Argentina: local firm tested CNG SUV and confirmed 65% saving in fuel consumption

Both vehicles started operations with a full load tank and covered 224 kilometers from the city of Lanus, where Kioshi’s factory is based, to Chascomús, in the Buenos Aires province. After the journey, Francisco Isoldi, commercial manager of Kioshi Compresión, released the comparative data that emerged from the road experience.

The diesel vehicle consumed 29.92 liters of fuel, at a cost of $175.03 (local currency) or $0.7813 per kilometer run; whereas the CNG-fueled SUV consumed 32.21 m³ valued $61.17 or $0.2730 per kilometer run. “Evaluating these results, we achieved savings of 65 percent, approximately,” Isoldi told Prensa Vehicular magazine.

Simultaneously, the experience has made possible another test drive with a 2008 Mercedes Benz Sprinter belonging to Komcarbus SRL, which was converted to natural gas 10 days ago. This vehicle covered 6.09 kilometers per m³ consumed at a speed of 145 km/h limited by the driver.

“There will be more tests in the city of Buenos Aires to assess urban performance,” Isoldi informed. Upon completion of testing and adjustments in urban areas, the company will strongly consider the possibility of converting the other seven Sprinter of its fleet.