Light-Duty NGV Options

Learn about your options for buying or converting a used natural gas vehicle.

If you're interested in buying a used natural gas vehicle (NGV), there's a number of options available as aftermarket conversions that are certified by the California Air Resource Board (CARB) .*

Natural Gas Vehicle Prices

While natural gas vehicles generally cost more than gasoline or diesel vehicles due to the higher expense of high- pressure fuel tanks, historically the price to fill up with natural gas has been about 30 to 50 percent less than the per gasoline gallon equivalent (GGE). The amount you'll save on fuel, which depends on the fuel efficiency of the vehicle and the number of miles driven, will help offset your initial investment in a short period of time.

Natural Gas Vehicle Conversions

Customers interested in full-size pickups, vans and other light-duty vehicles can purchase new vehicles at their local new car dealer and have them converted or "upfit"* to run on CNG. There are local Qualified System Retrofitters (QSRs) in Southern California listed in the CNG Vehicle Conversion/Modifications section in our CNG Supplier Directory.

With the exception of the parts that are replaced for the CNG conversion, the majority of the new vehicle warranty will remain in place after the conversion. In addition, most of the vehicle's service, such as oil changes, can be completed at your local dealer. Consult vehicle manufacturers for details on their warranties.

For an overview of certified and approved conversion systems, see NGVAmerica´s Vehicle Availability*.

Used NGVs

Purchasing a used NGV can take much less time than having one converted, and provide significant cost savings. However, it's important to note that used NGVs do not qualify for the tax credits that new vehicles are eligible for. It's important that you confirm with certainty that the vehicle you are considering is certified by the California Air Resources Board (CARB).

NGV Auctions and Used NGV Retailers1

The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA)* holds periodic auctions of used NGVs. Search "natural gas vehicles" on the web for new or previously owned NGVs. One retailer of used NGVs in Southern California is Best Auto Sales in Corona, CA. Auto Excellence is a used vehicle dealer in Salt Lake City that generally has a selection of used NGVs in stock.

1The information about natural gas vehicles and related equipment and services (including the CNG Supplier Directory) is provided for informational purposes only. Although SoCalGas has used reasonable efforts to assure the accuracy of the information at the time of its inclusion, no express or implied representation is made that it is free from error or suitable for any particular use or purpose. SoCalGas is not affiliated with any of the vehicle manufacturers or service providers referenced herein, and we do not endorse or accept liability for any claims arising out of your purchase or use of any vehicle or your selection of any services. The lists provided are not exhaustive and other manufacturers and service providers may exist. As with any other purchase, you should do appropriate research to determine whether any of the listed vehicles or services is right for you.