November 1, 2021. In Colombia, the focus of conversion to natural gas for vehicles (NGV) has a strong presence in cars and trucks. However, according to the Colombian Natural Gas Association (Naturgas), the market for courier and cargo motorcycles – one of the strongest – is being targeted to roll through the streets with this fuel.
Until recently, motorcycles were not included in Resolution 0957 of 2012, which establishes the applicable regulations for workshops and NGV conversion processes. With the recent update made by the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism, in which Naturgas intervened, the inclusion of these vehicles was achieved.
One of the pioneering workshops that has been dedicated to the conversion of these vehicles to natural gas is Natural Motos. For several years it has worked in the design and technological implementation of natural gas systems in courier or cargo motorcycles. This company works in alliance with AKT Motos and by 2022 they have the goal of rolling over 5,000 units.
According to the company directors, the implementation of these natural gas engines brings many benefits in terms of performance, engine cleanliness, spark plug maintenance and a significant reduction in particulate matter emissions.
“Public health, its care and that of the environment are our future. As we know, motorcycles are the largest vehicle sector in the country and one of the most polluting. If we make the fuel change, we give great support to the planet”, says Deinar Agudelo, founder of Natural Motos.
Additionally, the refueling process will be the same as for automobiles and will provide higher performance per kilometer traveled, which offers economic advantages.
In the Colombian automotive fleet, motorcycles have a participation of 59%, around 9.500.000, according to figures from the Unique National Traffic Registry (RUNT). For now, only 0 km motorcycles can be converted, but as natural gas advances in this market other high and low cylinder capacity will be added.
