The bi-fuel CNG Impala is filled up by a Quasar associate in Ohio. Photo courtesy of GM.

The bi-fuel CNG Impala is filled up by a Quasar associate in Ohio. Photo courtesy of GM.

A Cleveland organic recycling company is using organic waste such as grains from beer brewing, food waste from a baseball stadium, and biosolids from wastewater to power the 2015 Chevrolet Impala bi-fuel CNG sedan, according to General Motors.

Quasar Energy Group has been field-testing the Impala, which will go on sale later this year as the first full-size sedan powered by natural gas. Honda has been producing the Civic Natural Gas compact sedan since the 2012 model year.

Quasar is converting the organic waste, which comes from Anheuser Busch, the Cleveland Indians' Progressive Field, and the City of Columbus' wastewater plant. The energy company breaks down the waste into methane gas, which is then processed to make renewable natural gas (RNG). The processing removes carbon dioxide and impurities.

The bi-fuel Impala is powered by a 3.6L hardened engine with hardened valves and valve seats for improved wear resistance and durability with the CNG fuel system. The CNG tank offers the equivalent capacity of 7.8 gallons of gasoline as well as approximately 150 city miles of range, according to GM. With gasoline and CNG combined, the vehicle should deliver a range of 500 city miles. EPA ratings have not been finalized.

The vehicle will go on sale later this year with a retail price starting at $38,210.

0 Comments