RAC Gas Observe information displays that petrol and diesel costs are actually Specifically unstable in the last few several years.

Incorporate this Along with the increased authorities stress on proprietors of diesel vehicles and the fee and infrastructure worries all around electric cars and it could lead on to motorists on the lookout somewhere else.

What exactly of LPG, the seemingly perfect option which is been disregarded while in the cold of late? Here we Have a look to view no matter if it's a practical solution or not.
What exactly is LPG and how could it be produced?

LPG means liquefied petroleum fuel and is a style of 'liquid gas' which can be utilized as gasoline for many different purposes, like powering cars.

Also often called butane and propane fuel, or autogas in motoring circles, it is the by-product or service from the processing of pure gas liquids plus the refining of crude oil.

While usually it absolutely was intentionally burnt off and squandered, in the last few decades it's been recognised as a versatile lower-carbon gasoline – 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 that allows it to become stored in tanks inside a motor vehicle.

Most petrol autos is often equipped by having an LPG (Liquid Petroleum Gasoline) conversion, turning them into ‘dual-fuel vehicles’ that will run on LPG in addition to petrol. Some brand names, including Dacia, have offered conversions in the factory.

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 hasn't been below that determine due to the fact 2007.

While automobiles are unlikely being a lot more fuel-successful when working on LPG, you can continue to preserve a chunk on your own fuel costs. When the expense of the LPG conversion has become compensated off, This might increase around an important saving – and the more you travel, the more you preserve.
Why could it be not more commonly used?

Despite the fact that LPG is widely used by residences and businesses, below one % of autos on British isles roadways are fuelled by it.

There are a number of explanations why Lots of individuals 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 check here by accepted firms may possibly qualify to avoid wasting on motor vehicle excise obligation (VED), by getting classed as an ‘alternatively-fuelled’ vehicle, the latest rules mean these only help you save £ten annually on road tax.

Very like electrical automobiles, 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 working 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 may also be worried about the expense. Converting a petrol auto to operate on LPG can Price just as much as £two,000, and there’s no assure with the British isles authorities that it gained’t increase responsibilities on LPG Down the road. The cost of LPG has also greater significantly in the final couple of a long time, slashing likely price savings.

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

Although a couple of vehicle producers have prior to now experimented with supplying factory-match LPG kits on new models (you might find ‘twin-gas’ Fords, Dacias, Vauxhalls, Protons and Saabs within the classifieds), all of them marketed in tiny numbers and, therefore, only Dacia sells new LPG converted cars currently.

11 ways to Slash your driving emissions
Can you really get monetary savings likely electrical?
Petrol or diesel? Facts and quiz to help you opt for

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

Based on the United kingdom trade Affiliation for the LPG marketplace, 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 in a rural location wherever filling stations are scarcer.

It is acquiring simpler to Track down LPG stockists, while. There are now several Sites and cell phone applications exhibiting your closest LPG company, and in many cases permitting you Review prices.

Many the massive gas station chains from time to time present LPG, which include Shell, BP and Esso, as do grocery store petrol stations, notably some Morrisons and Sainsbury’s stations.
Need to I change my automobile to LPG?

Let's summarise the advantages and disadvantages of converting your automobile to LPG.
Professionals

Less costly than petrol and diesel
Diminished CO2 emissions
Quieter than diesel engines
Evaporates in the case of the leak, so lower threat

Disadvantages

Expensive to setup
Challenging – added costs if it goes Completely wrong and for servicing
Is often tough to replenish