Thirty five years after launching one of the most successful CNG programs, Argentina finally authorizes the import of gas vehicles. ENARGAS, the national gas regulatory authority issued today a new regulation - NAG 451 - following a joint effort between ENARGAS, IVECO, SCANIA and Global Gas Mobility. Previously, gas vehicles manufactured outside of the country were not allowed by the Enargas regulations.
In a country where 70% of the vehicles are imported, the previous regulations made it practically impossible for OEMs to supply Gas Vehicles to the market. The close to 2 million CNG vehicles on the road are all retrofitted. Only a small number have been converted by factory backed QVMs and have factory warranty.
The new Regulation is expected to finally allow the gasification of the medium and heavy duty vehicles, which is a pending issue of Argentina's gas mobility program. The expanded production of Natural Gas coming from Vaca Muerta shale gas basin is expected to allow the replacement of polluting imported diesel, and provide exportable surplus liquid fuels that will bring relief to the national economy.
Imported gas vehicles will most probably also be Euro VI compliant, while local production of liquid fuelled vehicles are only required to be Euro V. Undoubtedly these vehicles will bring urban air quality improvement and GHG reduction for the country.
Nevertheless, NAG 451 still does not allow the import of gas vehicles of class M1 and N1 (passenger cars and utility vehicles less than 3.5 tons). Strangely enough, electric and hydrogen M1 and N1 vehicles are allowed and can be imported with ultra-low import duties. Hopefully a new regulation will follow allowing class M1 and N1 gas vehicles to be imported.