Latest news with #CNG-powered
Hindustan Times
10-06-2025
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
CNG car demand rising fast amid EV push. What's propelling growth in this segment?
CNG cars offer an alternative to petrol and diesel vehicles and also emit less pollution. CNG cars also cost less to run than petrol or diesel cars. It has gained popularity in India with sales hitting record margins. Check Offers CNG is the new black. The cleaner fuel technology that emits fewer pollutants into the environment, while also not coming with range anxiety that is typically associated with electric vehicles, has been witnessing a rapid surge in demand in the Indian passenger vehicle market. This is one reason beyond the players in this segment, including Maruti Suzuki, Tata Motors and Hyundai; other OEMs like Renault and Nissan too have started offering CNG as retrofitment kit options for their vehicles in the country. Among others, Toyota also sells CNG cars in India, but the vehicles are originally rebadged versions of Maruti Suzuki models under the global partnership between Suzuki and Toyota. CNG cars recorded 35 per cent YoY growth in CY24 In CY2024, CNG-powered passenger vehicles registered a strong 35 per cent growth in retail sales, which reflects the cleaner fuel's compelling value proposition. Maruti Suzuki, with its 15-model portfolio, recorded more than 500,000 units for the first time annually to hold its firm grip in the CNG segment with a 71.60 per cent share. Tata Motors sold 115,432 units, registering a 16.13 per cent market share. Vahan data revealed that Hyundai and Toyota retailed 71,811 units and 15,815 units, respectively, in the last calendar year. These two OEMs registered 10.04 per cent and 2.21 per cent market shares, respectively. In CY24, Tata's CNG car market share increased the most at 77 per cent, while Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai and Toyota recorded 30 per cent, 16 per cent and 118 per cent, respectively. Maruti Suzuki, Tata registered significant growth in CNG sales in FY25 Tata Motors, which has been selling its range of passenger vehicles with petrol-CNG bi-fuel powertrains and factory-fitted twin-cylinder CNG kit in models like Tiago, Tigor, Punch, Altroz, etc, has claimed that it has recorded a 35 per cent growth in demand for the CNG passenger vehicles. The homegrown auto giant has sold 1.39 lakh CNG-powered passenger vehicles in FY25 as compared to 91,000 units in FY24, which registered a massive growth. The largest carmaker in India, Maruti Suzuki, sold around 6.2 lakh CNG-powered passenger vehicles in FY25, which marked a year-on-year growth of over 28 per cent. This also represented the fact that one in every three Maruti Suzuki cars sold in FY25 ran on CNG. Interestingly, this number also marked sales beyond the initial target. At the beginning of the previous financial year, the OEM had set a target of selling over six lakh CNG cars. What's propelling CNG car sales growth? India's passenger vehicle market has been undergoing a significant and multi-dimensional transformation. One of the key changes is the widespread adoption of CNG cars. Previously, CNG penetration in the personal vehicles segment was low. It was the fuel of choice in the commercial vehicle segment and in the fleet category. However, the higher petrol and diesel prices have been driving the cost-conscious consumers toward CNG-powered passenger vehicles. This shift in consumer preference toward CNG cars is further amplified by the challenges in the adoption of electric vehicles, which include range anxiety, high upfront cost, inadequate public charging infrastructure, etc. While hybrid is a viable option to fill the gap between the pure ICE (Internal combustion engine) models and electric vehicles, the high cost of acquisition and lack of models' availability in the market are hindering the adoption pace. In such a situation, CNG is filling the gap as a viable fuel solution that is comparatively cheaper in price, offers a lower cost of operation, emits lower pollutants and enjoys the benefits of government regulations as well. Get insights into Upcoming Cars In India, Electric Vehicles, Upcoming Bikes in India and cutting-edge technology transforming the automotive landscape. First Published Date: 10 Jun 2025, 11:45 AM IST
Hans India
09-06-2025
- Automotive
- Hans India
Tirupati Devoted to Transformation: Embracing CNG for a Sustainable Future Path to Cleaner Energy and Economic Growth
Tirupati is emerging as a beacon of clean energy transformation, embracing Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) to drive both environmental progress and economic development. With growing public awareness, supportive policies, and infrastructure advancements, CNG is fast becoming the fuel of choice across the temple city. Sharp Rise in CNG Vehicles and Retrofitments A standout indicator of this transformation is the rapid increase in CNG-powered vehicles. As of FY 2024–25, Tirupati has recorded a total of 6,377no CNG vehicles, up from 3854no in the previous year — a 65 % year-on-year growth. This growth is primarily driven by OEM (original equipment manufacturer) CNG vehicles, which rose from 100 units to 6149 units, marking a sharp 5749 increase. Factory-fitted CNG vehicles are in high demand due to their optimized performance, reliability, and manufacturer-backed warranties. In addition to OEMs, the retrofitment market is seeing remarkable traction. Vehicle owners, especially auto drivers and small transport operators, are converting their existing petrol or diesel vehicles to CNG to reduce fuel costs. Though official figures are still consolidating, market reports point to a surge in Retrofitments due to growing accessibility of certified kits and affordable conversion services. CNG proves to be economically attractive, offering up to 45% savings on fuel costs compared to petrol and diesel. These benefits are further supported by lower maintenance costs and longer engine life, making it a practical and sustainable choice for private users and commercial fleet operators alike. Government Push: Lower Taxes, Bigger Impact The Andhra Pradesh government has played a pivotal role in making CNG adoption more accessible. One of the key enablers has been the reduction of VAT on CNG from 24.5% to 5% — a bold fiscal move that significantly slashed pump prices and made CNG far more affordable for the average consumer. This reform has sparked increased demand across segments — from three-wheelers and taxis to family cars and delivery vehicles. It also encouraged more vehicle owners to consider retrofitments, further expanding the green fleet on Tirupati roads. Infrastructure Expansion Fuels Growth Backing this CNG boom is a robust infrastructure framework. The city recently saw the commissioning of a 3.0Km at Tirupati Bye-pass Road (Banglore-Chennai Highway), which is now connected via a 98.0-kilometre steel pipeline network. This network ensures uninterrupted gas supply not only for vehicles but also for households, commercial kitchens, and industrial units. In tandem, new CNG filling stations are being set up across key areas of Tirupati including expansion town limits Mangalam, Renigunta, Tiruchanur and connecting Highways to Tirupati i.e Bangalore -Tirupathi - Chennai highway and Tirupati-Vijayawada highway to enhance accessibility and reduce queuing time. This infrastructure expansion is critical in building consumer confidence and ensuring CNG remains a convenient everyday fuel. The increased availability of fuelling stations is particularly beneficial to retrofit users, who often cite range anxiety as a concern. With reliable access, these users are now joining the clean energy movement in larger numbers. Wider Vision: State-Level Momentum Tirupati's progress is part of a broader state-driven initiative. The Andhra Pradesh government at the start of the year has earmarked ₹10,000 crores to expand natural gas networks into semi-urban and rural areas. This funding will also facilitate the rollout of more CNG stations and piped gas infrastructure. In the coming months, additional CNG stations are set to be launched across other districts and towns, creating a ripple effect of clean energy access. These developments support Andhra Pradesh's larger commitment to sustainable urbanization and low-emission transport ecosystems. A Model for Clean Energy Transition With strategic government support, a sharp increase in vehicle conversions, and expanding infrastructure, Tirupati is fast becoming a model city for India's clean mobility goals. The integrated approach—combining tax reforms, infrastructure, consumer incentives, and environmental responsibility—is paying dividends. As more individuals and businesses make the switch to CNG, Tirupati is proving that clean energy adoption doesn't have to be a compromise—it can be a smarter, cost-effective, and sustainable way forward.
Time of India
07-06-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
New petrol, diesel cabs to be banned in Delhi-NCR from this date: Details
Petrol, diesel cabs to be banned in Delhi-NCR. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has announced that from January 1, 2026, no new petrol or diesel vehicles will be allowed to join the fleets of cab aggregators, delivery companies, and e-commerce firms operating in Delhi-NCR. The directive is applicable to light commercial vehicles, goods carriers, and two-wheelers used for deliveries. The CAQM stated that commercial vehicles significantly contribute to air pollution in the region due to their extended usage hours and poor maintenance. In comparison to privately owned vehicles, these fleet-operated units emit higher levels of pollutants. To counter this, the commission has mandated a transition to cleaner alternatives: electric or CNG-powered vehicles for any new additions to these commercial fleets. MG Windsor Pro EV Review: More Range, Tech, Safety | TOI Auto This move comes alongside the Delhi government's Motor Vehicle Aggregator and Delivery Service Provider Scheme, 2023, which aims to regulate aggregators and delivery firms operating fleets of more than 25 vehicles. Under this scheme, such companies must register their vehicles on a government-monitored portal for oversight and compliance. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo In addition to Delhi, the CAQM has urged neighbouring states: Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan - to implement similar measures, particularly in urban centres with high vehicle density such as Gurugram, Noida, Ghaziabad, and Faridabad. The initiative is part of a broader effort to bring down pollution levels and promote a shift to zero-emission transport systems in the National Capital Region. (Inputs from PTI). Stay tuned to TOI Auto for latest updates on the automotive sector and do follow us on our social media handles on Facebook, Instagram and X. Discover everything about the automotive world at Times of India .
Time of India
06-06-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Govt to launch 80 more pink buses for women
Patna: Transport department is set to launch 80 more CNG-powered pink buses in different districts of the state. At present 20 such buses are operational in five districts—Patna, Muzaffarpur, Gaya, Purnia and Darbhanga. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now "The department has already begun necessary exercise to launch more buses," an official said on Friday. The eight pink buses currently in operation in Patna have 16 women conductors, while Muzaffarpur has four, and Bhagalpur, Gaya, Purnia and Darbhanga two each. Sharing her experience, Sanju Kumari, a conductor in Patna said, "I meet a lot of women everyday and we interact and work together, it creates a sense of belonging." "These buses have become a reliable and safe commuting option for women passengers, especially working women and students," Jyoti, a first-year student, who travels from Saguna More to the Patna Women's College by pink buses, said. These buses, fitted with cameras and GPS, have provided women with a safe way of commuting. Khushi, a student who commutes daily from Bhootnath Road to the Patna Women's College expressed her satisfaction of travelling by the bus. "Compared to auto or e-rikshaw, these buses are safe, comfortable and easily accessible making the journey hassle free," he said. The commuters also praised the low ticket price. Juhi, a secretariat employee, said now she travels without much burden on her pocket. To avail a monthly pass women have to submit their Aadhaar card, college or school ID or cellphone number at BSRTC offices in Bankipur or Phulwari. Patna: Transport department is set to launch 80 more CNG-powered pink buses in different districts of the state. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now At present 20 such buses are operational in five districts—Patna, Muzaffarpur, Gaya, Purnia and Darbhanga. "The department has already begun necessary exercise to launch more buses," an official said on Friday. The eight pink buses currently in operation in Patna have 16 women conductors, while Muzaffarpur has four, and Bhagalpur, Gaya, Purnia and Darbhanga two each. Sharing her experience, Sanju Kumari, a conductor in Patna said, "I meet a lot of women everyday and we interact and work together, it creates a sense of belonging." "These buses have become a reliable and safe commuting option for women passengers, especially working women and students," Jyoti, a first-year student, who travels from Saguna More to the Patna Women's College by pink buses, said. These buses, fitted with cameras and GPS, have provided women with a safe way of commuting. Khushi, a student who commutes daily from Bhootnath Road to the Patna Women's College expressed her satisfaction of travelling by the bus. "Compared to auto or e-rikshaw, these buses are safe, comfortable and easily accessible making the journey hassle free," he said. The commuters also praised the low ticket price. Juhi, a secretariat employee, said now she travels without much burden on her pocket. To avail a monthly pass women have to submit their Aadhaar card, college or school ID or cellphone number at BSRTC offices in Bankipur or Phulwari.
Time of India
24-05-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Watt next? EV charging station at every 5-km stretch
Delhi government's next electric vehicle policy will focus on strengthening the city's charging infrastructure, job creation and faster adoption of green mobility . Sources in the transport department said that the next policy was likely to target setting up low-cost, fast EV charging stations at every five-kilometre stretch across the capital. The upcoming policy, expected to replace the current one, which was extended until mid-July, also aims to promote battery swapping facilities and offer attractive incentives for retrofitting EV kits and scrapping older vehicles. An official said that govt was also planning an EV corridor in the next policy. He added that the corridor could be alongside Outer Ring Road, considering its status as one of the city's most congested thoroughfares linking key destinations. He further stated that the charging stations would be strategically positioned beneath flyovers and on vacant plots to avoid disrupting traffic flow. The design will incorporate entry and exit points carefully planned to ensure minimal disturbance to motorists. The official said that the idea was to brand this as a route where finding an EV charging station would be easy. This will offset the range anxiety seen among new EV buyers. "This stretch also has several residential areas along its circular length." Officials said the revamped EV strategy would prioritise employment generation, targeting the creation of at least 20,000 jobs. "The establishment of a dense charging network and battery swapping ecosystem will be at the heart of this job drive," a senior govt official said. Since its introduction in 2020, Delhi's EV policy has played a pivotal role in pushing the city towards cleaner transport. It offers a wide range of subsidies, including ₹5,000 per kWh of battery capacity (up to ₹30,000) for electric two-wheelers, ₹30,000 for e-rickshaws and e-carts, and ₹5,500 or 25 per cent of the cost for e-cycles. The current EV policy, introduced in 2020, has received multiple extensions, the latest one for three months after April 15, 2025. The policy offers a range of incentives, including a 25 per cent purchase subsidy (up to ₹5,500) for e-cycles, ₹30,000 for e-rickshaws and e-carts, ₹5,000 per kWh of battery capacity (capped at ₹30,000) for two-wheelers, and ₹30,000 for e-light commercial vehicles. Officials said that looking ahead to 2027, govt was aiming to achieve 95 per cent electric vehicles among all new registrations, leading to a substantial reduction in urban pollution levels. The plan focuses on establishing comprehensive accessibility to charging stations and battery exchange facilities across the region. Recently, Delhi govt had also withdrawn a recommendation of the draft EV policy, which suggested the elimination of CNG autos and fossil fuel-powered two-wheelers in the coming years. The draft proposal suggested phasing out CNG-powered three-wheelers and replacing them with electric autos by Aug 2025. Similarly, it also suggested that petrol, diesel, and CNG two-wheeler registration won't be allowed from Aug 15, 2026. However, transport minister Pankaj Singh said there was no plan to make it binding for CNG autos to shift to electric or put any restriction on bikes.
