Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by J. A. on July 9, 2009 at 15:38

I have the same questions tonight?
Good luck!
I think it is mostly for 18 wheelers etc. that they're talking about it being the biggest benefit because hybrids are already here.

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Permalink Reply by Les Bamburg on July 9, 2009 at 18:19

JA, you are correct that CNG has historically been targeted at transit buses and heavy duty trucks but it can also be used in passenger vehicles. LNG may be a better long term fit for large trucks and buses because of the performance level and longer cruising range.

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Permalink Reply by P.G. on July 9, 2009 at 16:00

Even if CNG should cost the same as gasoline, it would be nice to know some terrorist supporting country wasn't benefiting from your fuel purchase!

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Permalink Reply by Les Bamburg on July 9, 2009 at 18:14

Bob, the Honda GX CNG holds the equivalent of 8.03 gallons of gasoline or ~ one million Btu's. The natural gas volume is about 975 standard cubic feet but only 3.99 actual cubic feet of gas at the 3600 psi storage tank pressure. A typical CNG storage tank would be about one foot in diameter and four feet long.

It is difficult to estimate the CNG retail price but it could currently be as low as $1.00 per gasoline gallon equivalent. Longer term prices will likely be closer to $2.00 per GGE.

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Permalink Reply by Jon Williamson on July 10, 2009 at 1:48

There are several fueling stations in Dallas. The posted online price is $1.95 per gasoline gallon equivalent.

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Permalink Reply by Bacon on July 10, 2009 at 6:26

Right now the max driving radius for 18 wheelers is about 300 miles on CNG. The fuel tanks are heavy and eats into the hauling capacity. CNG works great for buses, trash trucks, etc.. that don't need to travel long distances. Hopefully the storage tank technology will progress soon.

Cars can run dual systems, CNG and gasoline with a conversion kit.

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Permalink Reply by Bob on July 10, 2009 at 13:10

Thanks for the info. I wonder if they will come up with a small affordable compressor that you could fill up at home with. Not that it would do me any good. I'm all electric because there is no gas service out here. Kind of ironic that I can hear the gas roaring from the well they just drilled about 1000' from my house but no gas for my house. Oh well, eventually it will help me pay the electric bill.

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Permalink Reply by The_Baron on July 14, 2009 at 6:35

Honda sells a compressor for your home. the original manufacture went belly up, but has been aquired by a new company. Its what T. Boone uses.

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Permalink Reply by The_Baron on July 14, 2009 at 6:43

http://automobiles.honda.com/civic-gx/

Fuel Systems Solutions Completes Acquisition of Certain FuelMaker Assets and Purchase Orders
SANTA ANA, Calif., May 28, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Fuel Systems Solutions, Inc. (Nasdaq:FSYS) completed the purchase of selected assets and technology for compressed natural gas (CNG) refueling products manufactured by FuelMaker Corporation, including the home refueling appliance marketed under the Phill(tm) brand, for $7.0 million as announced on May 1st.

Mariano Costamagna, CEO of Fuel Systems Solutions, said, "We are excited to begin integrating our new technology, patents, certifications and products with our turn-key refueling equipment solutions. Naturally, we expect a transition period during which we will transfer certifications and production; however, management is committed to the continuity of service and production of Phill."

"Over the past two years, we have selectively acquired complementary businesses that support our business and broaden our opportunity. Our existing refueling solutions for large fleets and gas stations are augmented by the FuelMaker product line, which addresses both the consumer and smaller commercial markets. We are excited to continue to market and service Phill, which we believe we can deploy to existing markets using our global distribution network and original equipment manufacturer (OEM) relationships and to developing markets where the natural gas refueling infrastructure is limited, such as the United States."

As part of the purchase, Fuel Systems Solutions has agreed to fulfill certain FuelMaker service obligations and has assumed certain outstanding purchase orders. Those with inquiries about FuelMaker and Phill, please email fmsales@impcotechnologies.com or call (714) 656-1268 in North America or +39 (0172) 48681 outside of North America. Investors please continue to call LHA at (415) 433-3777.

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