LADA Vesta CNG (compressed natural gas): problems and prospects

The installation of gas cylinder equipment on passenger cars in order to save fuel is becoming increasingly widespread. Owners of Vestas running on gas have calculated the possible benefits and are leaning towards alternative fuel.

AvtoVAZ officially supported the opinion of car owners with a modification of the LADA Vesta cng, which is equipped with gas equipment while still on the assembly line.

Lada Vesta gas gasoline from the factory is not available to everyone, so car owners install gas systems themselves. For HBO to work flawlessly, it must be chosen correctly and the pros and cons must be weighed.

Which generation is suitable for Vesta and why?

Progress in the production of gas cylinder equipment has reached the 5th generation.
The power unit of the Lada Vesta is of a conventional atmospheric design, with an injector and distributed fuel injection, so it is logical that the 4th generation will be the optimal choice. It is not advisable to consider older versions; such technologies are no longer relevant. The 5th generation of HBO is suitable for turbocharged engines equipped with a direct injection system. There is no such modification in the Vesta engine line.

In the 4th generation, gas from the gearbox is directed to gas injectors, which operate on the same principle as with gasoline fuel. Gas fuel is supplied using solenoid valves.

The 4th generation electronic gas control unit is similar to a standard car controller. When information is received from gasoline injectors, the control unit processes the information using gas software. As a result, fuel dosing indicators are adjusted, the system “adjusts” to gas.

When installing LPG on Vesta, the engine starts on gasoline; after warming up, it automatically switches to alternative fuel (if the switch is in the “gas” position). The selection button and fuel consumption indicator are located on a compact panel.

The loss of power in Vesta with gas equipment is almost unnoticeable, toxicity standards are maintained at the level of the EURO-4 standard.

↑ How and where to fill a car with gas

As we said above, there are not many gas stations capable of providing the Lada Vesta with methane. There are no more than 300 such places throughout the country. But this is not so bad when compared with 2016, when there were only 30 such stations in the country. According to plans, 25 more places will be built in the country this year where it will be possible to refuel with methane.

A car with gas equipment is of particular interest to residents of the southern and Caucasian regions. It is in this direction that most new stations are being built. The popularity of cars largely depends on the development of this direction.

In order to refuel the dual-fuel version, an adapter is issued at a special station, which snaps onto the fitting under the hatch. Next, you need to attach the other end to the column and perform refueling.

Special mobile stations with gas fuel can partially correct the situation. PAGZ is a semi-trailer with 16 cylinders holding 5 thousand cubic meters of gas. This is enough to power 100 GAZelle cars and 250 VESTA passenger cars using methane.

These mobile fuel stations are reliable and provide fast refueling. At the same time, they can be quickly refueled at points where propane and methane are available. Thanks to this, they always have gas in them. Today they are not widely used. You can meet in Stavropol. In the near future it will appear between Moscow and St. Petersburg.

Pros and cons of methane gas treatment

This news has a number of advantages relative to its standard opponent.

• The engine life can increase with proper care due to the fact that the gas will not wash away the oil film from the cylinder walls. In addition, the gas itself does not form deposits, which prevents the appearance of soot;
• Due to the lower cost of methane, the cost per kilometer of travel will be significantly lower. The average value can reach 1 rub./km. However, the engine starts on gasoline. And in some modes, the hybrid modification still injects gasoline into the combustion chamber even when driving on LPG. This allows you to lower the combustion temperature of the fuel mixture and increase reliability;
• increased travel range. The cruising range on gas is 400 km, and the cost of a full tank of gas will be three times lower than the price of a full tank of gasoline. The standard 55-liter gasoline tank also remains in place. Taking this into account, the dual-fuel Lad Vesta can travel about 1000 km on one fill-up, which is a good alternative to modern diesel engines.

The Lada Vesta CNG 2022 2021 also has disadvantages.

1. Most natural gas vehicles run on propane. This Vesta is equipped with methane gas equipment. The network of gas stations with this type of fuel is not widespread, especially in peripheral cities. Many gas stations are located directly “on the pipeline” and getting to them is not always convenient.
2. Gas equipment is located in the trunk and eats up a fair amount of free space. The remaining space is not that large. Several packs of mineral water can fit here, and although the rear seat backs can be reclining, this option is pointless. The cylinder closes the space, and long items will not fit here. However, the situation can be solved by the Vesta CNG station wagon, the start of sales of which is also just around the corner.

Dimensions of the new body with gas equipment

Visually, the Vesta CNG 2022 differs from the sedan only in the nameplate on the tailgate. Otherwise, a methane-powered car completely replicates an ordinary gasoline modification.

Available colors

The color palette follows the usual modification offerings. Vesta Cross on gas will go on sale in the following colors:

• white;
• light gray;
• garfit;
• dark grey;
• black;
• golden;
• blue;
• yellow;
• red;
• grey-blue.

LADA Vesta CNG (compressed natural gas): problems and prospects

A few days ago, a message appeared that AvtoVAZ was ready to certify the methane modification of Vesta and, moreover, was able to launch mass production of this car. This information was provided by a completely authoritative source - the head of the LADA Vesta CNG project, Vladimir Maksimenko. Alas, this is not entirely true.

According to our sources at AvtoVAZ, the design of the methane Vesta has not yet been worked out, and problems with gas equipment have not been resolved. It is not even clear who will supply the key element - high-pressure gas cylinders. Vesta CNG prototypes use composite reinforced cylinders of the fourth type Xperion X-STORE AH_314_HY_1c with a volume of 46 liters. At an operating pressure of 200 bar, they hold 8.4 kg of methane, which gives a gas mileage of almost 400 km (minimum 350 km, as VAZ people say). And if we take gasoline into account, the total mileage on all fuel exceeds 1000 km. These are good indicators, but... Type 4 cylinders are very expensive. A couple of pieces together with valves cost 1,000 euros, which gives an increase to the cost of the car (at the current exchange rate) of 71,000 rubles. Nevertheless, Vladimir Maksimenko said that the difference in the cost of gasoline and gas cars will not exceed 80,000 rubles. It seems that he only meant the cost of gas equipment.

However, conversion to CNG is not only about installing gas equipment. In Vesta, about 10 original body parts appear, for which you need to create equipment. According to the calculations of those directly involved in this project, the minimum difference in the cost of the petrol and gas versions of Vesta will be 130,000 rubles, but most likely it will be even greater. Due to the high cost of composite cylinders, at one time (2012) the gas Grant project did not go well; AvtoVAZ marketers considered it inappropriate at such a cost. The idea of ​​switching to cheaper and heavier cylinders of the third type (metal-plastic) did not save Grant CNG either; it was still too expensive. Surveys of taxi fleet owners (these are the main consumers of such equipment) showed: Grant will not buy CNG.

There is one more nuance: both Vesta and Granta have cylinders located longitudinally, in the trunk, in a niche instead of a spare wheel. From a safety point of view, this arrangement is optimal. But there’s nowhere to put the spare tire itself! For Granta, they developed a special bracket in the trunk with a cover, similar to what was installed on the Volga-3110. But the spare tire “ate up” a significant amount. Vesta’s trunk is significantly smaller than the Grant’s, and the option of attaching the spare tire to the bracket is even less successful. And the idea of ​​operating a car without a spare wheel at all, with viscous sealant in the wheels and a powerful compressor on board for prompt inflation, was criticized by the same taxi drivers. So this problem is still waiting to be solved.

AvtoVAZ is unlikely to release Vesta CNG on its own on the free market; this is a niche project, it implies the presence of an interested co-investor partner. In the form of a supplier of gas equipment, Gazprom or some large taxi company, ready to sign a guarantee of purchase of the ordered cars. Now Vesta CNG is undergoing calibration, which will be completed, as Maksimenko said, in October. But this does not mean that the car will receive OTTS in October; the certification tests themselves will also take some time. In any case, the plant now does not have the money to independently produce even an initial batch. And after the liquidation of pilot production, there is no technological opportunity to assemble gas machines in any commercial quantities. Vesta CNG, if it is in demand, should be produced in Izhevsk, but this is not yet being talked about even in a cautious whisper.

Propane or methane

Initially, all Lada Vesta engines were designed with great potential for various modifications, including the installation of other power plants. New Vesta is immediately produced with two fuel systems - using gasoline and using natural compressed gas. Lada uses only methane. It is less explosive than propane and complies not only with existing European toxicity standards, but also with their prospects. Compressed natural gas reduces fuel costs by 3.5 times and increases engine life.

Lada Vesta CNG – general overview

The external difference between the Lada Vesta CNG and the petrol version is only the presence of a nameplate on the trunk. The interior has also not undergone any significant changes and only has an additional button responsible for switching from gasoline to gas and back. The trunk, instead of 490 liters, like the petrol version, has only 390, and the rest of the space is occupied by a cylinder.

The engine installed on this car model will be standard for this line, and has 106 horsepower with a volume of 1.6 liters. The optional gearbox can be either manual or automatic. Acceleration to 100 will be carried out in approximately 13 seconds.

Riding on methane

Compared to gasoline, this car does not run on methane at all. According to the factory specifications, from 106 liters. With. 90 remains, the car really doesn’t move. Very poor acceleration and traction. After switching to gasoline, a vigorous thrust is felt.

I scoured the Internet and realized that people turn to chip tuning specialists. I found these guys who promised to reflash the electronic unit and install dual-mode firmware. One for gasoline, the other for gas. As I understand it, they want to turn off the catalyst and flash it for Euro-2. The gas settings will also be made different, they will install a hidden relay that will switch from one mode to another.

We'll see what happens, but at the moment the car is a complete vegetable.

Factory firmware

For the sake of the environment, Euro-5 firmware was installed, the car drives poorly. If you want to accelerate sharply, then after 3700 rpm gasoline is injected. Then the acceleration begins.

Installation and Maintenance

Converting a gasoline version into a hybrid version, according to experts, will cost from 30 thousand to 170 thousand rubles. But due to the fact that the state provides financial support, the factory model will be only 30 thousand more expensive than a regular gasoline model. This leads to another disadvantage of LPG - it does not begin to make a profit immediately, since its installation requires serious investments. Therefore, equipping a car with such systems is carried out taking into account the future, and not immediate payback.

Maintenance of this type of equipment is not much different from any other and will not hit the driver’s wallet. Typically, the working life of all gas equipment parts has a serious reserve and, with proper installation and operation, can serve the owner for a very long and productive time. In addition, I would like to note that the Lada Vesta with gas equipment has many positive reviews.

Note! You should not save money on specialists if you bought a Lada Vesta with LPG not from the factory, but install it yourself.

Review of the car

In class “B” it is one of the best, at least in terms of functionality. Of course, many will say that they should have bought a Hyundai Solaris. In August 2022, I bought a Lada Vesta CNG for 690 thousand. The difference with the regular Vesta was about 50,000 rubles at that time.

If I had bought a regular Vesta and installed gas equipment separately, I would have paid more. This service cost about 80 thousand rubles. But a factory version has appeared, you don’t have to run anywhere, you register it with the traffic police and go.

An ordinary normal car, large interior, ground clearance, handles well. I think that Solaris or Kia Rio would be worse. I'm not even talking about Logan, although the base is made on it.

I can draw the following conclusion: the car is worthy for me, a family car. So far there are no problems. A normal car, you can buy it and not worry about it. If you look at the cost on the secondary market, it doesn’t matter to me. If you think differently, share your opinion.

Disadvantages of installing LPG on Lada Vesta

HBO also has them.
The main disadvantage is the deterioration in dynamic characteristics by 5-8%, which is especially important for owners of basic versions of the Lada Vesta, equipped with the weakest, 87-horsepower engine. In addition, the need to constantly transport the spare tire directly in the trunk not only significantly reduces its volume, although Vesta has one of the most spacious, but also significantly affects the ease of use of the luggage compartment space. Carrying the spare tire directly in the trunk takes away precious usable space.

If the car is under warranty, then installing the LPG yourself will result in loss of the right to warranty repairs. In addition, air filters have to be changed more often, and condensate will need to be drained from the gearbox periodically.

Prejudices of opponents of HBO

They usually relate to 2 points:

You should not believe theories that the presence of a gas cylinder on board Vesta increases the risk of an explosion. Cylinders, made of almost 4 mm steel, and also equipped with safety valves and other shut-off valves, are much more durable than gas tanks and can withstand very strong impacts in an accident. Moreover, even a break in the fuel lines will not cause detonation. In addition, the ignition temperature of the gas-air mixture of propane is higher than that of gasoline vapor, and the mixture itself is heavier than air.

The strength of HBO cylinders meets the highest standards. They are much stronger than the standard Vesta gas tank.

But there is also an opinion that installing gas equipment will over time negatively affect the condition of Vesta’s fuel system, even to the point of replacing the fuel pump. However, this happens to those drivers who begin to save excessively. After all, the Lada’s power unit starts up on gasoline. Therefore, it is necessary to prevent the gas tank from being completely empty, as this leads to accelerated wear of the gas pump.

With a constant minimum level or absence of gasoline, the Vesta fuel pump wears out faster.

How to choose the right gas cylinder for Lada Vesta

The Sinoma metal composite cylinder, produced in China (not everything Chinese is bad) with a volume of 90 liters and a capacity of up to 22 cubic meters of gas fuel, has proven itself to be excellent. Ball-shaped cylinder with a 15-year guarantee. The rules for its operation are simple: once every five years you need to undergo an inspection, turn off the valve during long-term cessation of operation, and do timely maintenance.

Vesta also uses gas equipment of the ItalGas and Emer brands. Everything is serviced under warranty at Lada dealerships.

Manufacturers and prices for LPG on Vesta

When it comes to the question of where to buy LPG for Vesta, you can do this in specialized stores, car markets, service stations and online. However, it is recommended to do this in stores. After all, professional consultants work there, and often the retail outlet provides the opportunity for free installation.

The average price for HBO on Vesta in Russia is:

As you can see, installing LPG on the Lada Vesta will allow you to significantly save on gas stations, since the price of gas is approximately half the cost of gasoline. The payback rate of gas equipment depends on the mileage - with a daily mileage of 50 km, the equipment will pay for itself within a year.

More detailed answers to questions regarding HBO can be obtained. after watching this story:

Content:

• 1 Advantages and disadvantages of gas equipment
• 2 Options and prices
• 3 Lada Vesta CIS: technical characteristics, description
• 4 Gas consumption and range
• 5 How and where to fill a car with gas
• 6 Self-installation of gas equipment on Lada Vesta

A biofuel system can be thought of as a hybrid of gasoline and gas. The car's name now includes three additional letters, CNG, which stand for Compression Natural Gas. Today, the cost of re-equipping a standard Lada Vesta can cost 170,000 rubles. In turn, a new car equipped with gas equipment costs 30,000 rubles more. Therefore, the news that the Lada Vesta CNG will receive a sports version was received very positively.