RAC Gasoline Observe details demonstrates that petrol and diesel costs have been Particularly volatile in the last few decades.

Mix this Along with the enhanced governing administration force on owners of diesel cars and trucks and the fee and infrastructure considerations about electric cars and trucks and it could lead on to motorists looking in other places.

Just what exactly of LPG, the seemingly best alternate that's been omitted from the cold of late? Right here we take a look to find out irrespective of whether it's a viable solution or not.
What is LPG And exactly how is it made?

LPG stands for liquefied petroleum gasoline and is also a kind of 'liquid gasoline' that could be applied as fuel for various uses, including powering cars.

Also referred to as butane and propane gas, or autogas in motoring circles, it's the by-item with the processing of organic gas liquids plus the refining of crude oil.

Even though traditionally it had been intentionally burnt off and squandered, in the last few a long time it has been recognised as a flexible small-carbon gas – and utilised productively.

Even though the phrase ‘liquid gasoline’ seems to generally be a contradiction in terms, it really describes a transparent fuel that turns to liquid when subjected to pressure or cooling: it’s this characteristic which allows it to get stored in tanks in a very vehicle.

Most petrol automobiles can be fitted with an LPG (Liquid Petroleum Fuel) conversion, turning them into ‘dual-fuel cars’ which can run on LPG as well as petrol. Some makes, for instance Dacia, have sold conversions from the factory.

LPG

The benefit of this is clear after you take a look at filling station costs for the two fuels: LPG fuel is effectively beneath £one a litre in 2024, Whilst petrol and diesel hasn't been under that determine due to the fact 2007.

While automobiles are not likely being far more fuel-productive when running on LPG, you could possibly even now help save a chunk on the gasoline expenditures. Once the expense of the LPG conversion has become paid off, This may incorporate as many as a major saving – and the more you travel, the more you save.
Why could it be not more greatly applied?

Despite the fact that LPG is extensively employed by houses and enterprises, fewer than one particular p.c of automobiles on British isles roads are fuelled by it.

There are a number of main reasons why Many individuals are unwilling to transform their automobile to run on LPG but considered one of the largest reasons is the lack of incentives with the British isles Authorities.

Despite the fact that cars and trucks transformed by approved organizations may well qualify to save lots of on auto excise responsibility (VED), by remaining classed being an ‘alternatively-fuelled’ auto, the newest regulations indicate these only click here help save £10 per annum on highway tax.

Much like electric powered cars and trucks, it’s a ‘hen and egg’ situation. With LPG-converted cars and trucks representing this sort of a small proportion of all motor vehicles on United kingdom roads, there’s minimal incentive for filling stations to provide LPG. And if it’s difficult to find filling stations stocking it, motorists is going to be reluctant to transform to LPG.

Many individuals don’t recognize the advantages and drawbacks of working an LPG car. Without the very same incentives as electric powered cars, LPG simply isn’t remaining promoted in the UK. Quite a few motorists merely aren’t aware about its existence.

Motorists will also be worried about the expense. Converting a petrol motor vehicle to operate on LPG can Price just as much as £two,000, and there’s no ensure with the UK federal government that it gained’t elevate obligations on LPG in the future. The price of LPG has also enhanced significantly in the final handful of years, slashing prospective savings.

This uncertainty could make it tough to offer an LPG-transformed car or truck, this means you’ll wrestle to Obtain your a refund if you need to do purchase a conversion and afterwards provide the vehicle.

While a handful of motor vehicle manufacturers have in the past experimented with offering manufacturing unit-in good shape LPG kits on new products (it's possible you'll obtain ‘twin-fuel’ Fords, Dacias, Vauxhalls, Protons and Saabs in the classifieds), all of them marketed in tiny numbers and, therefore, only Dacia sells new LPG converted cars today.

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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 supply it.

According to the United kingdom trade Affiliation for your LPG field, UKLPG, you can find one,400 LPG refuelling stations across the country compared to about 8,350 filling stations In general.

That means it’s more difficult to uncover LPG than petrol or diesel, particularly when you live within a rural place exactly where filling stations are scarcer.

It truly is having easier to locate LPG stockists, even though. You will discover now numerous websites and telephone apps displaying your nearest LPG provider, and also allowing you Assess charges.

A variety of the large gasoline station chains often present LPG, together with Shell, BP and Esso, as do grocery store petrol stations, notably some Morrisons and Sainsbury’s stations.
Really should I change my auto to LPG?

Let's summarise the pros and cons of changing your automobile to LPG.
Professionals

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

Disadvantages

Costly to setup
Intricate – further expenses if it goes wrong and for servicing
Is usually tough to fill up