Fracking has made it possible for us to stop relying on oil and start relying on natural gas to fuel our vehicles.
Advancements in the fracking industry, such as safer, higher-quality frac tanks and wastewater recycling, have made natural gas more abundant than ever! Read more about how fracking has made natural gas vehicles a reality in our latest blog. Although most people think of natural gas for powering their homes, not many people realize that natural gas is actually a wonderful fuel source for our vehicles. As with any alternative fuel source, there are both pros and cons to using natural gas for fuel. Today, we’ll be touching on the pros of using natural gas in our vehicles:
#1. Natural gas is domestically produced.
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, in 2014, foreign imports accounted for approximately 27 percent of the petroleum that is consumed in the United States, whereas up to 90 percent of the natural gas consumed is produced domestically. While our reliance on foreign oil has certainly decreased already, if Americans switched to natural gas for their vehicles, we could be almost completely energy independent.
#2. Natural gas is safer.
Liquid fuel is very flammable, which makes a fire a very real threat in the event of an accident. On the other hand, natural gas dissipates very quickly, and its range of flammability is extremely limited compared to gasoline and diesel fuel.
#3. Natural gas is generally cheaper.
Although fuel prices have hit an all-time low, they won’t stay that way forever. Sooner or later, the cost of gasoline is going to go up again, and when it does, natural gas can help you save at the pump.
Learn more of the pros of natural gas vehicles when you stay tuned for our next blog.