RAC Fuel Check out info demonstrates that petrol and diesel price ranges are already especially volatile in the last couple of decades.

Combine this Along with the improved federal government strain on homeowners of diesel autos and the associated fee and infrastructure worries about electric cars and trucks and it could lead on to motorists hunting somewhere else.

So what of LPG, the seemingly ideal alternative which is been omitted inside the cold of late? Here we take a look to find out whether it is a feasible option 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 may be utilized as gas for a number of uses, which includes powering cars and trucks.

Also called butane and propane gas, or autogas in motoring circles, it is the by-product with the processing of all-natural gas 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 low-carbon gas – and applied productively.

Even though 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 which allows it to generally be saved in tanks in a car.

Most petrol vehicles might be fitted using an LPG (Liquid Petroleum Gasoline) conversion, turning them into ‘dual-fuel cars’ that can run on LPG and petrol. Some brand names, including Dacia, have bought conversions through the manufacturing facility.

LPG

The advantage of this is clear when you look at filling station prices for The 2 fuels: LPG gas is effectively below £one a litre in 2024, Whilst petrol and diesel hasn't been under that determine because 2007.

Although cars and trucks are not likely to get a lot more gasoline-productive when managing on LPG, you may still help save a bit on the fuel charges. The moment the cost of the LPG conversion has long been paid off, This may add as many as a substantial preserving – and the greater you generate, the greater you help you save.
Why is it no more greatly employed?

Whilst LPG is extensively utilized by homes and companies, a lot less than 1 per cent of cars and trucks on UK roads are fuelled by it.

There are a variety of explanation why many people are reluctant to convert their automobile to run on LPG but one among the most significant reasons is The shortage of incentives check here with the United kingdom Governing administration.

Although cars transformed by approved companies might qualify to save on car excise duty (VED), by remaining classed being an ‘alternatively-fuelled’ auto, the newest policies indicate these only conserve £10 per annum on highway tax.

Very similar to electric cars and trucks, it’s a ‘rooster and egg’ situation. With LPG-transformed autos representing this kind of a little proportion of all autos on UK streets, there’s tiny incentive for filling stations to provide LPG. And if it’s difficult to find filling stations stocking it, motorists are going to be unwilling to convert to LPG.

Many people don’t fully grasp the advantages and drawbacks of working an LPG vehicle. With no similar incentives as electrical vehicles, LPG simply isn’t staying promoted in the UK. Lots of motorists just aren’t conscious of its existence.

Drivers are also worried about the expense. Changing a petrol automobile to operate on LPG can cost up to £two,000, and there’s no guarantee in the United kingdom authorities that it gained’t increase responsibilities on LPG Down the road. The cost of LPG has also improved considerably in the final number of decades, slashing opportunity financial savings.

This uncertainty might make it challenging to provide an LPG-transformed motor vehicle, meaning you’ll struggle to Obtain your a refund if you are doing buy a conversion after which you can sell the vehicle.

Whilst a handful of motor vehicle manufacturers have in the past experimented with offering manufacturing unit-healthy LPG kits on new styles (chances are you'll find ‘dual-gasoline’ Fords, Dacias, Vauxhalls, Protons and Saabs during the classifieds), they all sold in small quantities and, as a result, only Dacia sells new LPG transformed autos these days.

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How offered is LPG?
One more reason why A lot of people are unwilling to convert their motor vehicle to run on LPG is The issue in finding gas stations that deliver it.

Based on the British isles trade Affiliation for your LPG marketplace, UKLPG, you'll find one,four hundred LPG refuelling stations across the country compared to about 8,350 filling stations In general.

That means it’s harder to search out LPG than petrol or diesel, especially if 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 cell phone apps showing your closest LPG company, and perhaps permitting you Look at prices.

A number of the massive gasoline station chains from time to time deliver LPG, together with Shell, BP and Esso, as do supermarket petrol stations, notably some Morrisons and Sainsbury’s stations.
Ought to I convert my car to LPG?

Let us summarise the benefits 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 the leak, so very low chance

Downsides

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