RAC Fuel Look at data displays that petrol and diesel selling prices have already been especially unstable in the final few many years.

Mix this While using the increased government pressure on proprietors of diesel vehicles and the cost and infrastructure considerations all around electric cars and it could lead on to motorists on the lookout somewhere else.

So what of LPG, the seemingly perfect alternative which is been omitted inside the chilly of late? Below we take a look to view irrespective of whether it's a practical selection or not.
What is LPG And just how is it built?

LPG stands for liquefied petroleum fuel and it is a type of 'liquid gasoline' that can be applied as fuel for a range of uses, which includes powering autos.

Also known as butane and propane gasoline, or autogas in motoring circles, it's the by-item in the processing of natural gasoline liquids and also the refining of crude oil.

Although customarily it was deliberately burnt off and wasted, in the previous couple of a long time it has been recognised as a flexible small-carbon fuel – and utilized productively.

Although the phrase ‘liquid gasoline’ appears being a contradiction in conditions, it truly describes a transparent gasoline that turns to liquid when subjected to pressure or cooling: it’s this attribute that permits it to be saved in tanks in the vehicle.

Most petrol cars and trucks could be fitted by having an LPG (Liquid Petroleum Gasoline) conversion, turning them into ‘twin-gasoline automobiles’ that will run on LPG in addition to petrol. Some manufacturers, for example Dacia, have offered conversions in the manufacturing facility.

LPG

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

Although cars and trucks are unlikely to become more gas-effective when running on LPG, you could potentially however help save a chunk on your own fuel expenditures. After the cost of the LPG conversion has actually been paid off, This might include up to a big saving – and the more you push, the greater you conserve.
Why can it be no more extensively applied?

Even though LPG is commonly employed by houses and corporations, less than one particular p.c of cars on read more United kingdom streets are fuelled by it.

There are a variety 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 Governing administration.

Although automobiles converted by accredited corporations may well qualify to save lots of on car excise duty (VED), by being classed being an ‘alternatively-fuelled’ motor vehicle, the most up-to-date regulations necessarily mean these only help save £10 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 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.

Many of us don’t fully grasp the advantages and drawbacks of working an LPG car. Without the exact incentives as electrical cars and trucks, LPG basically isn’t being promoted in the united kingdom. Several motorists merely aren’t aware about its existence.

Drivers will also be concerned about the price. Changing a petrol car or truck to operate on LPG can Expense as much as £two,000, and there’s no assurance within the United kingdom federal government that it received’t elevate responsibilities on LPG in the future. The price of LPG has also enhanced significantly in the final handful of many years, slashing likely savings.

This uncertainty could make it tough to offer an LPG-transformed motor vehicle, meaning you’ll struggle to Obtain your a refund if you are doing buy a conversion and then sell the vehicle.

Although a couple of vehicle producers have prior to now experimented with giving manufacturing unit-in shape LPG kits on new products (it's possible you'll locate ‘dual-gasoline’ Fords, Dacias, Vauxhalls, Protons and Saabs during the classifieds), they all marketed in compact quantities and, as a result, only Dacia sells new LPG converted cars and trucks currently.

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How offered is LPG?
Another reason why Many of us are reluctant to transform their vehicle to operate on LPG is the difficulty to find gasoline stations that give it.

In accordance with the UK trade Affiliation for the LPG sector, UKLPG, you will find 1,four hundred LPG refuelling stations across the nation in comparison with all-around 8,350 filling stations Total.

Meaning it’s more difficult to seek out LPG than petrol or diesel, particularly when you reside inside a rural spot where by filling stations are scarcer.

It really is finding much easier to Identify LPG stockists, although. You can find now a lot of Web-sites and telephone apps showing your nearest LPG company, and perhaps permitting you Look at costs.

Many the big gas station chains from time to time deliver LPG, which includes Shell, BP and Esso, as do supermarket petrol stations, notably some Morrisons and Sainsbury’s stations.
Should really I transform my vehicle to LPG?

Let us summarise the positives and negatives of changing your vehicle to LPG.
Pros

More affordable than petrol and diesel
Minimized CO2 emissions
Quieter than diesel engines
Evaporates in the case of a leak, so small hazard

Negatives

High-priced to install
Complicated – excess charges if it goes Improper and for servicing
Can be tricky to fill up