RAC Fuel Observe data exhibits that petrol and diesel prices are already especially volatile in the final handful of many years.

Merge this Using the improved federal government strain on house owners of diesel autos and the associated fee and infrastructure problems all over electrical automobiles and it could lead to motorists searching in other places.

Just what exactly of LPG, the seemingly great different that's been overlooked in 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 exactly how is it built?

LPG stands for liquefied petroleum fuel and is also a type of 'liquid gasoline' that may be made use of as fuel for various applications, together with powering automobiles.

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

Whilst customarily it was deliberately burnt off and wasted, in the previous couple of many years it's been recognised as a versatile minimal-carbon gas – and used productively.

Although the phrase ‘liquid gas’ appears for being 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 permits it to get stored in tanks in a very motor vehicle.

Most petrol cars and trucks can be fitted with an LPG (Liquid Petroleum Gas) conversion, turning them into ‘twin-gasoline autos’ which can operate on LPG and petrol. Some models, such as Dacia, have bought conversions from the manufacturing unit.

LPG

The benefit of this is obvious once you have a look at filling station charges for the two fuels: LPG gasoline is very well beneath £1 a litre in 2024, Whilst petrol and diesel has not been below that determine considering the fact that 2007.

While autos are unlikely to be extra gas-efficient when functioning on LPG, you could possibly even now conserve a piece on the gas bills. The moment the cost of the LPG conversion has long been paid out off, This may include up to a major preserving – and the greater you drive, the more you help save.
Why is it not more widely utilised?

Though LPG is widely utilized by residences and companies, a lot less than 1 % of autos on British isles roads are fuelled by it.

There are a number of explanation why many people are reluctant to convert their auto to operate on LPG but amongst the biggest causes is The shortage of incentives with the British isles Governing administration.

Although automobiles transformed by approved companies might qualify to save on car excise duty (VED), by being classed being an ‘alternatively-fuelled’ motor vehicle, the most up-to-date procedures necessarily mean these only help save £10 annually on road tax.

Very like electrical automobiles, it’s a ‘chicken and egg’ state of affairs. With LPG-transformed vehicles symbolizing these a small proportion of all vehicles on British isles streets, there’s little incentive for filling stations to provide LPG. And if it’s difficult to find filling stations stocking it, motorists might be reluctant to transform to LPG.

Many individuals don’t realize the benefits and drawbacks of running an LPG car or truck. Without the exact incentives as electric cars and trucks, LPG just isn’t being promoted in the united kingdom. Many motorists basically aren’t aware about its existence.

Drivers also are concerned about the cost. Changing a petrol car to run on LPG can Charge around £2,000, and there’s no assurance in the United kingdom governing administration that it won’t raise duties on LPG Sooner or later. The cost of LPG has also amplified substantially in the last couple of a long time, slashing probable savings.

This uncertainty could make it tough to market an LPG-transformed car or truck, this means you’ll wrestle to Obtain read more your a refund if you are doing purchase a conversion after which you can provide the vehicle.

Whilst a few car manufacturers have previously experimented with providing factory-fit LPG kits on new models (you may find ‘twin-gas’ Fords, Dacias, Vauxhalls, Protons and Saabs within the classifieds), all of them marketed in modest numbers and, therefore, only Dacia sells new LPG converted cars nowadays.

11 methods to cut 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 A lot of people are unwilling to convert their car or truck to run on LPG is The problem find fuel stations that present it.

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

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

A variety of the large gas station chains often give LPG, which include Shell, BP and Esso, as do supermarket petrol stations, notably some Morrisons and Sainsbury’s stations.
Need to I change my motor vehicle to LPG?

Let us summarise the pros and cons of changing your vehicle to LPG.
Pros

Less expensive than petrol and diesel
Reduced CO2 emissions
Quieter than diesel engines
Evaporates in the situation of a leak, so reduced risk

Drawbacks

High priced to put in
Complicated – excess expenditures if it goes Mistaken and for servicing
May be tricky to refill