The trend towards natural gas vehicles is gaining ground. At the International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt, the topic of natural gas vehicles also met with keen interest from journalists and trade visitors. Especially in times of high petrol prices, many drivers are looking for a cheaper alternative. And this alternative is natural gas. Vehicles that run on natural gas are gaining more and more market share. The number of registered vehicles in the district of Giessen is rising steadily. Stadtwerke Gießen AG (SWG) has also been using natural gas as a fuel since mid-2002. The SWG fleet now includes around 30 natural gas vehicles. The aim of the Giessen-based energy and water supplier is to familiarise interested parties with this technically safe alternative. This is why SWG is already organising its second exhibition at the infoZentrum on the market square. Over the next few weeks, everything there will revolve around natural gas vehicles and their low-cost refuelling. Energy consultants will be on hand to answer questions on the upper floor of the infoCentre. The exhibition offers a wide range of information. From technical safety and the advantages of the natural gas fleet to the Stadtwerke's subsidy programme, the advisors will provide information. General information about natural gas carsTechnical safetyNatural gas as a fuel is not only a sensible alternative, but also a safe one. In fact, higher safety standards apply to natural gas cars than to petrol cars. Crash tests have shown that the natural gas tank is the most stable component of the vehicle. Advantages are obviousThe unrivalled low price and environmental benefits favour natural gas as a fuel. Vehicles optimised for natural gas are characterised by very low pollutant emissions compared to petrol and diesel cars: Carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxide are reduced by up to 80 per cent compared to petrol cars (30 per cent compared to diesel). Combustion is practically soot and particle-free. Refuelling for half the priceNot only the environment benefits, but also the wallet of the owner of such a vehicle. With natural gas, refuelling costs can be halved compared to petrol at times of record highs. Compared to diesel, you can still save 30 per cent. Higher purchase costs pay offThe purchase costs for a natural gas vehicle are higher than for petrol-powered vehicles. The additional costs for passenger cars are between 1,500 and 3,500 euros. The initial additional costs can be recouped through the favourable tank price. SWG subsidy programmeUntil 31 March 2006, the municipal utilities are offering a subsidy programme for all natural gas vehicles designed by the factory and registered in the Giessen region. Anyone who opts for this subsidy will only pay half the price for the fuel at the natural gas filling station in Marburger Strasse 229 in Giessen for one year. Filling up with natural gas - quick and easyThe refuelling process takes just as long as filling up with conventional fuels, i.e. around three to five minutes. Instead of a petrol nozzle, the natural gas dispenser is equipped with a filling nozzle. This is placed on the filler neck on the vehicle and locked by flipping the lever. The refuelling process is started at the push of a button. When the tank is full, the process ends automatically. Filling station network is becoming denserUntil now, the availability of natural gas at filling stations has been a problem. But this is changing rapidly. There are currently over 600 natural gas stations in Germany and the petrol station network will continue to grow over the next few years. In co-operation with Aral, SWG has been offering this inexpensive fuel in Giessen since March 2004. Growing range of vehiclesNatural gas vehicles have long since evolved from an insider tip to an alternative suitable for everyday use. The range of vehicles on offer is also constantly growing. Cars from all categories - from small city runabouts to family vans and luxury saloons - are now waiting for cost-conscious buyers. Information for everyoneDrivers who are annoyed by the price board at their next petrol stop should take a closer look at the subject of natural gas vehicles. Anyone interested should visit the exhibition at the infoCentre on the market square. The car dealerships are also worth a visit. Many employees of the local car dealerships are already up to date on natural gas vehicles thanks to the training programmes offered by SWG.
05.10.2005