The nation is now back to electric vehicles which I proposed when the CNG was introduced in 2025.
Recall I pointed out that CNG was an outdated technology that gained traction during WW1 and that it will not fill Nigeria energy gap because of the numerous issues surrounding its use. To understand the context,
Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) originates from underground natural gas reservoirs that is often found alongside petroleum deposits and consists mainly of methane.
It was first experimented with as a vehicle fuel in the 1850s and gained traction during World War I. Today, it is extracted, processed, and compressed to 3,000-3,600 psi for fuel.
Some of its drawbacks include the reduction in engine power particularly noticeable when driving on steep hills or when attempting to overtake on highways. For daily city commuting, the downsides are manageable, but they can be a significant for heavy-duty or long-distance applications.
It must be noted that Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) offers lower operating costs, but primary disadvantages include limited refueling infrastructure, significantly reduced trunk space for storage tanks, lower engine power (especially in converted vehicles), and higher initial setup costs.
Additionally, CNG vehicles have a shorter driving range and may suffer from accelerated engine wear due to higher operating temperatures. While CNG lowers overall carbon emissions, the potential for VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) emissions and explosion hazards remain significant safety and health considerations.
Studies frequently focus on the reduction of PAHs and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are carcinogenic in traffic-heavy environments when using CNG.
In medical literature, “CNG” can also refer to the Collaborative Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Group, which is a staging system for cancer, not the fuel type. While EVs have higher initial costs and longer “refueling” times, their superior efficiency and lower maintenance make them more cost-effective over the long term.
Electric Vehicles (EVs) offer superior advantages over CNG cars, primarily through lower running costs. EVs are roughly three to four times more efficient than internal combustion engines, meaning they require roughly half the energy to operate compared to gasoline cars highlights Yale Climate Connections. This is due to the fact that Electric vehicles (EVs) are highly efficient, converting roughly 77% of electrical energy from the grid into power at the wheels, far exceeding internal combustion engines. Efficiency is typically measured in miles per kWh (or kWh/100 miles) with top models achieving over 5 miles per kWh, and is influenced by speed, temperature, and regenerative braking. If we have embraced the technology in 2025, Nigeria would have been a leading force in Africa accessing most of the carbon credit and offset including climate financing globally. IT IS NEVER TOO LATE AND IT IS BETTER LATE THAN NEVER
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(AVM RTD AKUGBE IYAMU MNSA fsi
CONSULTANT ON CLIMATE CHANGE AND ANALYST ON ENVIRONMENTAL POLICIES
PRESIDENT ASSOCIATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND CLIMATE CHANGE PRACTITIONERS)
₹1–2/km), minimal maintenance, and zero tailpipe emissions. EVs provide instant torque for smoother driving, more boot space, and better long-term savings. While CNG has widespread fueling, EVs are quieter and more efficient.