RAC Fuel Watch knowledge reveals that petrol and diesel selling prices have already been Particularly volatile in the final number of years.

Mix this Along with the amplified government pressure on owners of diesel cars and the cost and infrastructure issues about electric powered cars and trucks and it may lead to motorists hunting somewhere else.

So what of LPG, the seemingly suitable choice that is been overlooked within the chilly of late? Below we take a look to find out irrespective of whether it's a practical selection or not.
What exactly is LPG and how could it be produced?

LPG means liquefied petroleum gas which is a form of 'liquid gas' that could be employed as gasoline for many different applications, like powering cars.

Also often called butane and propane fuel, or autogas in motoring circles, it is the by-products in the processing of purely natural gas liquids together with the refining of crude oil.

Even though traditionally it absolutely was deliberately burnt off and wasted, in the previous few many years it has been recognised as a versatile minimal-carbon gas – and made use of productively.

Even though the phrase ‘liquid fuel’ appears to become a contradiction in phrases, it in fact describes a transparent gasoline that turns to liquid when subjected to tension or cooling: it’s this attribute which allows it to become stored in tanks inside a automobile.

Most petrol automobiles 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 from your manufacturing unit.

LPG

The benefit of this is obvious once you examine filling station rates for the two fuels: LPG gasoline is properly beneath £1 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-successful when managing on LPG, you may however preserve a piece with your gasoline charges. When the expense of the LPG conversion has become compensated off, this could increase around an important conserving – and the greater you travel, the more you help save.
Why can it be not more broadly used?

Even though LPG is extensively used by properties and businesses, under a person % of automobiles 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 lack of incentives in the UK Authorities.

Despite the fact that autos transformed by permitted corporations may perhaps qualify to avoid wasting on car excise obligation (VED), by currently being classed as an ‘alternatively-fuelled’ automobile, the most recent guidelines imply these only conserve £10 per annum on highway tax.

Very similar to electric cars and trucks, it’s a ‘hen and egg’ situation. With LPG-converted cars and trucks representing this sort of a little proportion of all cars on United kingdom roadways, there’s very little 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 have an understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of functioning an LPG auto. With no very same incentives as electric powered automobiles, LPG simply isn’t staying promoted in the UK. Quite a few motorists only aren’t conscious of its existence.

Drivers are also concerned about the price. Changing a petrol vehicle to operate on LPG can Price tag approximately £two,000, and there’s no guarantee from your British isles government that it won’t increase responsibilities on LPG Down the road. The cost of LPG has also elevated considerably in the last number of yrs, slashing potential cost savings.

This uncertainty may make it tricky to sell an LPG-transformed car, which means you’ll struggle to get your money back if you do buy a conversion and then sell the vehicle.

Although a few 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 inside the classifieds), they all marketed in smaller figures and, as such, only Dacia sells new LPG converted vehicles today.

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How out there is LPG?
One more reason why many people are hesitant to transform their automobile to operate on LPG is the difficulty to find gasoline stations that give it.

In accordance with the United kingdom trade Affiliation for the LPG sector, 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 inside a rural spot where by filling stations are scarcer.

It's receiving simpler to Identify LPG stockists, though. You'll find now quite a few Web-sites and phone apps showing your closest LPG service provider, and even letting you Evaluate expenses.

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

Let's summarise the pluses and minuses of converting your car to LPG.
Execs

More cost-effective 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 install
Sophisticated – further fees if it goes Incorrect and for servicing
Can be challenging to fill up