RAC Gas Check out knowledge reveals that petrol and diesel charges have been Specially unstable in the last few yrs.

Incorporate this With all the enhanced government pressure on owners of diesel cars and the cost and infrastructure concerns around electric powered autos and it may lead to motorists seeking elsewhere.

Just what exactly of LPG, the seemingly suitable choice that is been overlooked in the chilly of late? Listed here we take a look to see regardless of whether it is a feasible option or not.
Exactly what is LPG And just how is it designed?

LPG stands for liquefied petroleum gasoline and it is a variety of 'liquid gas' which might be utilised as gasoline for various purposes, like powering cars.

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

Though typically it had been intentionally burnt off and squandered, in the previous few decades it's been recognised as a versatile reduced-carbon fuel – and made use of productively.

Although the phrase ‘liquid gas’ appears to get a contradiction in phrases, it basically describes a transparent fuel that turns to liquid when subjected to pressure or cooling: it’s this characteristic that allows it for being stored in tanks in the car or truck.

Most petrol cars and trucks can be equipped with an LPG (Liquid Petroleum Fuel) conversion, turning them into ‘dual-gasoline automobiles’ that could run on LPG in addition to petrol. Some models, for example Dacia, have bought conversions in the factory.

LPG

The advantage of this is obvious once you take a look at filling station selling prices for The 2 fuels: LPG fuel is effectively below £one a litre in 2024, While petrol and diesel hasn't been less than that determine considering the fact that 2007.

While autos are unlikely to generally be extra gas-efficient when functioning on LPG, you could possibly even now save a bit in your gasoline payments. Once the price of the LPG conversion continues to be paid out off, this could incorporate up to a big saving – and the more you travel, the more you preserve.
Why can it be no more extensively made use of?

Though LPG is commonly used by properties and enterprises, lower than just one p.c of vehicles on United kingdom streets are fuelled by it.

There are a selection of main reasons why A lot of people are reluctant to transform their motor vehicle to run on LPG but among the greatest motives is The dearth of incentives through the UK Federal government.

Whilst cars and trucks converted by permitted businesses may perhaps qualify to avoid wasting on automobile excise responsibility (VED), by currently being classed being an ‘alternatively-fuelled’ motor vehicle, the newest principles indicate these only save £ten each year on street tax.

Very similar to electrical vehicles, it’s a ‘rooster and egg’ state of affairs. With LPG-transformed automobiles representing these a small proportion of all motor vehicles on United kingdom roadways, there’s minor incentive for filling stations to offer LPG. And when it’s difficult to more info find filling stations stocking it, motorists might be unwilling to transform to LPG.

Many people don’t recognize the pros and cons of jogging an LPG automobile. With no same incentives as electrical automobiles, LPG simply isn’t staying promoted in the UK. Quite a few motorists merely aren’t mindful of its existence.

Motorists may also be worried about the expense. Converting a petrol car or truck to operate on LPG can Expense about £2,000, and there’s no promise from the UK govt that it received’t elevate duties on LPG Later on. The price of LPG has also greater significantly in the final couple of many years, slashing likely price savings.

This uncertainty can make it hard to market an LPG-converted auto, this means you’ll wrestle to Obtain your a reimbursement if you need to do purchase a conversion then offer the vehicle.

Despite the fact that some car or truck brands have up to now experimented with offering manufacturing unit-healthy LPG kits on new styles (it's possible you'll come across ‘twin-fuel’ 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 now.

eleven approaches to Reduce your driving emissions
Can you truly save cash going electric powered?
Petrol or diesel? Information and quiz that can assist you select

How available is LPG?
One more reason why Lots of people are unwilling to convert their auto to operate on LPG is The problem find fuel stations that give it.

According to the United kingdom trade Affiliation for the LPG marketplace, UKLPG, you will find one,four hundred LPG refuelling stations across the country when compared with around 8,350 filling stations Over-all.

Meaning it’s more difficult to search out LPG than petrol or diesel, particularly when you live within a rural place where filling stations are scarcer.

It really is finding much easier to Identify LPG stockists, though. You'll find now a lot of Web-sites and telephone apps showing your nearest LPG provider, as well as letting you Examine fees.

A number of the big gasoline station chains sometimes provide LPG, such as 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 us summarise the advantages and drawbacks of changing your car to LPG.
Execs

Much less expensive than petrol and diesel
Minimized CO2 emissions
Quieter than diesel engines
Evaporates in the case of a leak, so small possibility

Downsides

Pricey to install
Sophisticated – further fees if it goes wrong and for servicing
Is usually tough to fill up