SEAT Expands CNG Lineup

Volkswagen AG’s SEAT unit is adding variants of its Arona SUV/crossover vehicle and Ibiza supermini in Europe with engines capable of running on compressed natural gas fuel.

SEAT says running on CNG is about 50% cheaper than gasoline and can cut carbon dioxide emissions by about 25%. Initial costs of the technology are equivalent to that of a diesel engine, but operating costs are 30% less.

The engines automatically switch to gasoline when the CNG tanks are depleted and at start-up when outside temperatures are below -10°C (14°F). Once the gas injectors are heated, the engine transitions to CNG mode.

In addition to special fuel tanks, the CNG vehicles feature gas pressure sensors and a two-stage electronic pressure regulator that controls gas distribution.

Engine changes include reinforced pistons, bearing shells and valve seats, optimized piston rings, modified camshafts, a special valve guide material, nitrided exhaust valves and Lambda sensor and catalytic convertor tuned for methane conversion.