RAC Fuel Observe data displays that petrol and diesel costs are actually Specifically unstable in the last few yrs.

Blend this Together with the elevated government stress on proprietors of diesel vehicles 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 great choice that is been overlooked in the chilly of late? Listed here we Have a look to determine regardless of whether it's a feasible choice or not.
What is LPG And just how is it built?

LPG means liquefied petroleum gas and is particularly a form of 'liquid gas' that could be utilized as gasoline for many different 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 deliberately burnt off and squandered, in the previous few many years it has been recognised as a flexible reduced-carbon gas – and utilised productively.

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

Most petrol vehicles could be fitted with the LPG (Liquid Petroleum Gas) conversion, turning them into ‘dual-gasoline cars and trucks’ that can operate on LPG and petrol. Some models, such as Dacia, have bought conversions within the manufacturing facility.

LPG

The advantage of this is clear when you look at 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 below that determine considering the fact that 2007.

While automobiles are unlikely being far more fuel-economical when managing on LPG, you may nevertheless 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 substantial preserving – and the greater you drive, the more you help you save.
Why is it not more commonly utilized?

While LPG is widely used by residences and corporations, lower than just one p.c of vehicles on United kingdom streets are fuelled by it.

There are a selection of main reasons why Lots of people are hesitant to convert their auto to operate on LPG but amongst the biggest causes is The shortage of incentives through the United kingdom Govt.

Whilst cars converted by approved businesses might qualify to save on car excise responsibility (VED), by being classed being an ‘alternatively-fuelled’ car or here truck, the newest policies indicate these only preserve £10 per annum on highway tax.

Very similar to electric cars and trucks, it’s a ‘rooster and egg’ situation. With LPG-transformed autos representing such a little proportion of all automobiles on British isles 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 of us don’t fully grasp the advantages and drawbacks of working an LPG motor vehicle. Without the exact incentives as electric autos, LPG just isn’t remaining promoted in the UK. Quite a few motorists merely aren’t mindful of its existence.

Motorists also are concerned about the expenditure. Converting a petrol auto to operate on LPG can cost up to £two,000, and there’s no assure through the British isles government that it won’t raise responsibilities on LPG Sooner or later. The cost of LPG has also greater significantly in the final handful of many years, slashing prospective discounts.

This uncertainty will make it difficult to sell an LPG-transformed car, meaning you’ll struggle to Obtain your a refund if you are doing purchase a conversion and afterwards offer the vehicle.

Despite the fact that a number of auto makers have before experimented with giving manufacturing facility-suit LPG kits on new designs (you might discover ‘twin-gas’ Fords, Dacias, Vauxhalls, Protons and Saabs inside the classifieds), all of them marketed in tiny numbers and, therefore, only Dacia sells new LPG converted cars nowadays.

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How accessible is LPG?
Another excuse why A lot of people are unwilling to convert their car or truck to run on LPG is The problem find fuel stations that present it.

According to the United kingdom trade Affiliation with the LPG market, UKLPG, there are 1,400 LPG refuelling stations across the nation in comparison to all around eight,350 filling stations overall.

Which means it’s tougher to uncover LPG than petrol or diesel, especially if you live in a rural spot where by filling stations are scarcer.

It is acquiring simpler to Track down LPG stockists, while. There are now many Internet sites and mobile phone applications exhibiting your nearest LPG supplier, and in some cases allowing you Assess charges.

A variety of the large fuel station chains at times offer LPG, which includes 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 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 – more fees if it goes Incorrect and for servicing
Is usually tough to fill up