Written by During a recent trip to Bangkok, I achieved a few firsts. It was my first time in Bangkok and first time attending such a large motorshow (Bangkok Motor Show). Had always wanted to visit Bangkok since 2 years ago and now it has been realised.
The motoring trend in Bangkok itself have advanced much ahead compared to that of KL’s. One obvious reason is the vast usage of pick-up trucks in and out of Bangkok city and, in terms of fuel choice, they have started using natural gas besides the regular petrol or diesel. The Thai government has been very supportive in what the car manufacturers offer to its people and its efforts to spread the ‘green way’ of driving.
Fugly but it saves Mother Earth
Like in Malaysia, we do see the bulk of natural gas vehicles on the taxis in Klang Valley, and in some other non-commercial vehicles. A sticker label usually found on the rear boot cover that has ‘NGV’ letters on it is the acronym for Natural Gas Vehicle. The NGVs run on either LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) or the conventional petrol for now.
In Thailand, the ‘green cars’ has taken a step higher than us. If you find a green label with white letters that has ‘CNG’ on it, you know it runs on gas AND diesel/petrol. CNG is short for Compressed Natural Gas.
To highlight an example, Chevrolet Thailand has just launched its first dual-fuel pick-up truck that runs on both diesel and CNG. An amazing feat by Chevrolet to provide choices to the Thai people in fighting rising fuel prices.
Chevy’s Colorado runs on gas and diesel
The Chevrolet Colorado pick-up truck is the first of its kind in Thailand to run on a mixture of diesel and CNGin its combustion chambers, on 35% and 65% ratios, respectively. If CNG is fully exhausted, the truck automatically switches to burn on 100% diesel, without affecting the smooth running of the engine.
The Colorado’s backpack
Two other bi-fuel models by Chevrolet are the Optra CNG Sedan and CNG Estate.
Family cars taking the ‘green way’ too
The only drawback of having vehicles with CNG engines is the unsightly gas cylinders weighing at 9.1 kgs (70 liters) mounted at the back of the car. Fitting the tank onto the Colorado is still acceptable as it has a spacious rear bed for it, but, for the Optra Sedan and Estate, boot space have to make way for the CNG cylinder.
Currently there are more than 160 CNG stations throughout Thailand and I dont see why Thai drivers don’t jump into the ‘green’ bandwagon.
Unlike Malaysia, we still have a long way to go in terms of alternative fuel usage in our cars. Or the road could be shorter with the new opposition-led government?
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