xcel
11-12-2007, 12:17 AM
Clean and oil free … (http://www.cleanmpg.com/forums/reviews/t-cleanmpg-previews-the-2004-honda-civic-compressed-natural-gas-powered-gx-7246.html#post53973)
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/523/2005_Civic_GX_Front.jpgWayne Gerdes - CleanMPG (www.CleanMPG.com) - Nov. 11, 2007
If you wanted to own one of the cleanest green vehicles on the planet, what would it be? How about a fuel efficient but high SMOG forming emission diesel on B100? Excellent choice. A fuel efficient gas powered Hybrid like the Prius-II or HCH-II? A wonderful solution. How about a BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) powered by the sun? That is definitely at the top of the list although finding one might be a problem. Most however would never have considered the CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) powered Honda Civic GX.
In 2004, the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE) recognized the natural gas-powered Honda Civic GX as "America's Greenest Car" by combining high-efficiency with near zero emissions performance. With that title under its belt, the Civic GX is a standard Honda Civic LX with an OEM CNG converted 1.7L ICE. Running on CNG, it offers a very clean and fuel efficient means of transport without using a drop of foreign oil -- other than the 3.5 quarts every 10,000 mile oil change of course.
What about availability? Unfortunately, new retail GX’s are only for sale in NY and CA. Fleet purchasers can pick up GX’s from many states. Used vehicles can be found just about anywhere including Honda Motorwerks (http://www.hondamotorwerks.com/ou/lacrosse-honda/) in LaCrosse, WI.
2004 Honda Civic Compressed Natural Gas powered GX basic specifications:
Engine|
Fuel Type|CNG
Displacement|1.7L
Valve Train|SOHC
Transmission|CVT
Max Power|100 HP@6,100 RPM
Max Torque|98 ft.-lb’s@4,000 RPM
|
Emissions|
CARB|SULEV
Federal EPA|Tier II/Bin2
CO2|Up to 20% less than gasoline
|
Fuel Economy|
3,600 psi|220 miles range
|
Basic Performance|
0 – 60 mph|12 seconds
|
Weights and Capacities
Curb Weight|2,703 pounds
Fuel Tank (US gallons)|8.0 gallons equivalent
|
Wheels and Tires|
185/70 R14|14” Steel Wheels
2004 Honda Civic Compressed Natural Gas powered GX - Impressions:
The GX has all the interior and exterior dimensions, looks and feel of any other 7th generation Honda Civic aside from the trunk -- which has a diminutive 6 cu. ft. of storage space. 0 – 60 performance is similar to that of the 7th gen Civic Hybrid. The GX came equipped with the same LRR Bridgestone B381’s as found on the HCH-I.
Because it is a NG powered vehicle, SG-II instrumentation is nearly meaningless given the choice of LPG, gasoline, Hybrid or diesel. Although the trip and fuel consumption numbers do not make sense with either gasoline or lpg selected during setup, having an iFCD displaying numbers above or below actual performance depending on which fuel is chosen at least allows you to maximize your tactics in real time.
What about the CVT undergoing NICE-On’s, FAS’ and re-engagements at speed? The older CVT’s have been slightly problematic so starting with the 2006 8th gen Civic GX, all are now equipped with a std. 5-speed automatic transmission. If you FAS or use NICE-On’s below 40 mph, the CVT can be shifted into drive at will with seamless re-engagements. At speeds above 40, there is re-engagement harshness introduced so those 2 techniques at highway speeds are unavailable with this vehicle. Additionally, restarts after a FAS or first thing in the morning can take over 3 seconds in the GX so you have to plan your restarts at lights and signs accordingly.
2004 Honda Civic Compressed Natural Gas powered GX - Refueling:
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/523/CNG_fill_locator_map.jpg
The difficulties with owning a CNG powered vehicle are fillup location and limited range. As can be seen from the map, depending upon the state and your location within that state, there may not be any refueling stations within driving distance. Reducing choices even further, some of the stations in the geographic representation above are either private or government owned.
For a detailed list of CNG refueling sites in your area, the DOE Alternative Fueling Station locator (http://afdcmap2.nrel.gov/locator/) is one of the best resources available.
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/523/GX_attached_to_PHILL.jpgFortunately, There is also a home refueling option called PHILL.
The Phill home refueling appliance, manufactured and marketed by FuelMaker Corporation, is available for lease from authorized Honda CNG dealers in California on a limited retail sales basis. Phill is an affordable natural gas refueling appliance that provides drivers of the natural gas-powered Honda Civic GX with the convenience of refueling their vehicles at home using an existing natural gas supply.
The negatives to Phill? For one, it can cost up to $4,000 including the refueling unit and installation. Tax credits for the installation can range from $0 to $2,000 depending on your state. To fill from 0 psi to the GX’s maximum pressure limit of 3,600 psi can take upwards of 16 hours. Another issue (although I have not located the details) is that the unit can consume up to 800 W/hr. Even with home NG being less expensive than a commercial refueling facility, the additional electricity costs to power up the unit and compress the NG plus total cost of HW installation may never make financial sense. It would be convenient however.
Depending on your method of refuel, your fill volume may vary according to the re-fueling station's fill pressure, rate of fill, exterior temperature and ambient conditions. As described above, a Phill unit fill can take up to 16 hours from empty but you will end up with a max range - full 3,600 psi tank with a slow fill adding little to no heat to the tank's contents. Filling up from a public CNG station usually involves a 3 – 4 minute quick fill with higher temps, already compressed volumes and the more common CNG pressure of just 3,000 psi.
2004 Honda Civic Compressed Natural Gas powered GX - Ride:
The GX has typical Civic ride quality on paved highway. This is not a Camry by any stretch but a drive in any 7th gen Civic other than the Si will give you a very good idea about its ride characteristics. Again, Civic’s are not luxury vehicles so do not expect a luxury ride. Adding to it, the shorter wheelbase of the compact Civic makes it a lively ride but not awe inspiring by comparison to any other number of larger and more performance oriented vehicles.
2004 Honda Civic Compressed Natural Gas powered GX - Handling:
A ride in any 7th generation HCH-I describes the handling well. Remember you are riding on LRR Bridgestone B381’s. They do not provide the same traction that a non-LRR tire offers so if you are boy racing the GX (I hope you would not be), make sure you know its limitations.
2004 Honda Civic Compressed Natural Gas powered GX - Short term results:
Although the test drive consisted of only 397 miles of mostly Interstate, there were some fill numbers which can be used to help one decide if a vehicle like this could fit ones needs. From La Crosse, WI to ~ 20 miles north of Minneapolis with 10 + miles of local driving, the GX covered 230 miles on 1,900 psi of CNG or just over ½ a tank. To fill from 1,700 psi to 2,900 psi cost $5.00. Extrapolating, a top off to 3,600 psi would have cost ~ $8.00 or $0.035/mile. Doing the calc’s for equivalent gasoline costs, this comes out to ~ 92 MPG which even an Insight would have had trouble keeping up with in the temperatures and conditions encountered during the GX’s long highway drive.
The 2004 Civic GX’s range is advertised at 220 miles. With a slow fill to a full 3,600 psi, the GX’s range could allow up to 400 miles as the 230 miles was achieved into a 10 – 15 mph headwind in mid 30 degree temperatures w/ just a tick under ½ on the fuel gauge when filled the next day. For the 167 mile drive back to LaCrosse while enjoying a 15 – 20 mph tail wind in low to mid 30 degree F temperatures, the GX showed a tick under ½ per the gas gauge and this came about from a 2,900 psi fast fill in Minneapolis. In 60 degrees or above w/out A/C, I would expect at least another 10% added on to the range achieved.
By performing a simple 10 minute setup, driving between the speed limits and DWL/DWB, a GX can be driven far beyond the range listed in the spec sheet on the highway if you take it easy and enjoy the ride. Inner city driving without the ability to FAS at will or P&G due to the slow light off and CVT, will reduce the range accordingly. Either way, the fuel gauge and re-fueling station location were a higher priority concern then they would be with a gasoline or diesel vehicle.
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/523/2004_Civic_GX_-_CNG_Pricing.jpghttp://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/523/2004_Civic_GX_being_filled.jpg
The 2004 Honda Civic Compressed Natural Gas powered GX at the NG refueling station which imho, is its number one attraction.
I would like to thank Chris Schneider, owner of Honda Motorwerks (http://www.hondamotorwerks.com/ou/lacrosse-honda/) in LaCrosse, WI for providing the Civic GX for this lengthy preview drive and Sean Welch (Right Lane Cruiser) for his editorial review.
Wayne
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/523/2005_Civic_GX_Front.jpgWayne Gerdes - CleanMPG (www.CleanMPG.com) - Nov. 11, 2007
If you wanted to own one of the cleanest green vehicles on the planet, what would it be? How about a fuel efficient but high SMOG forming emission diesel on B100? Excellent choice. A fuel efficient gas powered Hybrid like the Prius-II or HCH-II? A wonderful solution. How about a BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) powered by the sun? That is definitely at the top of the list although finding one might be a problem. Most however would never have considered the CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) powered Honda Civic GX.
In 2004, the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE) recognized the natural gas-powered Honda Civic GX as "America's Greenest Car" by combining high-efficiency with near zero emissions performance. With that title under its belt, the Civic GX is a standard Honda Civic LX with an OEM CNG converted 1.7L ICE. Running on CNG, it offers a very clean and fuel efficient means of transport without using a drop of foreign oil -- other than the 3.5 quarts every 10,000 mile oil change of course.
What about availability? Unfortunately, new retail GX’s are only for sale in NY and CA. Fleet purchasers can pick up GX’s from many states. Used vehicles can be found just about anywhere including Honda Motorwerks (http://www.hondamotorwerks.com/ou/lacrosse-honda/) in LaCrosse, WI.
2004 Honda Civic Compressed Natural Gas powered GX basic specifications:
Engine|
Fuel Type|CNG
Displacement|1.7L
Valve Train|SOHC
Transmission|CVT
Max Power|100 HP@6,100 RPM
Max Torque|98 ft.-lb’s@4,000 RPM
|
Emissions|
CARB|SULEV
Federal EPA|Tier II/Bin2
CO2|Up to 20% less than gasoline
|
Fuel Economy|
3,600 psi|220 miles range
|
Basic Performance|
0 – 60 mph|12 seconds
|
Weights and Capacities
Curb Weight|2,703 pounds
Fuel Tank (US gallons)|8.0 gallons equivalent
|
Wheels and Tires|
185/70 R14|14” Steel Wheels
2004 Honda Civic Compressed Natural Gas powered GX - Impressions:
The GX has all the interior and exterior dimensions, looks and feel of any other 7th generation Honda Civic aside from the trunk -- which has a diminutive 6 cu. ft. of storage space. 0 – 60 performance is similar to that of the 7th gen Civic Hybrid. The GX came equipped with the same LRR Bridgestone B381’s as found on the HCH-I.
Because it is a NG powered vehicle, SG-II instrumentation is nearly meaningless given the choice of LPG, gasoline, Hybrid or diesel. Although the trip and fuel consumption numbers do not make sense with either gasoline or lpg selected during setup, having an iFCD displaying numbers above or below actual performance depending on which fuel is chosen at least allows you to maximize your tactics in real time.
What about the CVT undergoing NICE-On’s, FAS’ and re-engagements at speed? The older CVT’s have been slightly problematic so starting with the 2006 8th gen Civic GX, all are now equipped with a std. 5-speed automatic transmission. If you FAS or use NICE-On’s below 40 mph, the CVT can be shifted into drive at will with seamless re-engagements. At speeds above 40, there is re-engagement harshness introduced so those 2 techniques at highway speeds are unavailable with this vehicle. Additionally, restarts after a FAS or first thing in the morning can take over 3 seconds in the GX so you have to plan your restarts at lights and signs accordingly.
2004 Honda Civic Compressed Natural Gas powered GX - Refueling:
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/523/CNG_fill_locator_map.jpg
The difficulties with owning a CNG powered vehicle are fillup location and limited range. As can be seen from the map, depending upon the state and your location within that state, there may not be any refueling stations within driving distance. Reducing choices even further, some of the stations in the geographic representation above are either private or government owned.
For a detailed list of CNG refueling sites in your area, the DOE Alternative Fueling Station locator (http://afdcmap2.nrel.gov/locator/) is one of the best resources available.
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/523/GX_attached_to_PHILL.jpgFortunately, There is also a home refueling option called PHILL.
The Phill home refueling appliance, manufactured and marketed by FuelMaker Corporation, is available for lease from authorized Honda CNG dealers in California on a limited retail sales basis. Phill is an affordable natural gas refueling appliance that provides drivers of the natural gas-powered Honda Civic GX with the convenience of refueling their vehicles at home using an existing natural gas supply.
The negatives to Phill? For one, it can cost up to $4,000 including the refueling unit and installation. Tax credits for the installation can range from $0 to $2,000 depending on your state. To fill from 0 psi to the GX’s maximum pressure limit of 3,600 psi can take upwards of 16 hours. Another issue (although I have not located the details) is that the unit can consume up to 800 W/hr. Even with home NG being less expensive than a commercial refueling facility, the additional electricity costs to power up the unit and compress the NG plus total cost of HW installation may never make financial sense. It would be convenient however.
Depending on your method of refuel, your fill volume may vary according to the re-fueling station's fill pressure, rate of fill, exterior temperature and ambient conditions. As described above, a Phill unit fill can take up to 16 hours from empty but you will end up with a max range - full 3,600 psi tank with a slow fill adding little to no heat to the tank's contents. Filling up from a public CNG station usually involves a 3 – 4 minute quick fill with higher temps, already compressed volumes and the more common CNG pressure of just 3,000 psi.
2004 Honda Civic Compressed Natural Gas powered GX - Ride:
The GX has typical Civic ride quality on paved highway. This is not a Camry by any stretch but a drive in any 7th gen Civic other than the Si will give you a very good idea about its ride characteristics. Again, Civic’s are not luxury vehicles so do not expect a luxury ride. Adding to it, the shorter wheelbase of the compact Civic makes it a lively ride but not awe inspiring by comparison to any other number of larger and more performance oriented vehicles.
2004 Honda Civic Compressed Natural Gas powered GX - Handling:
A ride in any 7th generation HCH-I describes the handling well. Remember you are riding on LRR Bridgestone B381’s. They do not provide the same traction that a non-LRR tire offers so if you are boy racing the GX (I hope you would not be), make sure you know its limitations.
2004 Honda Civic Compressed Natural Gas powered GX - Short term results:
Although the test drive consisted of only 397 miles of mostly Interstate, there were some fill numbers which can be used to help one decide if a vehicle like this could fit ones needs. From La Crosse, WI to ~ 20 miles north of Minneapolis with 10 + miles of local driving, the GX covered 230 miles on 1,900 psi of CNG or just over ½ a tank. To fill from 1,700 psi to 2,900 psi cost $5.00. Extrapolating, a top off to 3,600 psi would have cost ~ $8.00 or $0.035/mile. Doing the calc’s for equivalent gasoline costs, this comes out to ~ 92 MPG which even an Insight would have had trouble keeping up with in the temperatures and conditions encountered during the GX’s long highway drive.
The 2004 Civic GX’s range is advertised at 220 miles. With a slow fill to a full 3,600 psi, the GX’s range could allow up to 400 miles as the 230 miles was achieved into a 10 – 15 mph headwind in mid 30 degree temperatures w/ just a tick under ½ on the fuel gauge when filled the next day. For the 167 mile drive back to LaCrosse while enjoying a 15 – 20 mph tail wind in low to mid 30 degree F temperatures, the GX showed a tick under ½ per the gas gauge and this came about from a 2,900 psi fast fill in Minneapolis. In 60 degrees or above w/out A/C, I would expect at least another 10% added on to the range achieved.
By performing a simple 10 minute setup, driving between the speed limits and DWL/DWB, a GX can be driven far beyond the range listed in the spec sheet on the highway if you take it easy and enjoy the ride. Inner city driving without the ability to FAS at will or P&G due to the slow light off and CVT, will reduce the range accordingly. Either way, the fuel gauge and re-fueling station location were a higher priority concern then they would be with a gasoline or diesel vehicle.
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/523/2004_Civic_GX_-_CNG_Pricing.jpghttp://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/523/2004_Civic_GX_being_filled.jpg
The 2004 Honda Civic Compressed Natural Gas powered GX at the NG refueling station which imho, is its number one attraction.
I would like to thank Chris Schneider, owner of Honda Motorwerks (http://www.hondamotorwerks.com/ou/lacrosse-honda/) in LaCrosse, WI for providing the Civic GX for this lengthy preview drive and Sean Welch (Right Lane Cruiser) for his editorial review.
Wayne