RAC Fuel Observe details demonstrates that petrol and diesel prices are already Particularly volatile in the last couple of a long time.

Merge this with the elevated government force on entrepreneurs of diesel cars and trucks and the expense and infrastructure concerns around electric powered autos and it may lead to motorists seeking elsewhere.

Just what exactly of LPG, the seemingly suitable choice that is been overlooked in the chilly of late? Listed here we Have a look to see whether or not it is a viable option or not.
Exactly what is LPG And the way is it made?

LPG stands for liquefied petroleum gasoline and is also a sort of 'liquid fuel' which can be used as gas for a variety of uses, which includes powering cars and trucks.

Also known as butane and propane fuel, or autogas in motoring circles, it's the by-solution of your processing of organic gasoline liquids as well as the refining of crude oil.

Even though traditionally it was deliberately burnt off and wasted, in the previous couple of many years it has been recognised as a flexible low-carbon fuel – and employed productively.

Although the phrase ‘liquid gasoline’ seems being a contradiction in conditions, it actually describes a clear gas that turns to liquid when subjected to stress or cooling: it’s this characteristic that permits it to get saved in tanks in a very auto.

Most petrol cars can be equipped having an LPG (Liquid Petroleum Fuel) conversion, turning them into ‘twin-gas automobiles’ that could run on LPG and also petrol. Some manufacturers, for example Dacia, have offered conversions from your factory.

LPG

The benefit of this is evident if you have a look at filling station charges for the two fuels: LPG gasoline is very well beneath £1 a litre in 2024, Whilst petrol and diesel hasn't been under that determine considering that 2007.

Though cars are not likely to get much more gasoline-productive when jogging on LPG, you might nevertheless help you save a bit on your gas bills. The moment the cost of the LPG conversion has actually been paid off, This might add approximately a significant conserving – and the greater you travel, the more you preserve.
Why can it be not more broadly made use of?

Even though LPG is commonly employed by houses and corporations, less than one particular p.c of cars on UK roads are fuelled by it.

There are a variety of explanation why many people are reluctant to convert their vehicle to run on LPG but one among the most significant reasons is the lack of incentives in the UK Authorities.

Despite the fact that autos transformed by accredited corporations may well qualify to avoid wasting on car or truck excise obligation (VED), by currently being classed as an ‘alternatively-fuelled’ automobile, the latest guidelines suggest these only conserve £ten a year on street tax.

Much like electric powered automobiles, it’s a ‘chicken and egg’ scenario. With LPG-transformed vehicles symbolizing these a small proportion of all vehicles on United kingdom roads, there’s little incentive for filling stations to supply LPG. And if it’s difficult to find filling stations stocking it, motorists will likely be unwilling to convert to LPG.

Lots of people don’t understand the positives and negatives of managing an LPG vehicle. With no exact same incentives as electrical autos, LPG merely isn’t remaining promoted in the UK. Lots of motorists just aren’t aware about its existence.

Drivers may also be worried about the expense. Converting a petrol auto to operate on LPG can Price up to £two,000, and there’s no assure through the British isles government that it won’t increase responsibilities on LPG Sooner or later. The cost of LPG has also amplified substantially in the last couple of a long time, slashing probable savings.

This uncertainty could make it hard to market an LPG-converted auto, indicating you’ll battle to Get the a reimbursement if you need to do pay for a conversion after which promote the car.

Even though a couple of vehicle companies have prior to now experimented with supplying factory-fit LPG kits on new models (you may obtain ‘twin-fuel’ Fords, Dacias, Vauxhalls, Protons and Saabs in the classifieds), all of them offered in little quantities and, as such, only Dacia sells new LPG transformed vehicles these days.

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How readily available is LPG?
Another reason why Many of us are hesitant to transform their automobile to operate on LPG is The issue in finding gasoline stations that offer it.

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

That means it’s harder to search out LPG than petrol or diesel, particularly when you live inside a rural spot where by filling stations are scarcer.

It's receiving simpler to Track down LPG stockists, nevertheless. You will find now several Internet websites and cellular phone applications demonstrating your closest LPG company, and in many cases permitting you Review prices.

Many the massive gas station chains often present LPG, which include Shell, BP and Esso, as do grocery store petrol stations, notably some Morrisons and Sainsbury’s stations.
Need to I convert my car to LPG?

Let us summarise the pros and cons of changing your vehicle to LPG.
Pros

Cheaper than petrol and diesel
Reduced CO2 emissions
Quieter than diesel engines
Evaporates in the situation of a leak, so small possibility

Downsides

Costly to setup
Intricate – added expenses if it goes Completely wrong and for servicing
Is often hard to replenish