertrains and fully electric powertrains are gaining attention. In India, CNG is touted and promoted as a superior alternative fuel to gasoline and diesel. CNG is cheaper and more environmentally friendly than gasoline and diesel.

(Also Read: Government Allows Retrofitting of CNG and LPG Kits in BS6 Vehicles: Learn More)

Meanwhile, hybrid powertrain technology is also being promoted as a greener and cleaner powertrain alternative. Hybrid powertrain technology is seen as bridging the gap between internal combustion engine technology and fully electric powertrain mechanisms.

CNG technology

A CNG car has a CNG kit installed that works with a simulation of the gasoline engine installed in the vehicle. CNG kits can be installed from the aftermarket or pre-installed by the OEM. In India, Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai and Tata Motors sell several models with pre-installed CNG kits.

On CNG vehicles, the CNG tank is located in the luggage space at the rear of the vehicle. However, the petrol engine is designed to use both petrol and he CNG as fuel, one at a time. CNG vehicles use compressed natural gas, the main component of which is methane or biomethane.

hybrid technology

Hybrid vehicles use multiple energy sources. Often it is a mixture of electricity and oil. Hybrid vehicles have an internal combustion engine combined with an electric motor. There are usually three types of hybrid technology: full hybrid, mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid. A full hybrid (FHEV) can run solely on the internal combustion engine, the electric engine, or a combination thereof. Full hybrid is not connected for recharging. Instead, the battery is recharged by running the internal combustion engine.

A mild hybrid works with an electric motor and an internal combustion engine. A plug-in hybrid (PHEV), as the name suggests, needs to be plugged in to fully charge the battery. PHEV can run in full electric mode.

First issue date: September 11, 2022 at 11:27 AM