Diesel-to-CNG Engine Conversion: Transform Your Engine to Run on Natural Gas

Reduce Emissions Through CNG Engine Conversion

Today, many vehicles and non-road mobile machinery are still equipped with diesel engines. A diesel-to-CNG engine conversion offers an effective solution to reduce pollutant emissions while preserving much of the existing engine architecture and equipment.

With over 20 years of expertise in natural gas engine technologies, CRMT supports manufacturers, engine developers and industrial operators in the development, validation and integration of CNG and BioCNG engine conversion solutions tailored to their applications.

WHY CONVERT A DIESEL ENGINE TO CNG?

Converting a diesel engine to natural gas offers both environmental and economic benefits.

The use of CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) or BioCNG can significantly reduce NOx and particulate matter emissions compared with conventional diesel engines. These pollutants are known to have a direct impact on air quality, public health and the environment.

Diesel-to-CNG engine conversion also helps extend the service life of existing equipment without requiring the replacement of the entire machine or vehicle, making it a cost-effective and sustainable solution.

In addition, when produced through anaerobic digestion, BioCNG is a renewable and locally sourced energy. Its use contributes to reducing the carbon footprint of transportation and industrial applications while supporting the transition towards more sustainable mobility and energy solutions.

COMPREHENSIVE EXPERTISE IN CNG ENGINE ENGINEERING

For more than 20 years, CRMT has been developing and validating alternative fuel engines powered by CNG, BioCNG, hydrogen and biofuels.

Our expertise in CNG engine development and diesel-to-CNG engine conversion is supported by:

• an integrated engineering department;
• advanced mechanical, electrical and electronic design capabilities;
• the development of a proprietary open Engine Control Unit (ECU);
• multiple engine test cells dedicated to engine development and validation;
• advanced engine performance, combustion and emissions testing equipment.

This unique combination of engineering, engine calibration and testing expertise enables CRMT to support manufacturers, engine developers and industrial operators throughout the entire diesel-to-CNG engine conversion process.

From feasibility studies and system design to engine validation and industrial deployment, CRMT delivers complete solutions tailored to the technical and operational requirements of each application.

HOW DOES A DIESEL-TO-CNG ENGINE CONVERSION WORK?

A diesel-to-CNG engine conversion involves several key engineering and validation stages.

The process begins with a feasibility study conducted by CRMT to assess the technical viability of converting the targeted diesel engine to CNG. This preliminary phase allows our engineers to identify engine-specific constraints, define the most suitable conversion strategy and ensure compliance with the customer's technical requirements.

Once the feasibility study has been completed, CRMT carries out the mechanical, electrical and electronic design activities required for the conversion. Our integrated engineering team adapts and sources all the components necessary to transform the engine into a reliable and efficient natural gas powertrain.

Depending on the application, the conversion may include:

• integration of spark plugs and ignition coils;
• cylinder head adaptation or redesign;
• installation of CNG fuel injectors;
• integration of a CNG fuel rail;
• air intake system modifications;
• exhaust aftertreatment system adaptation;
• development of a dedicated engine wiring harness;
• integration of the CRMT open Engine Control Unit (ECU);
• development and calibration of a dedicated engine control strategy.

Each component is carefully selected, engineered and integrated to ensure optimum reliability, performance and durability.

Once the conversion has been completed, the engine undergoes an extensive engine validation program on CRMT's engine test benches.

These tests allow our engineers to evaluate:

• engine performance;
• fuel consumption;
• pollutant emissions;
• component robustness;
• long-term durability.

With multiple engine test cells and advanced emissions measurement capabilities, CRMT can perform comprehensive engine validation campaigns before deployment in real-world applications.

This end-to-end approach enables CRMT to deliver fully validated diesel-to-CNG engine conversion solutions for on-road, off-road, marine and stationary applications.

CNG ENGINE CONVERSION: WHICH APPLICATIONS?

A diesel-to-CNG engine conversion can be considered for a wide range of applications, including:

• heavy-duty trucks;
• buses and coaches;
• agricultural machinery;
• construction equipment;
• marine applications;
• generator sets;
• special-purpose machines.

Each project undergoes a dedicated technical assessment to identify the most suitable CNG engine conversion solution based on operational requirements, performance targets and application-specific constraints.

Thanks to its expertise in alternative fuel engines, CRMT can support the conversion of engines used in both on-road and off-road applications, as well as stationary and marine power systems.

RECOGNIZED EXPERTISE IN ALTERNATIVE FUEL TECHNOLOGIES

Beyond Natural Gas technologies, CRMT has been supporting the development of alternative fuel solutions for several decades, working with a wide range of sustainable energy sources, including:

• BioCNG;
• Hydrogen;
• E100 ethanol;
• e-fuels;
• renewable and synthetic fuels.

This extensive experience in alternative fuel engine development enables CRMT to identify the most suitable technology for each application, taking into account technical requirements, economic constraints and environmental objectives.

By combining expertise in CNG, hydrogen, biofuels and synthetic fuels, CRMT helps manufacturers and industrial operators accelerate the transition towards cleaner and more sustainable mobility and power generation solutions.

FROM CNG ENGINE CONVERSION TO VEHICLE RETROFIT

This expertise in natural gas engine development can also be leveraged for vehicle retrofit projects and the conversion of existing equipment.

CRMT supports manufacturers and operators in the adaptation of industrial vehicles, buses, coaches, marine applications, special-purpose machines and stationary power systems, enabling them to operate on CNG or BioCNG.

By combining expertise in engine conversion, vehicle integration and validation, CRMT delivers reliable solutions that meet performance targets while ensuring safety, durability and compliance with applicable regulatory requirements.