FAQ about biogas

What is vehicle gas?

Vehicle gas is refined biogas (CBG = compressed biogas), natural gas (CNG = compressed natural gas) or a mixture of the two gases. The gas used for vehicle-gas refuelling is first compressed to about 300 bar and then filled into the car’s tank at about 200 bar

Why does Stormossen manufacture vehicle gas?

Vehicle gas is produced as part of the waste-treatment process. Wet waste that burns badly in Westenergy’s waste incineration plant is ideal. We are able to offer our customers a good alternative to conventional fuels, which is also reasonably priced, locally produced and environmentally friendly.

Who uses the gas?

Anyone who has a gas-powered vehicle! The city of Vaasa refuels twelve biogas buses with us, as do Stormossen’s own vehicles. Our refuelling station is also used by a growing number of private motorists.

Do I dare to invest in a gas-powered car as there are so few refuelling stations?

You can drive surprisingly far on one gas tank, up to 500 kilometres! The majority of gas-powered cars can also run on petrol. When the gas is exhausted, the car will automatically switch over to petrol or diesel. Depending on the size of the petrol tank, you can then drive another 500 kilometres. There are 34 gas filling stations in Finland, and new ones are constantly being planned. The closest in Ostrobothnia are in Jeppo and Kauhajoki.

Is the technology reliable?

Gas-powered cars have been around for a long time. The technology is not new. Gas-powered cars are seen as a sustainable alternative because the wear and tear on them is generally less than with petrol-powered cars.

What does the gas cost?

1.55 €/kg. Compared to petrol, this corresponds to just under one euro per litre. The gas is about a third cheaper than petrol.

Is a gas-powered car a profitable investment?

Generally, yes. Many gas-powered cars cost a little more than corresponding petrol-powered cars, but the price difference quickly pays for itself because the fuel is cheaper. If you drive 20,000 km a year, the additional cost of a gas-powered car has paid for itself after 1-2 years.

Where are gas-powered cars sold?

Most car dealers have gas-powered cars in their range. If you are lucky you will find a car that is ready for sale by the seller. Ordering a new gas-powered car from the factory usually takes several months. In the used-car market, there are relatively few gas-powered cars. However, as demand grows, the number of imported vehicles is increasing. If you are interested in a gas-powered car, it might be an idea to check what is on offer in Sweden.

Where can I refuel in the Vaasa region?

At BIG Biogas refuelling station at Stormossenintie 3, Koivulahti (Kvevlax) or at the ABC station in Runsor. Payment by bankcard (all except American Express).

How long does it take to refuel?

It takes about three minutes. One big plus is that the gas does not make a mess.

In what way is vehicle gas more environmentally friendly than petrol and diesel?

Vehicle gas is produced from biowaste and sludge. This means that it is renewable, locally produced and carbon neutral. A gas-powered car produces less particle emissions and less nitrous oxide than petrol- and diesel-powered vehicles. One advantage of gas-powered buses is that they are quieter than diesel buses.

Does a gas-powered car work when it’s cold in the winter?

Most gas-powered cars start on petrol and automatically switch to gas operation after a few seconds. This is done to keep the petrol fuel system in working order. The gas is stored in the car’s gas tank at a pressure of about 200 bar. The vehicle gas does not change to liquid form other than by cooling to -161 degrees. In other words, there is no problem during the winter.

Is it worth driving a gas-powered car despite the driving power tax?

The car tax for a gas-powered car lies between the tax rate of petrol and diesel cars. The driving power tax for a normal-sized gas-powered car is approximately 250 euros per year. Vans and trucks powered by gas have the same driving power tax as a corresponding diesel. Despite the driving power tax, vehicle gas is the cheapest fuel alternative, which gives about a 30 percent lower cost in consumption compared to petrol.