I realize the infrastructure in the US isn’t set up for natural gas usage in cars as well as it’s set up for gas, but I’ve been pondering an idea. I’m not an expert on chemicals/plumbing (electrical is my expertise) so maybe y’all could help me out.

It seems like it would make the most sense for areas with plentiful natural gas (like the gulf south) to have NG pumps/compressors in garages at homes. Then you completely avoid the gas station and can fill up your car at night when you’re home. I’ve seen some older videos online of bi-fuel vehicles with a small NG tank and also a large gas tank for longer drives.

Just figured I’d shoot in the dark and get a conversation started. No particular question other than I’m thinking this area of the country will never let go of natural gas (also the addition of hydrogen) and it would make so much sense to just fill up at home.

Any comments are welcome.

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Posted by CAD703X

Liberty Island

Member since Jul 2008

77940 posts

Posted on 4/13/22 at 11:21 am to bapple

quote:
Any comments are welcome.

the dude who delivers my water has a ng-powered truck. he likes it but he said he has to be VERY CAREFUL not to run low because it has to be towed back. There's nowhere but home-base to refuel. he has to be very careful on his route now if he gets stuck in traffic.

his old truck was diesel so it was never an issue before.

This post was edited on 4/13/22 at 11:22 am

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Posted by BillyGibbons

St. Somewhere

Member since Mar 2020

649 posts

Posted on 4/13/22 at 11:45 am to CAD703X

It really makes the most sense in a fleet scenario like CAD described and less so in the personal vehicle/home owners market.

For two big reasons. 1, people are stupid. 2, people are litigious.

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Posted by Hopeful Doc

Member since Sep 2010

14942 posts

Posted on 4/13/22 at 11:00 pm to bapple

quote:
it would make so much sense to just fill up at home.

LINK

quote:
Another alternative, if you have natural gas in your home, is to install a Phill home refueling appliance. These devices compress and dispense a tank of fuel in about 8 hours. They are designed to be attached overnight, delivering a full tank by morning. Another option could be to install a CNG compressor at your house, which typically runs upwards of $4,500.

8-hour fill-up is actually not a huge deal when the vehicle sits in your driveway all night. Daily/“light” refuels is similar to electric vehicles. I’d rather take 30 seconds out of each day than 3.5 minutes once a week to do something. But the cost of the compressor for rapid fillups is pretty cost-prohibitive. Because that doesn’t include the cost of converting the car (lots of numbers, I’ve seen anywhere between $1000 and $10,000).
Seems expensive to tie your refueling to home. I don’t see the upside over the downside the few times I’ve read about it.

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