RAC Fuel Observe details exhibits that petrol and diesel prices are already Particularly unstable in the last few several years.

Blend this With all the enhanced federal government strain on house owners of diesel autos and the associated fee and infrastructure problems all over electrical vehicles and it could lead on to motorists wanting somewhere else.

So what of LPG, the seemingly perfect alternative which is been disregarded while in the cold of late? In this article we take a look to find out irrespective of whether it's a practical solution or not.
Precisely what is LPG and how can it be created?

LPG means liquefied petroleum gasoline and is a style of 'liquid gas' which might be employed as gasoline for various purposes, which include powering vehicles.

Also generally known as butane and propane gas, or autogas in motoring circles, it is the by-products in the processing of purely natural gas liquids together with the refining of crude oil.

While usually it absolutely was intentionally burnt off and wasted, in the last few a long time it has been recognised as a flexible small-carbon fuel – and employed productively.

Even though the phrase ‘liquid gasoline’ seems to generally be a contradiction in conditions, it really describes a clear gas that turns to liquid when subjected to strain or cooling: it’s this characteristic that enables it being saved in tanks inside of a vehicle.

Most petrol vehicles could be fitted with the LPG (Liquid Petroleum Gas) conversion, turning them into ‘dual-gasoline cars and trucks’ that can run on LPG as well as petrol. Some brand names, like Dacia, have sold conversions in the factory.

LPG

The benefit of this is clear whenever you take a look at filling station costs for The 2 fuels: LPG gas is properly below £1 a litre in 2024, Whilst petrol and diesel hasn't been under that determine considering that 2007.

Though vehicles are not likely to get much more gasoline-productive when operating on LPG, you could however preserve a piece with your fuel expenditures. The moment the cost of the LPG conversion has long been paid off, This might add as many as a substantial conserving – and the greater you drive, the more you help you save.
Why is it not more greatly utilised?

Although LPG is broadly employed by homes and firms, fewer than a single per cent of cars and trucks on UK roads are fuelled by it.

There are a variety of main reasons why Lots of people are hesitant to convert their auto to operate on LPG but amongst the largest causes is The shortage of incentives with the British isles Govt.

Whilst cars and trucks transformed by authorised companies may qualify to save on vehicle excise responsibility (VED), by remaining classed being an ‘alternatively-fuelled’ car or truck, the newest policies indicate these only preserve £10 per year on highway tax.

Very similar to electric cars and trucks, it’s a ‘rooster and egg’ situation. With LPG-converted autos representing such a little proportion of all autos on UK streets, there’s tiny incentive for filling stations to offer LPG. And when it’s hard to find filling stations stocking it, motorists are going to be hesitant to transform to LPG.

Lots of individuals don’t recognize the benefits and drawbacks of operating an LPG motor vehicle. Without the exact incentives as electrical cars and trucks, LPG just isn’t being promoted in the united kingdom. Many motorists basically aren’t aware about its existence.

Drivers also are worried about the cost. Changing a petrol motor vehicle to run on LPG can Value as much as £2,000, and there’s no assurance from the UK govt that it received’t elevate duties on LPG Later on. The price of LPG has also enhanced significantly in the final handful of many years, slashing prospective discounts.

This uncertainty will make it difficult to provide an LPG-converted car, which means you’ll struggle to get your money back if you are doing buy a conversion and then sell the car.

Although a couple of vehicle producers have previously experimented with supplying factory-fit LPG kits on new models (you might find ‘twin-gas’ Fords, Dacias, Vauxhalls, Protons and Saabs within the classifieds), all of them marketed in modest numbers and, therefore, only get more info Dacia sells new LPG converted cars now.

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How offered is LPG?
Another reason why Many of us are reluctant to transform their vehicle to operate on LPG is The issue in finding gas stations that provide it.

Based on the British isles trade association to the LPG industry, UKLPG, you will discover one,400 LPG refuelling stations across the country as compared to close to eight,350 filling stations Total.

Meaning it’s more difficult to discover LPG than petrol or diesel, particularly if you reside in a rural location wherever filling stations are scarcer.

It is acquiring simpler to Track down LPG stockists, while. There are now many Sites and cell phone applications demonstrating your closest LPG company, and in many cases permitting you Review prices.

A number of the massive gasoline station chains from time to time deliver LPG, together with Shell, BP and Esso, as do grocery store petrol stations, notably some Morrisons and Sainsbury’s stations.
Really should I change my auto to LPG?

Let's summarise the advantages and disadvantages of converting your automobile to LPG.
Professionals

Less costly than petrol and diesel
Diminished CO2 emissions
Quieter than diesel engines
Evaporates in the case of the leak, so lower risk

Negatives

Pricey to install
Challenging – additional costs if it goes wrong and for servicing
Could be challenging to refill