The curve on the graph can be improved, for the U.S. outlook, by very large initiatives in very large conversions, and new productions, for engines consuming natural gas. The cost is not even great measured against what looks like higher gas/diesel prices at the pump in the U.S.
It’s already happening and the ground freight industry is leading the way. They are a business sector and as businesses they, before the consumer, are planning ahead and trying to cut costs too. With natural gas having a price advantage of $1 per gallon on an energy equivalent basis, they, the freight industry is willing to make the first wave of large scale moves to natural gas, before consumers, because they have a business need to cut fuel costs.
And they are doing it.
“Leading truck manufacturers including Freightliner, International, Kenworth, Peterbilt, Mack and Volvo all offer natural gas trucks using Cummins’ ISX 12G engine, which one major fuel supplier hopes will be a “game changer” for the industry.” [see link below]
And now Shell is going to build a network for natural gas refueling at truck stops along the Interstate Highway system (they’ve been reading my posts). Shell won’t be the last one doing that. THAT will be the “game changer” in bringing along the automobile owners, as it will assure them that they will be able to get refueling for themselves when making long distance trips form home - a current issue for a natural gas fueled car owner.
As natural gas refueling gets more populated across the Interstate Highway system, more autos using natural gas will follow.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/08/21/lng-autos-usa-kemp-idUSL5N0QR1AQ20140821