RAC Fuel Look at data exhibits that petrol and diesel prices are Particularly volatile in the last few several years.

Blend this While using the increased government pressure on owners of diesel cars and the cost and infrastructure concerns around electric powered autos and it may lead to motorists seeking elsewhere.

Just what exactly of LPG, the seemingly great different that's been left out during the cold of late? Here we Have a look to discover whether it is a viable possibility or not.
Precisely what is LPG and how can it be produced?

LPG means liquefied petroleum gas which is a style of 'liquid gas' that could be utilized as gas for a variety of needs, such as powering autos.

Also referred to as butane and propane gasoline, or autogas in motoring circles, it's the by-product on the processing of natural gas liquids together with the refining of crude oil.

Whilst usually it absolutely was intentionally burnt off and squandered, in the last few decades it's been recognised as a versatile lower-carbon gasoline – and made use of productively.

Even though the phrase ‘liquid gas’ appears to become a contradiction in terms, it in fact describes a transparent gasoline that turns to liquid when subjected to force or cooling: it’s this attribute that enables it to generally be saved in tanks inside of a automobile.

Most petrol automobiles is often equipped using an LPG (Liquid Petroleum Gas) conversion, turning them into ‘dual-gasoline cars and trucks’ that can operate on LPG as well as petrol. Some models, such as Dacia, have bought conversions within the manufacturing unit.

LPG

The benefit of this is clear whenever you take a look at filling station prices for The 2 fuels: LPG gas is effectively under £one a litre in 2024, While petrol and diesel hasn't been underneath that figure because 2007.

Although cars and trucks are unlikely to become extra gas-efficient when functioning on LPG, you could possibly nevertheless save a bit on your gas payments. As soon as the price of the LPG conversion continues to be paid out off, This may include nearly a major preserving – and the greater you generate, the greater you help you save.
Why is it not more greatly employed?

While LPG is extensively utilized by residences and companies, below one % of automobiles on British isles roadways are fuelled by it.

There are a number of reasons why Many individuals are unwilling to transform their motor vehicle to run on LPG but certainly one of the greatest good reasons is The dearth of incentives within the British isles Governing administration.

Even though vehicles converted by approved businesses might qualify to avoid wasting on automobile excise duty (VED), by getting classed as an ‘alternatively-fuelled’ car, the latest rules mean these only help you save £ten a year on road tax.

Very like electrical automobiles, it’s a ‘chicken and egg’ state of affairs. With LPG-converted cars symbolizing these kinds of a small proportion of all motor vehicles on United kingdom roads, there’s minimal incentive for filling stations to supply LPG. And when it’s hard to find filling stations stocking it, motorists will probably be unwilling to convert to LPG.

Many of us don’t fully grasp the advantages and drawbacks of working an LPG car. Without the exact incentives as electrical cars and click here trucks, LPG just isn’t being promoted in the united kingdom. Lots of motorists just aren’t aware about its existence.

Drivers will also be worried about the expense. Converting a petrol car or truck to operate on LPG can Price about £2,000, and there’s no ensure within the UK authorities that it gained’t increase obligations on LPG Down the road. The cost of LPG has also elevated considerably in the last few yrs, slashing opportunity financial savings.

This uncertainty might make it challenging to offer an LPG-transformed car or truck, this means you’ll wrestle to Get the a reimbursement if you need to do purchase a conversion after which market the car.

Though several automobile companies have prior to now experimented with supplying factory-match 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 Dacia sells new LPG converted cars now.

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How offered is LPG?
Another excuse why Lots of individuals are reluctant to transform their car to run on LPG is The issue in finding gas stations that deliver it.

According to the British isles trade association to the LPG industry, UKLPG, you can find one,four hundred LPG refuelling stations across the country when compared to around 8,350 filling stations Total.

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

It is actually obtaining easier to Find LPG stockists, however. There are actually now many Internet sites and mobile phone applications exhibiting your nearest LPG supplier, and in some cases allowing you Assess charges.

A variety of the large gas station chains at times give LPG, like Shell, BP and Esso, as do supermarket petrol stations, notably some Morrisons and Sainsbury’s stations.
Ought to I convert my car to LPG?

Let us summarise the benefits and drawbacks of changing your vehicle to LPG.
Pros

Less expensive than petrol and diesel
Reduced CO2 emissions
Quieter than diesel engines
Evaporates in the situation of a leak, so reduced risk

Drawbacks

High priced to put in
Difficult – additional prices if it goes Erroneous and for servicing
Could be difficult to refill