CNG cars in India (31)

Petrol prices have been going up for a while now in India, and with E20 petrol being sold at every pump in the country, a large number of car owners have reported a significant drop in mileage. As per the government, the drop should have been between 2%-5%, but real-world complaints convey a different story. These days, mileage has become a genuine talking point among car owners rather than a fringe concern because petrol isn’t just costlier per litre, but also stretches less far than it used to. 

So, what's the way out? The answer: CNG cars. Why? First, CNG is not affected by the ethanol-blending program, so its running costs remain more predictable. Second, unlike E85, it also does not require a special car or a rare pump. Third, you have a decent number of CNG cars to choose from as there are 28 CNG cars available in India, with prices starting at Rs 3.50 lakh and going up to Rs 20 lakh.

If not petrol, are EVs a better option than CNG cars? 

It depends, as an EV can be a better option for people who mostly drive within the city and have easy access to a home or office charger. But for those, who frequently travel on highways, cover long distances, it could be a hassle. For them, a CNG car will be a more practical choice. 

Apart from this, here are some other reasons: 

• Cost: EVs are more expensive than CNG cars. A CNG hatchback starts at just Rs 3.50 lakh, but an electric hatchback starts at Rs 6.99 lakh (ex-showroom).  
• Availability: CNG stations are present almost everywhere, but EV charging infrastructure is still developing in India. 
• Refuel time: A CNG car takes just a few minutes to refill. Meanwhile, EVs need longer time, usually hours, to recharge.
• Resale value: CNG cars have years of resale history behind them, while EVs simply haven't been around long enough to know.

Note: At Autocar India, we believe that, as of now, EVs do not hold residual values as well as their ICE and CNG counterparts. This holds true across segments and brands, although the picture could change as the EV market matures. 

Which CNG cars in India are available for sale?

Which CNG car fits within your budget?

Factors to consider before you buy a CNG car in India

• In most of these cars, the CNG cylinder is placed in the boot. Therefore, if you often travel with family or carry a good amount of luggage, test-sit the boot before purchasing.
• Most factory-fitted CNG cars are tuned for running costs, not outright performance. Hence, overtaking on highways might not feel so confidence-inspiring.
• Most CNG variants are manual-only. Only a handful of these 28 models offer CNG with an AMT or an automatic transmission.
• The Indian Biogas Association has recently pitched the Delhi government on blending up to 20% compressed biogas (CBG) into CNG, up from the roughly 2%-3% used today. It's still just a recommendation awaiting government action, and Delhi's current CBG capacity is nowhere close to what a 20% blend would actually require.

Note: At Autocar India, we strongly recommend sticking to factory-fitted CNG variants over aftermarket retrofit kits. A retrofit kit can void your car's existing warranty, and the fitment quality varies a lot depending on who installs it. The extra spend on a factory-fit option is worth the peace of mind.

Which CNG car is the right pick for you?

At Autocar India, we would recommend that you choose based on how you plan to use the car.