PGN Trials the CNG Motors Efficiency & Reliability, Successfully Covers 38.7 Km/liter

Jakarta, April 2, 2023 - Pertamina Gas Subholding, PT PGN Tbk with PT Gagas Energi Indonesia as a Subsidiary, conducted trials on the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) use as Gas Fuel (BBG) on three automatic motorcycles. Each motorbike uses 2.5 Liters CNG, equivalent to Premium (LSP).

From the test results, one of the Vespa motorbikes achieved the farthest distance of 104 km using 2.5 LSP. Thus, each LSP is calculated to cover around 41.6 km. Then on an automatic motorbike, it travels 93.7 KM (2.5 LSP) or about 37.5 Km per LSP. Meanwhile, the other Vespa motorbike covers 91 KM per 2.5 LSP or 37 Km per LSP. From these three vehicles, the average mileage achieved is 38.7 km/Lsp.

"This trial or test drive aims to determine the maximum travel distance by a motorbike using 2.5 LSP CNG. Besides that, the mileage test will show cost-efficiency figures that can be obtained by users," said the Corporate Secretary of PGN, Rachmat Hutama (29/3/2023).

BBG on motorbikes would save up to two times of fuel cost. The price of BBG itself is only IDR 4,500 LSP, and the price is the same wherever it is filled. The gas fuel price is regulated and determined by the Government and the gas fuel conversion is one of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources programs. Thus, the price increases will not be as frequent and fluctuating as fuel prices.

Motorcycles converted to CNG will have a dual fuel system, a combination of fuel and CNG fuels. Therefore, BBG will increase the fuel amount to travel farther. This fuel combination also makes users more flexible in choosing fuel.

"The distance traveled per LSP can be more than 35 kilometers. Thus, it provides more benefits for users. Users can still use fuel and  save money by using gas fuel," added the Main Director of PT Gagas Energi Indonesia, Muhammad Hardiansyah.

There are 20 SPBGs in DKI Jakarta, Bekasi, and Depok. The filling method is also easy and practical or without disassembling the tank. Charging BBG itself only takes one to two minutes.

Hardiansyah explained that for the CNG conversion on motorbikes, it is necessary to install a Converter Kit, a CNG tube, a switch to activate/deactivate the CNG use, and other devices. Installation is carried out by certified workshops such as BSD Auto Gas Indonesia Workshop and Raja Rafa Samudra Workshop, Pondok Gede.

“Regarding certification, it is a major concern. We prioritize the safety aspect of this motorbike CNG conversion. The CNG cylinder used has passed the pressure test and has international standard ISO 11439 regarding the strength and tube specifications for CNG, so there is very little chance of it exploding in daily use," Hardiansyah explained.

BBG cylinders are also safe because gas cylinders are made of seamless steel pipe, which is made with a special process without joints that makes these tubes light but very strong. The tube used is in accordance with safety standard ISO 11439, which has been tested at 1.5x the operational pressure and is far greater than the pressure during a collision due to an accident. The cylinder valve also complies with the ECE R 110 standard with an auto cut-off mode for excess flow, meaning that if a piping breaks or is released it immediately cuts off the gas from the cylinder.

"The successful CNG motorbike trial has become a driving force for us to realize a pilot project on 300 motorbikes in the near future. The CNG motor conversion is a breakthrough as well as PGN Group's support for providing environmentally friendly and efficient energy for the community," Rachmat concluded.**