RAC Fuel Observe knowledge reveals that petrol and diesel charges are already Specially unstable in the last few yrs.

Blend this With all the enhanced govt force on house owners of diesel automobiles and the fee and infrastructure worries all around electric vehicles and it could lead on to motorists on the lookout somewhere else.

So what of LPG, the seemingly ideal alternative that is been neglected within the chilly of late? Below we take a look to see regardless of whether it is a feasible option or not.
Exactly what is LPG and how can it be built?

LPG stands for liquefied petroleum fuel and is also a type of 'liquid gasoline' that can be utilised as gasoline for various functions, which include powering vehicles.

Also generally known as butane and propane gas, or autogas in motoring circles, it is the by-product or service from the processing of pure fuel liquids in addition to the refining of crude oil.

Though historically it had been intentionally burnt off and squandered, in the previous few many years it's been recognised as a versatile minimal-carbon gas – and applied productively.

Even though the phrase ‘liquid fuel’ seems to be a contradiction in terms, it truly describes a clear fuel 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 might be fitted using an LPG (Liquid Petroleum Gasoline) conversion, turning them into ‘dual-fuel cars’ that may run on LPG as well as petrol. Some brands, such as Dacia, have bought conversions within the manufacturing unit.

LPG

The benefit of this is clear whenever you look at filling station prices for The 2 fuels: LPG gas is nicely less than £one a litre in 2024, whereas petrol and diesel has not been beneath that figure since 2007.

Whilst autos are unlikely to be additional fuel-economical when managing on LPG, you may still help save a chunk on your own fuel costs. When the expense of the LPG conversion is compensated off, this could insert as much as a big saving – and the more you push, the greater you conserve.
Why could it be no more widely utilised?

Whilst LPG is extensively utilized by households and companies, a lot less than one % of automobiles on British isles roadways are fuelled by it.

There are a number of reasons why Many individuals are hesitant to transform their motor vehicle to operate on LPG but one of the largest motives is The shortage of incentives with the British isles Governing administration.

Although cars converted by approved firms may perhaps qualify to save on automobile excise duty (VED), by being classed being an ‘alternatively-fuelled’ motor vehicle, the newest regulations indicate these only preserve £10 per year on highway tax.

Very similar to electric cars and trucks, it’s a ‘rooster and egg’ situation. With LPG-transformed automobiles representing such a little proportion of all automobiles on British isles streets, there’s small incentive for filling stations to provide LPG. And if it’s difficult to find filling stations stocking it, motorists is going to be reluctant to convert to LPG.

Lots of people don’t have an understanding of the positives and negatives of managing an LPG vehicle. With no exact same incentives as electrical cars, LPG basically isn’t becoming promoted in the united kingdom. Lots of motorists just aren’t aware about its existence.

Drivers will also be worried about the expense. Converting a petrol car or truck to operate on LPG can Price up to £two,000, and there’s no guarantee through the British isles government that it won’t raise responsibilities on LPG Sooner or later. The cost of LPG has also amplified substantially in the final couple of many years, slashing likely price savings.

This uncertainty can make it difficult to promote an LPG-converted automobile, that means you’ll battle to get your money back if you do buy a conversion and then sell the vehicle.

Whilst a few car manufacturers have in the past experimented with offering manufacturing unit-in good shape LPG kits on new styles (chances are you'll come across ‘dual-fuel’ 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 nowadays.

11 tips on how to Slice your driving emissions
Can you actually save money heading electric?
Petrol or diesel? Info and get more info quiz that may help you pick

How accessible 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 give it.

In accordance with the United kingdom trade Affiliation for the LPG market, UKLPG, there are 1,400 LPG refuelling stations across the nation in comparison to all over eight,350 filling stations General.

Which means it’s tougher to find LPG than petrol or diesel, especially if you live in a very rural area in which filling stations are scarcer.

It can be having easier to locate LPG stockists, even though. You can find now various websites and telephone apps showing your nearest LPG provider, and even letting you compare costs.

Numerous the big gasoline station chains in some cases deliver LPG, including Shell, BP and Esso, as do grocery store petrol stations, notably some Morrisons and Sainsbury’s stations.
Really should I change my automobile to LPG?

Let's summarise the positives and negatives of converting your automobile to LPG.
Professionals

More affordable than petrol and diesel
Lowered CO2 emissions
Quieter than diesel engines
Evaporates in the situation of the leak, so minimal risk

Drawbacks

High priced to put in
Complex – excess expenditures if it goes Improper and for servicing
Can be tricky to fill up