The special tank holds about 10 gallons of compressed gas and the vehicle can travel 17 miles per gallon. Along with installing another tank, a duel-fueled engine, including a manifold to accept the natural gas, must be modified. Much of the engine remains the same, aside from having fewer parts. The two natural gas trucks at Northeastern are used every day by maintenance and physical plant workers as well as grounds keepers. According to Grant, natural gas is about 85 to 90 percent efficient, while conventional gasoline uses only 45 percent of its energy.
Natural gas is also clean burning and is environmentally safe.
Natural gas has a higher octane and burns cleaner too. The U.S. has an abundant supply of natural gas, while 90 percent of gasoline is imported. In addition, natural gas reduces carbon monoxide emissions up to 70 percent and reactive hydrocarbons by 85 percent. According to Grant, natural gas powered cars are now available, but there are very few refueling stations. Boston Gas is scheduled to deliver a portable and refillable compressed gas tank to campus so NU can use the the natural gas for its vehicles.