Mobility
Run your vehicle on natural gas – the cheap, environmentally friendly solution of the future
RUN YOUR VEHICLE ON NATURAL GAS
Today, over 20 million vehicles throughout the world are running on natural gas. In Europe, Italy leads the field with nearly 900,000 vehicles running on natural gas, followed by Germany with 80,000. IIn Switzerland, the number of vehicles running on natural gas is currently around 13,500.
Click here to watch the video clip “My car’s got something missing!” (in French) and discover the environmental benefits of natural gas as a fuel (source: www.mobilite-gaz.ch)
Natural gas/biogas has major advantages, not only environmentally but also as an economical option. Its ecological potential lies mainly in helping to cut CO2 emissions by around 40%, thanks to the inclusion of 20% biogas, a carbon-neutral renewable energy.
POSITIVE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
Vehicles that run on natural gas/biogas have 50 times less ozone-forming potential and release up to 60% to 95% fewer pollutants than petrol or diesel vehicles. Furthermore, emissions from natural gas/biogas vehicles are almost free from carcinogenic substances and particles.
In terms of cost, natural gas is noticeably cheaper than other fuels. The higher purchase price of the vehicle is counterbalanced by lower taxes and insurance premiums, depending on the canton and insurance company, as well as by a financial incentive to make the purchase.
In several cities and towns, including Bern, Basel, Vevey and Montreux, public transport bodies have also opted for natural gas/biogas. More and more businesses are equipping their vehicle fleets to run on it.
Have a browse through the latest models
Natural gas can power any car fitted with a combustion engine. The vehicles on the market are generally bivalent, with a dual-fuel engine that can run on natural gas as well as petrol. They are also equipped with a turbocharger, which ensures sporty handling.
The number of filling stations is rising all the time; there are 150 in Switzerland, of which 37 are in Western Switzerland.
Biogas fuel
Biogas fuel, which is made from household and agricultural waste and sludge from waste-water treatment plants, is completely neutral in terms of CO2. For some years, the gas industry has been promoting the injection of biogas into its network.