What is LPG and should I convert to it?

Motorists are turning to alternative fuels to save money with some opting for LPG over electric – but is it a viable alternative?

With electric vehicles gaining popularity as prices climb at fuel pumps experts from car leasing giants LeaseCar UK analysed the appeal of LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) as another option.

LPG is a type of ‘liquid gas’, also known as butane or propane gas, which can be used as a fuel for powering cars.

Most petrol cars can be installed with an LPG converter making them dual-fuel cars that can run on both petrol and LPG fuel.

With drivers increasingly on the lookout for ways to save on the costs of running their vehicles, garages are now reporting an increase in enquiries.

LPG carries far less tax duty than other forms of fuel, making it about half the price of petrol.

But with the cost of converting a vehicle coming in at around £2,000 it could take months or even years for the conversion to pay for itself.

A spokesman for LeaseCar UK has said “Most drivers often consider electric cars as their only option, but these are expensive to purchase and not a possible option for many.

“Using an LPG converter on cars could become a viable solution for some but it isn’t an easy option and there are several factors to consider.

“Whilst having an LPG converter might be an option for some who have access to LPG fuel pumps, for many, the initial cost of installing and difficulty in finding fuel stations, would not make it a possible solution.”

The Pros of an LPG Converter:

1. Cheaper Fuel

When filling up at stations, it is easy to see why having an LPG converter is so appealing when the price is typically half as much as using petrol. It is unlikely that cars will be more fuel-efficient running on LPG, however, once the price of having the converter is paid off, you could be making some significant savings on your fuel prices. Something to consider, especially if you cover a lot of miles, as the more you drive, the more you save.

2. Environmental Benefits
Air quality is a continuing issue (especially in urban areas) for the nation’s health. Vehicle emissions ause smog and can worsen existing asthma conditions. It takes 20 LPG vehicles to emit the same amount of emissions as one diesel vehicle, making it safer to the environment and to us.

You can also reduce your carbon footprint by running on LPG fuel. Researchers have analysed data from the European Fuel Quality Directive, which places LPG as part of the solution to decarbonising the transport sector in Europe.

3. Low-risk fuel

LPG can ignite just as easily as petrol, but is stored in a thick steel tank. Tests have confirmed that LPG tanks are safer than petrol tanks in an accident. If a fire occurred, occupants would have three times longer to escape than in a petrol car.

The Cons of an LPG Converter:

1. Expensive installation

Drivers should be aware that the cost of installing an LPG is around about £2,000, and can take up to three days to install. There is also no guarantee by the UK government that it won’t raise duties on LPG in the future, leaving uncertainty and issues when motorists come to sell their cars with no security of getting their money back.

2. Fuel Stations

LPG fuel is not as easy to find at filling stations, as petrol or fuel, resulting in many people becoming reluctant to convert their car to run on LPG due to difficulty in finding fuel stations that provide it. This difficulty increases if you live in a rural area where filling stations are scarcer.

3. Limitations on conversion

LPG burns in exactly the same way as petrol does; therefore you can’t convert a diesel car to run on LPG. This means for those that own a diesel car, this conversion would not be available to them.