Is the Supro CNG's bi fuel system a gimmick or does it really offer a real advantage?
The Mahindra Supro CNG Duo comes with a bi fuel system which can run on both CNG and petrol. The marketing message is that this flexibility and this peace of mind is offered to drivers, particularly in areas where CNG infrastructure may not be as robust as in other areas. But, some question if this dual fuel capability is actually useful in the real world or more of a marketing gimmick. The small petrol tank comes in for criticism from some, who say it doesn't offer enough range to be useful, but others welcome the backup option. It also raises questions about the complexity of dealing with two fuel systems and how that compounds long term reliability. Another is the added cost of the bi fuel system. In order for fleet operators and individual owners to make an informed purchase decision, it is important to understand the real world benefits and drawbacks of this feature.
I think it's a lifesaver! I've run out of CNG in places without stations around. It’s got me out of sticky situations more times than I can count using the petrol backup. This is not just a gimmick, it is a real safety net.
It’s honestly overkill to me. The petrol tank is so small that it’s hardly useful for anything above limping to nearest CNG station. I would prefer lots of range from my heavier CNG tank.
For a fleet manager, it is a flexible solution. This offers our drivers the opportunity to accept jobs in areas where CNG may not be readily accessible. I think the peace of mind is worth the extra cost.
It’s been more trouble than it’s worth. More points of failure means two fuel systems. The switchover mechanism has been a problem, and repairs are expensive. I would rather have a single fuel, simpler system.
It's a nice to have but not a game changer. CNG stations are common enough in most urban areas that I don’t need to use petrol in most cases. For those working in rural or less developed regions it might be more useful.
When I do long haul deliveries, I know the bi-fuel system will let me do routes that may not have CNG available. It’s not only about the range, but the capability to do a job, period.
It's a smart transitional technology, I think. The switch to CNG is less daunting for new users as CNG infrastructure is still being developed in many areas and having a petrol backup. It's also helping push adoption of cleaner fuels.
Comment
Discussions and Questions Is The Supro Cngs Bi Fuel System A Gimmick Or Does It Really Offer A Real Advantage
No answers found .