BioCNG retrofit to green your coach fleets Demander à ChatGPT

BioCNG Retrofit: A Concrete Solution for Decarbonizing Mobility

RETROFIT: A KEY LEVER FOR THE ENERGY TRANSITION

Since the publication of the IPCC's first report in 1990, "Climate Change: The IPCC Scientific Assessment", which highlighted the impact of transport on CO₂ emissions, the urgency of decarbonizing mobility has become undeniable. The consequences of vehicle-related pollution—respiratory diseases, climate change, and air quality degradation—are numerous and well-documented.

While public transport offers a compelling alternative to individual mobility, its environmental benefit is only real if the vehicles themselves are decarbonized. However, in 2023, according to data from the French Ministry for Ecological Transition (SDES), 96.8% of France’s coach fleet still ran on diesel—a concerning figure.

To address this challenge, some operators are investing in new vehicles powered by alternative fuels such as CNG, HVO, hydrogen, or electricity. But there’s another option—faster and more economical—that deserves greater attention: retrofitting.

Electric, hydrogen, and BioCNG retrofits are all viable pathways. Among them, BioCNG retrofit stands out for its many advantages: significant emissions reductions, cost efficiency, and preserved vehicle performance. It is a practical, scalable, and immediately available solution to accelerate the energy transition of public transport.

WHAT IS BIOCNG RETROFIT?

A BioCNG retrofit involves converting a conventional diesel-powered vehicle into one that runs on BioCNG (biomethane for transport), a renewable and low-carbon fuel.

This conversion can be achieved either by modifying the existing engine or by integrating a new engine designed for gas operation.

It gives vehicles a second life—decarbonizing without having to purchase new ones.

WHY CHOOSE BIOCNG RETROFIT?

A Green, Cost-Effective, and Operationally Sound Solution

While electric and hydrogen retrofits are gaining interest, BioCNG retrofit offers unique advantages, notably due to the sustainability of the fuel and the maturity of the technology.

•  An Environmental Solution

A coach retrofitted to BioCNG significantly reduces its environmental footprint:

- Up to 80% reduction in NOx emissions

- Up to 70% fewer fine particulate emissions

- Up to 80% less CO₂, when using biomethane produced from organic waste (agricultural, industrial, or household)

These pollutants are known to contribute to respiratory illnesses and global warming.

• An Economical Solution

The cost of converting a diesel coach is significantly lower than purchasing a new CNG or electric vehicle. On average, the investment represents about 50% of the cost of a new vehicle, allowing for optimized TCO (Total Cost of Ownership).

• A Practical Solution

Thanks to its technological maturity, BioCNG retrofit is a proven and operationally simple solution.
CRMT offers a certified retrofit kit with:

- Minimal structural modifications

- Short conversion time

- 300 km of range, suitable for school and regional routes

- Easy refueling via a growing nationwide CNG station network

CRMT: 20 YEARS OF BIOCNG RETROFIT EXPERTISE

With over 20 years of experience in BioCNG retrofit, CRMT has developed solid expertise in gas-powered vehicle conversions: from project design to component integration and conversion execution.

All projects are handled in-house by our skilled technicians specialized in gaseous fuels and by a dedicated engineering team. This end-to-end control guarantees safe, compliant, and tailored retrofit solutions that meet the operational needs of transport operators.

Thinking about converting your vehicle to BioCNG?
Get in touch—our team is here to study your project and answer your questions.