E.ON: Gas Favourable Alternative to Expensive Petrol (Germany)

A lively public debate on petrol and diesel prices is again underway. As these prices have reached new highs, people are increasingly calling for petroleum tax cuts and tax relief for commuters, but they are also looking for cheaper types of fuel.

Particularly at times of high petrol and diesel prices, both natural gas and electricity are suitable alternatives. E.ON has long been committed to alternative vehicle drive systems. Taking consumption figures alone, vehicles running on natural gas or electricity enable users to reach their destination over 50 per cent more cheaply than with premium-grade petrol. A journey of 100 km currently costs about EUR 4.50 using a natural gas vehicle (NGV) or around EUR 4 with an electric car, depending on the particular type of vehicle and its consumption.

Switching to an NGV pays off above all for drivers who frequently travel longer distances. NGVs definitely have a range similar to that of conventional vehicles, and they also match their petrol counterparts in terms of performance and convenience. NGVs are offered by various well-known car makers.

Electric cars usually have a shorter range than NGVs, but this is quite adequate for commuters and short trips. Electric cars with an additional combustion engine are an option for longer distances. Since 2011 E.ON has been offering its customers an easy entry into e-mobility in the shape of an all-in package comprising a charging unit, smart meter and electricity from hydro sources. Consequently, E.ON e-mobility is emission-free. Furthermore, leasing of the Peugeot iOn, an electric car with a range of up to 150 km, is possible via E.ON’s cooperation partner, Sixt.

Moving forward, E.ON will continue to expand the public system of filling and charging stations for NGVs and electric cars. E.ON operates over 80 of the roughly 900 NGV filling stations across Germany. Especially in the greater Munich area, E.ON has installed public charging stations at park&ride sites as part of pilot projects. And the first fast-charge station that can recharge an electric car’s battery in half an hour has been set up by E.ON on the A8 motorway between Munich and Salzburg.

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LNG World News Staff, March 1, 2012; Image: E.ON