RAC Fuel Enjoy information demonstrates that petrol and diesel rates are actually In particular unstable in the final number of decades.

Combine this While using the amplified government pressure on owners of diesel cars and the cost and infrastructure concerns around electric powered cars and trucks and it may lead to motorists hunting elsewhere.

Just what exactly of LPG, the seemingly suitable choice that is been neglected within the chilly of late? Below we take a look to discover regardless of whether it's a feasible alternative or not.
What exactly is LPG And exactly how could it be made?

LPG means liquefied petroleum gas which is a kind of 'liquid fuel' that may be made use of as gas for a variety of needs, such as powering autos.

Also known as butane and propane gasoline, or autogas in motoring circles, it is the by-product of the processing of normal 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 versatile lower-carbon gas – and made use of 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 stress or cooling: it’s this characteristic that permits it to get stored in tanks in the car or truck.

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

LPG

The advantage of this is clear when you evaluate filling station price ranges for The 2 fuels: LPG fuel is well less than £one a litre in 2024, whereas petrol and diesel has not been beneath that figure since 2007.

Although autos are unlikely to be extra gas-efficient 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 long been paid off, This may include as many as a substantial conserving – and the greater you drive, the more you help you save.
Why is it not more greatly employed?

Whilst LPG is extensively utilized by households and organizations, a lot less than 1 per cent of autos on British isles roads are fuelled by it.

There are a number of explanations why Many of us are unwilling to transform their car to run on LPG but among the most important explanations is The dearth of incentives from the UK Authorities.

Though automobiles converted by accepted firms may well qualify to avoid wasting on motor vehicle excise obligation (VED), by getting classed as an ‘alternatively-fuelled’ vehicle, the latest rules necessarily mean these only help you save £ten annually on road tax.

Very like electrical vehicles, 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 people don’t fully grasp the advantages and drawbacks of operating an LPG car or truck. Without the similar incentives as electric autos, LPG merely isn’t staying promoted in the UK. Quite a few motorists simply aren’t mindful of its existence.

Motorists are also concerned about the price. Changing a petrol vehicle to run on LPG can Price tag around £2,000, and there’s no assurance in the United kingdom govt that it received’t raise duties on LPG Later on. The price of LPG has also enhanced significantly in the last few many years, slashing likely savings.

This uncertainty could make it hard to market an LPG-converted automobile, that means you’ll battle to Get the a reimbursement if you do pay for a conversion and after that promote the car.

Although a couple of vehicle producers have previously experimented with providing manufacturing unit-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 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 auto to operate on LPG is the difficulty to find gasoline stations that supply it.

In accordance with the UK trade association for that LPG business, UKLPG, you will discover 1,400 LPG refuelling stations across the country as compared to close to eight,350 filling stations In read more general.

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

It's acquiring simpler to Track down LPG stockists, nevertheless. There are now several Sites and cell phone applications exhibiting your closest LPG company, and perhaps permitting you Review prices.

Many the massive gas station chains often present LPG, which include Shell, BP and Esso, as do supermarket petrol stations, notably some Morrisons and Sainsbury’s stations.
Must 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 low hazard

Negatives

Pricey to install
Sophisticated – further expenses if it goes wrong and for servicing
Is often hard to replenish