A natural gas vehicle (NGV) is a popular alternative for today's environmentally conscious business owners. A natural gas vehicle runs strictly on natural gas and can reduce exhaust emissions of carbon monoxide by 70%, non-methane organic gas by 87%, nitrogen oxides by 87% and carbon dioxide by 20% below gasoline-powered vehicles. In addition to saving the environment, natural gas provides significant financial savings for your business because natural gas costs one-third less than conventional gasoline.

More than 50 manufacturers produce 150 models of natural gas vehicles and engines. Before purchasing a business car from a natural gas vehicle provider, carefully research natural gas car information, evaluate your company's transportation needs and assess the following:

1. What kind of gas mileage does each natural gas vehicle offer and how will your business save money with natural gas vehicles?

2. What features in a natural gas vehicle will increase business productivity for staff members who travel frequently?

3. How much money is your business willing to invest in a natural gas vehicle and which natural gas car provider offers the best prices?

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find natural gas vehicle models with excellent gas mileage for business savings at the pump

Natural gas costs one-third less than conventional gasoline, which provides a significant fuel cost savings for your business. To experience the greatest economic advantage, find natural gas car models that get superior mileage.

I recommend: The Ford Crown Victoria CNG gets 16 miles per gallon with estimated annual natural gas fuel costs of $1547, according to FuelEconomy.gov. The Volkswagen Touran EcoFuel natural gas car runs on either compressed natural gas or gasoline, and boasts an average of 41 miles per gallon on natural gas, according to GreenCar.com.

Find natural gas car features that meet your business needs

Natural gas vehicles offer the same features as traditional vehicles to increase business productivity while traveling. Look for value-added business features like Bluetooth wireless communication access, as well as safety features like front and side airbags, anti-lock brakes and rear navigation devices.

I recommend: The Honda Civic GX natural gas fleet of vehicles offers MP3/Windows Media Audio playback capability. Review the natural gas vehicle list of features and specifications in the natural gas buses at New Flyer.

Invest in a natural gas vehicle to promote environmental awareness in your business

While natural gas cars provide long-term economic and environmental savings, the initial price tag is generally more expensive than traditional gas-powered vehicles. In fact, some car manufacturers charge a surcharge for natural gas vehicles. However, most natural gas vehicles get good gas mileage, which can equate to a long-term savings in gas bills.

I recommend: Get natural gas vehicle information about the economic and environmental benefits of natural gas fleets at Natural Gas Vehicles for America. Learn about the benefits of developing a business fleet of natural gas vehicles at Fueling the Future.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Natural gas vehicles require natural gas fuel. Before purchasing a natural gas car for your business, research natural gas information fuel requirements and find a natural gas car list of approved natural gas suppliers in your area.There are more than 1,100 natural gas vehicle fueling stations in the U.S., and over half are available to the public.