RAC Gas View facts shows that petrol and diesel price ranges are Particularly volatile in the last couple of a long time.

Merge this Using the amplified authorities strain on homeowners of diesel automobiles and the price and infrastructure considerations close to electric cars and it could lead on to motorists wanting somewhere else.

So what of LPG, the seemingly ideal alternate that is been neglected within the chilly of late? Below we take a look to see whether it is a viable possibility or not.
What on earth is LPG And the way can it be manufactured?

LPG stands for liquefied petroleum gasoline and is a style of 'liquid gas' that could be employed as fuel for a range of applications, like powering cars.

Also often called butane and propane fuel, or autogas in motoring circles, it is the by-product or service from the processing of pure fuel liquids in addition to the refining of crude oil.

Though typically it had been intentionally burnt off and squandered, in the previous few decades it's been recognised as a flexible lower-carbon fuel – and employed productively.

Although the phrase ‘liquid gasoline’ appears being a contradiction in terms, it truly describes a clear 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 vehicle.

Most petrol cars can be fitted with an LPG (Liquid Petroleum Fuel) conversion, turning them into ‘twin-gas autos’ which will operate on LPG together with petrol. Some makes, for instance Dacia, have marketed conversions through the manufacturing facility.

LPG

The advantage of this is evident after you evaluate filling station selling prices for the two fuels: LPG fuel is perfectly less than £1 a litre in 2024, whereas petrol and diesel has not been beneath that figure considering the fact that 2007.

Whilst autos are unlikely to generally be more gasoline-successful when working on LPG, you can continue to preserve a chunk on your own fuel costs. When the price of the LPG conversion continues to be paid out off, this could incorporate up to a big preserving – and the more you push, the greater you help you save.
Why is it no more greatly employed?

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

There are a number of explanations why Lots of individuals are unwilling to transform their car to run on LPG but one among the most significant factors is the lack of incentives from your UK Federal get more info government.

Despite the fact that autos transformed by accredited corporations may perhaps qualify to save lots of on auto excise duty (VED), by becoming classed being an ‘alternatively-fuelled’ motor vehicle, the most up-to-date procedures signify these only help save £10 each year on highway tax.

Very like electrical cars, it’s a ‘hen and egg’ circumstance. With LPG-converted cars and trucks symbolizing this sort of a little proportion of all cars on UK roadways, there’s minor incentive for filling stations to provide LPG. And if it’s difficult to find filling stations stocking it, motorists might be reluctant to transform to LPG.

Many individuals don’t realize the benefits and drawbacks of running an LPG car or truck. Without the very same incentives as electric automobiles, LPG simply isn’t currently being promoted in britain. A lot of motorists simply just aren’t conscious of its existence.

Motorists are also concerned about the price. Changing a petrol vehicle to run on LPG can Charge around £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 years, slashing probable financial savings.

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

Though several automobile companies have before experimented with giving factory-match LPG kits on new models (you might find ‘twin-gas’ Fords, Dacias, Vauxhalls, Protons and Saabs within the classifieds), all of them offered in little quantities and, as a result, only Dacia sells new LPG converted autos nowadays.

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How available is LPG?
One more reason why Lots of people are unwilling to convert their car or truck to operate on LPG is The problem find fuel stations that give it.

In accordance with the UK trade association with the LPG market, UKLPG, there are actually 1,400 LPG refuelling stations across the nation compared to all around eight,350 filling stations overall.

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

It can be getting easier to locate LPG stockists, even though. You will discover now various websites and telephone apps showing your nearest LPG provider, and even letting you compare costs.

Numerous the big gasoline station chains in some cases offer LPG, such as Shell, BP and Esso, as do supermarket petrol stations, notably some Morrisons and Sainsbury’s stations.
Should I transform my car or truck to LPG?

Let's summarise the pluses and minuses of converting your car to LPG.
Execs

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

Drawbacks

High priced to put in
Complex – excess charges if it goes Incorrect and for servicing
Is usually challenging to fill up