Automotive Gas Cylinder Market Size, Share, and COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Product Type (Type 1, Type 2, Type 3, Type 4, and Type 5), By Application (Passenger Vehicles, Light Commercial Vehicles, and Heavy Commercial Vehicles) and Regional Forecast, 2024-2032

The automotive gas cylinder is a pressure vessel that stores various gases under ideal pressure conditions. A gas cylinder, depending on its application, varies in weight, size, and shape. Gas cylinders are widely used in the automotive industry to store fuels such as LPG, CNG, and hydrogen. There is a continuous development in the industry to use hydrogen as an alternative fuel for automobiles, which will propel the demand for gas cylinders over the coming decade.

Historically gas cylinders posed safety concerns in the event of an accident due to their heavy weight and hence became an obstacle for the industry to adopt; however, innovation has led to the creation of gas cylinders with composite materials such as carbon fiber, glass fiber, and others that are considerably lighter. The gas cylinder caters the safety and, simultaneously, does not compromise the engine performance and speed owing to its lightweight.

The demand for automotive gas cylinders is continuously fueled by the surge in automotive fleets, emerging commercial vehicle infrastructure, and advancements in manufacturing technology. Governments globally are focusing on decreasing the emanation of greenhouse gases from automobiles, which is one of the foremost contributors to the erratic rise of air pollution. Since CNG vehicles emit less greenhouse gases than vehicles fueled by other fossil fuels, demand for gas cylinders is anticipated to rise at a remarkable pace. 

Impact of COVID-19 on the Automotive Gas Cylinder Market

The pandemic caused automobile manufacturers to scale back or temporarily halt production, resulting in decreased demand for automotive gas cylinders as they are primarily used in CNG or LPG-powered vehicles. Lower consumer spending and economic uncertainty led to a decline in new vehicle purchases, impacting the demand for automotive gas cylinders. The global supply chain for automotive gas cylinders experienced disruptions due to lockdown measures, factory closures, and transportation restrictions, leading to production and delivery delays. While the automotive industry began to recover as economies reopened and vaccinations increased, the automotive gas cylinder market's recovery might be slower due to the shift toward alternative fuel vehicles and stricter emission standards.

Key Insights

The report will cover the following key insights:

• Key Industry Developments – Mergers, Acquisitions, and Partnerships


• Porter's Five Forces Analysis


• Technological Developments


• Impact of COVID-19 on the automotive gas cylinder market

Analysis by Application

Passenger vehicles will lead the automotive gas cylinder market as passenger vehicles represent a significant portion of the overall vehicle market. With increasing environmental concerns and fuel prices, there is a growing demand for fuel-efficient vehicles. Automotive cylinders, especially those used for compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), offer an alternative to traditional gasoline-powered engines, improving fuel efficiency.

Analysis by Product Type

The product type is segmented into type 1, type 2, type 3, type 4, and type 5. Type 1-All metal cylinders will lead the market in the coming years. Type 1-all metal cylinders, typically steel, have traditionally been used in automotive applications. They offer durability, high-pressure capacity, and relatively lower manufacturing costs than alternative materials.

Regional Analysis

Asia Pacific boasts a burgeoning population coupled with an escalating trend toward urbanization. This demographic shift has triggered an amplified need for transportation, notably vehicles fueled by alternative sources such as CNG and LPG. Many nations across Asia have proactively introduced policies and initiatives to catalyze the adoption of vehicles using alternative fuels. These governments incentivize consumers through subsidies, tax advantages, and other benefits to opt for CNG and LPG-powered vehicles, thereby heightening their appeal.

In Asia Pacific substantial reliance on oil imports, concerns regarding energy security have come to the forefront. This has propelled a concerted drive to diversify the energy portfolio and diminish dependence on conventional fossil fuels. CNG and LPG have emerged as greener and more ecologically sound substitutes, thus amplifying the demand for automotive gas cylinders.

A parallel surge in industrial growth and heightened utilization of commercial vehicles is underway throughout the Asia Pacific. Commercial fleets encompassing taxis, delivery vans, and buses are progressively transitioning to CNG and LPG options. This shift is driven by the desire to curtail operational expenses and align with stringent emission mandates. These evolving patterns contribute substantively to the region's escalating demand for automotive gas cylinders.

Key Players Covered

The report includes the profiles of key players such as 3M, Clean NG, CNG Cylinders International, Cobham Plc, Faber Industries, Luxfer Gas Cylinders, Quantum Fuel Systems LLC, Beijing China Tank Industry Co. Ltd., Everest Kanto Cylinder Ltd, and MCH Technologies GmbH.

Segmentation

Key Industry Developments

• September 2022 – Worthington Industries will produce Type 3 and 4 composite pressure cylinders that are lightweight and made of metallic or polymeric liners with carbon fiber reinforcement that can withstand high pressures. Various applications include onboard fueling systems for trucks, cars, and buses and can be used to transport compressed hydrogen and compressed natural gas CNG.