RAC Gasoline Observe details exhibits that petrol and diesel prices are already Particularly volatile in the last couple of many years.

Mix this with the increased authorities stress on proprietors of diesel vehicles and the price and infrastructure issues about electric powered cars and trucks and it could lead on to motorists hunting somewhere else.

What exactly of LPG, the seemingly excellent substitute that's been overlooked in the chilly of late? Listed here we take a look to see no matter whether it's a practical alternative or not.
What's LPG And exactly how could it be made?

LPG stands for liquefied petroleum fuel and is also a type of 'liquid gasoline' that may be applied as fuel for several different needs, including powering automobiles.

Also referred to as butane and propane fuel, or autogas in motoring circles, it is the by-product or service of the processing of purely natural fuel liquids together with the refining of crude oil.

Though customarily it absolutely was intentionally burnt off and wasted, in the previous few a long time it has been recognised as a versatile minimal-carbon gas – and used productively.

Although the phrase ‘liquid gas’ appears for being a contradiction in phrases, it essentially describes a transparent fuel that turns to liquid when subjected to tension or cooling: it’s this attribute which allows it to be stored in tanks inside a automobile.

Most petrol automobiles is often equipped by having an LPG (Liquid Petroleum Gasoline) conversion, turning them into ‘dual-fuel vehicles’ that could run on LPG along with petrol. Some manufacturers, including Dacia, have bought conversions from the manufacturing unit.

LPG

The benefit of this is obvious if you have a look at filling station charges for the two fuels: LPG gasoline is very well underneath £1 a litre in 2024, Whilst petrol and diesel has not been below that determine because 2007.

Though vehicles are not likely being far more fuel-economical when managing on LPG, you might nonetheless help you save a bit on your gas bills. The moment the cost of the LPG conversion has long been paid out off, This may include nearly a major preserving – and the more you generate, the more you save.
Why could it be no more extensively applied?

Even though LPG is extensively employed by homes and firms, less than one particular p.c of cars on UK streets are fuelled by it.

There are a variety of main reasons why A lot of people are hesitant to transform their car or truck to operate on LPG but one of the greatest good reasons is The dearth of incentives within the British isles Government.

Even though vehicles converted by accepted organizations may possibly qualify to avoid wasting on motor vehicle excise obligation (VED), by getting classed as an ‘alternatively-fuelled’ vehicle, the latest procedures suggest these only conserve £ten every year on street tax.

Much like electric powered autos, it’s a ‘rooster and egg’ scenario. With LPG-transformed automobiles representing such a little proportion of all automobiles on UK streets, there’s tiny incentive for filling stations to offer LPG. And when it’s difficult to find filling stations stocking it, motorists are going to be hesitant to transform to LPG.

Lots of individuals don’t recognize the advantages and drawbacks of operating an LPG motor vehicle. Without the exact incentives as electrical cars and trucks, LPG just isn’t being promoted in the united kingdom. Lots of motorists just aren’t aware about its existence.

Drivers will also check here be worried about the expense. Converting a petrol motor vehicle to run on LPG can Expense about £2,000, and there’s no ensure within the UK federal government that it gained’t elevate obligations on LPG in the future. The price of LPG has also elevated considerably in the last number of yrs, slashing potential personal savings.

This uncertainty will make it difficult to sell an LPG-converted vehicle, which means you’ll struggle to get your money back if you do buy a conversion and then sell the car.

Although a few car producers have previously experimented with providing factory-fit LPG kits on new models (you may obtain ‘twin-fuel’ Fords, Dacias, Vauxhalls, Protons and Saabs within the classifieds), all of them offered in tiny numbers and, therefore, only Dacia sells new LPG converted cars and trucks currently.

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How offered is LPG?
Another reason why Lots of individuals are reluctant to transform their vehicle to operate on LPG is The issue in finding gas stations that provide it.

According to the British isles trade Affiliation for your LPG field, UKLPG, you can find one,400 LPG refuelling stations across the country compared to all around eight,350 filling stations overall.

Which means it’s tougher to find LPG than petrol or diesel, especially if you live in the rural space exactly where filling stations are scarcer.

It can be getting easier to locate LPG stockists, even though. You will discover now numerous Web sites and mobile phone apps displaying your nearest LPG supplier, and also 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.
Must I convert my car to LPG?

Let us summarise the positives and negatives of converting your automobile to LPG.
Professionals

More affordable than petrol and diesel
Lowered CO2 emissions
Quieter than diesel engines
Evaporates in the situation of the leak, so reduced danger

Drawbacks

High priced to put in
Complex – extra expenditures if it goes Mistaken and for servicing
May be difficult to refill