CNG Utah - CNG Q&A

CNG Frequently Asked Questions

Quick Links

How does the tax credit work?
Where can you buy CNG fuel?
Can you drive in the carpool lane?
Can you convert any car to CNG?
How safe are CNG vehicles?
Owner's manuals and more information.

How does the tax credit work?

The state of Utah will give you a state tax credit for 35% of the purchase price of your alternative fuel vehicle up to $2,500.

For example, if your vehicle cost $4,900, the tax credit will be $1,715. If it costs $6,500, the credit will be $2,275. If the the vehicle costs $7,143 or more, the tax credit will be the full $2,500.

If the credit exceeds your tax liability, the excess credit may be carried over for up to five years.

The tax credit is associated with the individual vehicle, and it can only be used once per vehicle in Utah. An individual can purchase multiple vehicles and receive multiple credits.

The majority of our vehicles come from out of state and have the credit available.

Fill out this form to apply for a tax credit:
2009 Utah Clean Fuel Vehicle Tax Credit Form (.pdf)

More information on Utah Clean Fuel Vehicle Tax Credit

The information above applies to vehicles purchased in 2009.
If you purchased a vehicle before Jan. 1st 2009 use the following information:
2008 Utah Clean Fuel Vehicle Tax Credit Form (.pdf)

Pre-2009 Utah Clean Fuel Vehicle Tax Credit information

Incremental Cost Documentation:
1998 Chevrolet Cavalier Invoice (.pdf)
2000 Chevrolet Cavalier Window Sticker (.pdf)
2001 Chevrolet Cavalier Window Sticker (.pdf)
2002 Chevrolet Cavalier Window Sticker (.pdf)
2004 Chevrolet Cavalier Invoice (.pdf)
2000 Ford Contour Window Sticker (.pdf)
1996 Ford Crown Victoria Optional Costs
1999 Ford Crown Victoria Optional Costs
2001 Ford Crown Victoria Optional Costs
1998 Honda Civic Window Sticker (.pdf)
2000 Honda Civic Window Sticker (.pdf)
2003 Honda Civic Window Sticker (.pdf)
2004 Honda Civic Window Sticker (.pdf)

Please email us if you have incremental cost documentation that you would be willing to share.

Where can you buy CNG fuel?

CNG is easily purchased at many stations along the Wasatch Front. Most stations are located near I-15 and just require a normal credit card.

www.cngprices.com is the best resource for finding CNG stations.

There are five stations in Utah that require a Utah Gas Card to refuel. Apply Here

Most southern California stations use credit cards, while most Northern California stations require a PG&E card. Apply Here

Questar CNG Station Pamphlet(.pdf)
Questar pamphlet to print up and keep in the car.

US Department of Energy Fuel Station Locator
(Just select Compressed Natural Gas as the fuel and then enter your zip code or address.)

Can you drive in the carpool lane?

The state of Utah will issue a Clean Fuel – Clean Air license plate
(or "C" plate) to qualifying vehicles. Bi-fuel vehicles which run on gasoline or CNG do not qualify. Dedicated CNG vehicles 2004 and newer do qualify for the plate.

The "C" plate allows you to drive in the HOV lane with only one person in the vehicle. It also allows you to park for free in downtown Salt Lake City.
More information can be found on the state website.

Can you convert any car to CNG?

There are many kits available to convert nearly any vehicle to CNG. Various government agencies are still debating the legality of these conversions. For now, CNG Utah sells primarily OEM vehicles which came from the factory running on CNG. We do not currently perform conversions.
Email us for a list of conversion shops.

How safe are CNG vehicles?

How safe is Natural Gas stored at 3600 psi in my trunk?

This is a question that we've asked ourselves and our customers have asked us. We are convinced that you are much less likely of being injured by an exploding CNG tank than you are of being burned by an exploding gasoline tank.

CNG is generally over 90% methane. Here are the facts about Methane and CNG:

Methane has a higher flash point than gasoline. 1300º vs 450-900º
Methane has a narrower range of combustion than gasoline (ratio of fuel to air)
Methane is lighter than air - it vents upwards - gasoline forms puddles and ignites from adjacent sparks.

CNG tanks have safety devices built into them to vent gas as pressure builds to prevent explosion.

CNG tanks are exponentially stronger than gasoline tanks.

This video shows some of the tests done on CNG cylinders:

Owner's manuals and more information.

2001 Chevrolet Cavalier Bi-Fuel Supplement (.pdf)
(The CNG system on 1998-2002 Cavaliers is virtually identical.)

2004 Chevrolet Cavalier Bi-Fuel Supplement (.pdf)
(The CNG system on 2003-2004 Cavaliers is virtually identical.)

Ford Bi-Fuel Supplement (.pdf)
(This manual applies to most Ford Bi-Fuel cars and trucks.)

www.cngchat.com is a very helpful resource for CNG vehicle owners.