"In order to control pollution, countries increasingly apply stricter standards on emissions with certain maximum rates of carbon dioxide, nitrogen and so on. Each engine must be upgraded to meet the new standards, for example by applying urea to diesel, as an additional treatment of vehicle exhaust. However, the simplest option is the use of CNG to power this mean of transportation," he told Prensa Vehicular magazine.

As a consequence, Sacco believed that there should be a regulation that allows automobile manufacturers to produce vehicles featuring natural gas engine. "In transportation, the structure is made for diesel, where the conversions are much more expensive than if we take a gasoline engine, whose cycle is Otto, just like CNG system. If the objective is to switch public transport fleet, we should begin the process with OEM NGVs."

To achieve this transition, the expert said it is necessary to have a national decree or a resolution so that natural gas can be introduced as a fuel while enhancing the supply network for these vehicles. Moreover, Sacco stressed that it is important to begin with the conversion of public transport in major cities and recalled that Ecobuses program bill was reintroduced in the Congress in March.

“The state should intervene. The main resistance the carriers offer is focused on subsidies. But CNG-powered transport would be less costly for governments. It is the only option for the market to change their habits, as when buses with low floor were presented, 15 years ago; this was possible through a resolution of the Secretary of Transportation and its adoption was gradual," said Sacco. "The implementation should start in the city of Buenos Aires, where there is more pollution," he added.

Read the full article in the August issue of Prensa Vehicular magazine.