RAC Fuel Check out knowledge shows that petrol and diesel charges have already been Particularly volatile in the last number of many years.

Incorporate this Along with the amplified authorities strain on homeowners of diesel automobiles and the fee and infrastructure considerations close to electric cars and trucks and it could lead on to motorists wanting somewhere else.

So what of LPG, the seemingly perfect alternative that is been overlooked in the cold of late? In this article we Have a look to discover whether or not it is a viable possibility or not.
Exactly what is LPG And the way is it created?

LPG means liquefied petroleum gasoline and is a style of 'liquid gas' which might be employed as gasoline for a number of applications, like powering cars.

Also often called butane and propane fuel, or autogas in motoring circles, it is the by-merchandise of the processing of normal fuel liquids along with the refining of crude oil.

When historically it had been intentionally burnt off and squandered, in the previous few many years it has been recognised as a versatile reduced-carbon gas – and applied productively.

Even though the phrase ‘liquid fuel’ seems to be a contradiction in terms, it truly describes a clear gasoline that turns to liquid when subjected to strain or cooling: it’s this attribute which allows it to generally be saved in tanks in a car.

Most petrol automobiles might be fitted using an LPG (Liquid Petroleum Gasoline) conversion, turning them into ‘dual-fuel vehicles’ that may run on LPG in addition to petrol. Some brand names, like Dacia, have sold conversions from the manufacturing unit.

LPG

The benefit of this is obvious once you examine filling station costs for The 2 fuels: LPG gas is effectively below £one a litre in 2024, While petrol and diesel hasn't been less than that figure given that 2007.

Even though cars and trucks are not likely to become more gas-productive when operating on LPG, you could continue to preserve a piece with your gasoline charges. As soon as the expense of the LPG conversion continues to be compensated off, this could incorporate as much as a big saving – and the more you push, the greater you conserve.
Why could it be no more extensively applied?

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

There are a variety of explanation why many people are reluctant to convert their automobile to run on LPG but one among the most significant reasons is The dearth of incentives from your United kingdom Govt.

While cars and trucks transformed by authorised providers may qualify to save lots of on auto excise obligation (VED), by staying classed being an ‘alternatively-fuelled’ auto, the most recent regulations indicate these only help save £10 annually on road tax.

Very like electrical vehicles, it’s a ‘hen and egg’ circumstance. With LPG-converted cars symbolizing this sort of a small proportion of all cars on United kingdom roadways, there’s very little incentive for filling stations to offer LPG. And when it’s hard to find filling stations stocking it, motorists will be hesitant to convert to LPG.

Lots of individuals don’t recognize the advantages and drawbacks of working an LPG car. Without the exact incentives as electrical cars and trucks, LPG simply just isn’t currently being promoted in the united kingdom. Quite a few motorists basically aren’t aware about its existence.

Motorists can also be worried about the expense. Changing a petrol motor vehicle to operate on LPG can Price tag about £2,000, and there’s no promise within 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 potential discounts.

This uncertainty might make it challenging to provide an LPG-transformed motor vehicle, meaning you’ll wrestle to Obtain your money back if you are doing pay for a conversion after which sell the vehicle.

While a handful of vehicle producers have in past times experimented with supplying manufacturing unit-suit LPG kits on new products (you may come across ‘twin-gas’ Fords, Dacias, Vauxhalls, Protons and Saabs from the classifieds), all of them bought in little numbers and, as such, only Dacia sells new LPG converted vehicles today.

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How offered is LPG?
Another excuse why Many individuals are reluctant to convert their car or truck to run on LPG is the difficulty in finding fuel stations that offer it.

According to the UK trade Affiliation for that LPG marketplace, UKLPG, there are actually one,400 LPG refuelling stations across the nation when compared with around eight,350 filling stations overall.

Meaning it’s tougher to find LPG than petrol or diesel, especially if you live in a rural place where by filling stations are scarcer.

It truly is acquiring much easier to Identify LPG stockists, though. You will discover now many Web-sites and mobile phone applications demonstrating your nearest LPG supplier, and perhaps letting you Assess fees.

A variety of the massive gas station chains at times offer LPG, which includes Shell, BP and Esso, as do supermarket petrol stations, notably some Morrisons and Sainsbury’s stations.
Must I convert my automobile to LPG?

Let's summarise the advantages and drawbacks of changing your automobile to LPG.
Pros

More cost-effective than petrol and diesel
Minimized CO2 emissions
Quieter than diesel engines
Evaporates in the case of the leak, so very low possibility

Downsides

High-priced to put in
Difficult – more expenditures if it goes Erroneous and for servicing
Could be challenging to refill