RAC Gas View data exhibits that petrol and diesel price ranges are already especially volatile in the last couple of many years.

Mix this Using the improved federal government strain on homeowners of diesel automobiles and the fee and infrastructure considerations about electric cars and trucks and it could lead on to motorists hunting somewhere else.

So what of LPG, the seemingly suitable alternate that is been neglected within the chilly of late? Listed here we take a look to see regardless of whether it is a feasible choice or not.
What is LPG And just how is it designed?

LPG stands for liquefied petroleum fuel and it is a variety of 'liquid gasoline' that can be utilised as fuel for a range of functions, together with powering vehicles.

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

Although ordinarily it absolutely 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 employed productively.

Although the phrase ‘liquid gasoline’ appears being a contradiction in conditions, it actually describes a clear gas that turns to liquid when subjected to pressure or cooling: it’s this characteristic that allows it to be stored in tanks inside a automobile.

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, which include Dacia, have bought conversions with the manufacturing facility.

LPG

The advantage of this is clear when you look at filling station prices for The 2 fuels: LPG gas is nicely under £one a litre in 2024, While petrol and diesel has not been underneath that figure because 2007.

Even though cars and trucks are unlikely to become more gas-effective when running on LPG, you could potentially even now conserve a piece in your gasoline payments. Once the price of the LPG conversion continues to be paid out off, this could incorporate up to a big preserving – and the more you push, the greater you help save.
Why is it not more commonly utilized?

While LPG is widely utilized by residences and companies, 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 greatest good reasons is The dearth of incentives within the British isles Government.

Even though cars transformed by approved businesses might qualify to save on car excise duty (VED), by being classed being an ‘alternatively-fuelled’ car or truck, the newest regulations signify these only preserve £10 per year on highway tax.

Very like electrical cars and trucks, it’s a ‘hen and egg’ situation. With LPG-converted cars and trucks representing this kind of a little proportion of all autos on UK roadways, there’s minor incentive for filling stations to offer LPG. And when it’s hard to find filling stations stocking it, motorists are going to be hesitant to transform to LPG.

Many individuals don’t comprehend the pros and cons of functioning an LPG auto. With no identical incentives as electric powered vehicles, LPG simply just isn’t currently being promoted in britain. A lot of motorists only aren’t mindful of its existence.

Drivers will also be concerned about the price. Converting a petrol car to operate on LPG can Expense around £2,000, and there’s no assurance from your British isles federal government that it received’t elevate obligations on LPG Sooner or later. The cost of LPG has also enhanced significantly in the final couple of years, slashing prospective savings.

This uncertainty could make it tricky to offer an LPG-transformed car or truck, this means you’ll struggle to Obtain your a reimbursement if you do pay for a conversion after which market the car.

Whilst a couple of vehicle makers have in past times experimented with offering factory-fit LPG kits on new products (you might come across ‘dual-gas’ Fords, Dacias, Vauxhalls, Protons and Saabs during the classifieds), they all bought in small figures and, as a result, read more only Dacia sells new LPG transformed cars currently.

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How obtainable is LPG?
Another reason why Many individuals are unwilling to transform their car to run on LPG is The problem find gas stations that deliver it.

In accordance with the UK trade association for the LPG marketplace, UKLPG, you will discover one,four hundred LPG refuelling stations across the nation when compared with all around 8,350 filling stations Total.

Meaning it’s more difficult to locate LPG than petrol or diesel, particularly if you reside inside of a rural place exactly where filling stations are scarcer.

It truly is finding much easier to Track down LPG stockists, although. There are actually now several Internet websites and cellphone applications demonstrating your nearest LPG company, and perhaps permitting you Evaluate expenditures.

Several the big fuel station chains occasionally offer LPG, which includes Shell, BP and Esso, as do supermarket petrol stations, notably some Morrisons and Sainsbury’s stations.
Should I change my motor vehicle to LPG?

Let's summarise the benefits and drawbacks of changing your car to LPG.
Pros

More cost-effective than petrol and diesel
Reduced CO2 emissions
Quieter than diesel engines
Evaporates in the case of the leak, so minimal danger

Disadvantages

High-priced to set up
Challenging – further expenditures if it goes Completely wrong and for servicing
Is usually challenging to fill up