Opel has expanded its range of natural gas vehicles to light commercial vehicles, introducing the bi-fuel Vivaro CNG (compressed natural gas), making it one of the few natural gas powered vans available in the Netherlands. Following the Opel Zafira CNG (Turbo) and the Opel Combo CNG, the CNG Opel Vivaro is the third model with a gas engine. The Vivaro CNG carries 200 litres of CNG for a range of about 360 kms, plus the existing standard 90 liter fuel tank for an additional 865 kilometers – a total range of up to 1225 kms.
The CNG Opel Vivaro option is carried out by GFI Control Systems, based in Gorinchem. The gas plant is available in three formats: a tank of 100 liters, a double tank of 180 liters (80 liters x 1 + 1 × 100 liters) and a double tank of 200 liters (2 × 100 liters).
Opel argues the loss of cargo space from the gas tanks is well offset by the considerable benefits of running on natural gas. Compared with gasoline, diesel and LPG gas is a much cleaner fuel. The Vivaro natural gas model provides a tangible reduction in emissions of particulate matter, NOx and NO2, and CO2 emissions of 196 g/km are more than 16 percent lower than the petrol variant (234 g/km). Additonal benefit is gained if the vehicle operates on biomethane, which is virtually CO2-neutral.
Economics also prevails. In the Netherlands, compared to a comparable diesel version, the price of a full tank of gas about 30 percent lower. Compared to petrol models the price may be up to 60% lower. The vehicle also qualifies for government incentives by way of tax and additional financial benefits for businesses, such as through the Energy Investment (EIA). Opel says cost recovery for the additional investment of a CNG installation can be achieved inside two years, even for the most expensive 200 litre conversion.
The Opel Vivaro costs from € 16.200 (USD 21,700). The cost of installing a gas tank varies depending on the size, from € 2.187 (USD 2930) to € 3.331 (USD 4460). The installation cost was approximately € 900 (USD 1205).
The number of CNG filling stations in the Netherlands is expanding at a steady pace, creating what Opel says is a strong momentum for driving on natural gas.
