Rajan Wilcox
Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) cars are vehicles that have been converted to run on LPG, or were designed in the factory to do so. LPG cars are also known as dual-fuel or Bi-Fuel cars, as they can switch between LPG and petrol. LPG is stored in a pressurised fuel tank in liquid form, and the tank is usually located in the boot of the car. The process of filling an LPG car is similar to filling a normal petrol or diesel car, and takes a similar amount of time. LPG is a versatile fuel with a low environmental impact, and it is also cheaper than petrol or diesel. However, LPG cars tend to be less fuel-efficient, and there are fewer places to refuel.
Characteristics and Values of LPG Cars
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type | Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) |
| Fuel Cost | LPG is cheaper than petrol or diesel |
| Fuel Efficiency | LPG engines burn more litres of fuel but this is offset by the lower LPG fuel cost |
| Environmental Impact | LPG is a cleaner-burning fuel with reduced emissions compared to other fossil fuels |
| Safety | LPG tanks are safer than petrol tanks in an accident |
| Conversion Process | Requires adding a second fuel system and a new fuel tank to the boot |
| Conversion Cost | £1,000-£2,500 depending on the installer, make and model of the car |
| Fuel System | LPG cars have a secondary fuel system with a dedicated LPG pump |
| Switching Between Fuels | Can switch between LPG and petrol manually or automatically when the LPG tank is empty |
| Fuel Gauge | LPG cars have a secondary fuel gauge for the LPG fuel tank |
| Fuel Filler | LPG fuel filler is usually installed at the rear of the car |
| Maintenance | LPG system should be serviced every 12 months or 12,000 miles |
| Tax Benefits | LPG cars benefit from a reduction in road tax as they are deemed 'alternative fuel' vehicles |
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LPG car conversion
Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) is a versatile fuel with a relatively low environmental impact. LPG cars can yield running cost benefits, but there are some considerations to keep in mind when it comes to LPG car conversion.
Most combustion cars can be converted to LPG, but it is more challenging to convert diesel cars as diesel ignites under pressure alone, while petrol and gas also need a spark. The conversion process involves installing an LPG fuel tank, usually in the boot, and a secondary fuel system, as well as making modifications to the engine's Electronic Control Unit (ECU). The LPG fuel filler is typically installed at the rear of the car, and an LPG fuel tank gauge and LPG/petrol switchover button are also added inside the car. The system will automatically switch over to petrol once the LPG tank is empty, but the button allows the driver to manually override this feature if needed.
The average cost of an LPG conversion is between £1,500 and £2,500, depending on the installer and the specific make and model of the car. While LPG is much cheaper per litre than petrol, fuel efficiency drops by approximately 20%, which can affect the potential savings. There may also be a reduction in cargo space, depending on the vehicle. Additionally, not all service stations offer LPG, so it is important to check the availability of LPG in your area before converting.
It is worth noting that LPG is a cleaner-burning fuel, resulting in less carbon deposits and reduced engine wear. It also has environmental advantages, as it dissipates into the air if spilled, unlike petrol and diesel which can create hazardous waste.
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LPG vs petrol
LPG, or liquefied petroleum gas, is a fossil fuel that is derived from natural gas or produced during the refining of petroleum. It is a mix of hydrocarbon gases, mainly propane and butane. LPG has been used as an alternative to petrol for spark ignition engines since the 1940s. LPG cars are sometimes referred to as dual-fuel or Bi-Fuel cars as they can switch between LPG and petrol.
LPG cars have a secondary fuel system, with the LPG stored in a pressurised fuel tank separate from the conventional fuel tank. The LPG tank is often located in the boot, in the well where the spare wheel would normally be. LPG conversions typically cost between £1,500 and £2,500, depending on the installer and the specific make and model of the car.
LPG is a cleaner-burning fuel than petrol, resulting in less carbon deposits and reduced engine wear. It has a high octane rating, typically over 100, which eliminates pre-ignition knocking and can prolong engine life. LPG also has environmental advantages, as it dissipates into the air if spilled, rather than creating hazardous waste like spilled petrol. LPG also has lower emissions than petrol and other fossil fuels, although it can cause air pollution.
In terms of cost, LPG is cheaper per litre than petrol, currently costing about 50% less. However, LPG engines burn more litres of fuel, resulting in a drop in fuel efficiency of around 20%. This limits the savings from using LPG, although the lower fuel cost can help to offset the greater consumption. The exact savings will depend on the specific vehicle and usage patterns.
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Cost savings
LPG is a much cheaper fuel option than petrol or diesel. It currently costs about 50% less per litre than petrol, with LPG priced at around 74p per litre compared to £1.36 for petrol. This means that filling an LPG car costs around £32, while the same capacity in a petrol car would cost around £70.
The cost of converting a car to LPG can be high, ranging from £1,500 to over £2,000, depending on the installer and the specific make and model of the car. However, the conversion costs can be recouped in as little as 3-4 years through fuel savings alone. For example, with an average annual vehicle usage, you can save over £800 per year in running costs, or £650 after other costs are deducted. This means that even with the higher conversion cost of £2,040, you would make your money back in around 3 years.
There are also environmental savings to consider, as LPG is a much cleaner-burning fuel than petrol or diesel, resulting in less carbon deposits and reduced engine wear. This can lead to lower maintenance costs for your vehicle over time.
It is worth noting that fuel efficiency drops by approximately 20% with LPG, which may affect refuelling frequency depending on the size of the LPG tank. Additionally, not all service stations offer LPG, so you may need to plan refuelling stops in advance.
Overall, while there is an upfront cost to converting to LPG, the significant fuel cost savings and environmental benefits make it a worthwhile investment for many drivers.
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Environmental impact
LPG cars, or bi-fuel cars, are vehicles that can switch between liquefied petroleum gas and petrol. LPG is a versatile fuel with a relatively low environmental impact. It is a cleaner-burning fuel, resulting in less carbon deposit and reduced engine wear. LPG has an octane rating of over 100, which prevents pre-ignition (knocking) and reduces engine wear.
The environmental impact of LPG cars is significantly lower than that of traditional petrol or diesel vehicles. LPG cars produce up to 50% fewer nitrogen oxide emissions than petrol cars and 20 times fewer than diesel cars. Research has shown that LPG vehicles emit far fewer harmful emissions, contributing to better air quality, especially in urban areas. LPG vehicles also have a lower global warming potential (GWP) than methane and carbon dioxide, emitting lower amounts of nitrogen oxides and particulate matter.
LPG is also considered a safer fuel option. If spilled, LPG will dissipate into the air without creating hazardous waste, unlike spilled petrol or diesel. This reduces the risk of air pollution and its associated health risks, such as advanced deaths and illnesses caused by particulates and NOx emissions. Additionally, LPG vehicles offer a more sustainable choice, especially in regions with abundant LPG resources, such as the UK.
While LPG cars provide environmental benefits, there are also some considerations. The conversion process to LPG can result in a reduction in cargo space, and not all service stations offer LPG refueling options. However, the availability of LPG refueling stations is improving, and smartphone apps and satnavs can help locate the nearest supplier.
Overall, LPG cars offer a more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional petrol or diesel vehicles, contributing to reduced emissions and improved air quality. The lower fuel efficiency of LPG is offset by its lower cost, making it a cost-effective and environmentally conscious choice for many drivers.
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LPG filling process
Filling an LPG car requires a similar process and takes a similar amount of time as filling a normal petrol or diesel car. LPG cars have a secondary fuel system, which requires filling from a dedicated LPG pump. These can be found at many petrol stations. LPG is stored in a pressurised fuel tank in liquid form as it turns into gas when exposed to the atmosphere. This tank is separate from the conventional fuel tank and is often located under the boot floor. LPG tanks are often known as 'donut tanks' due to their shape and frequently sit in the well where a car's spare wheel would normally be stored. LPG tanks are only ever filled up to 80% of their capacity, leaving a 20% air buffer in the tank.
The process of filling an LPG car involves opening the dedicated LPG filling cap and inserting the LPG nozzle from the pump. The nozzle has an automatic cut-off mechanism that stops the flow of LPG once the tank is full. The user can then screw the cap back on and end the refuelling process.
After filling the tank with autogas, the fuel stored in the tank starts to travel towards the engine once the latter has been started. A multivalve opens at the very start and feeds liquid LPG into a gas distributor under high pressure. The fuel then flows through an LPG solenoid valve, and once it has been pre-cleaned, it moves to the regulator. At this stage, the gas evaporates and its pressure is reduced to about 2 bar. Although the gas is now in the vapour phase, it does not slow down and proceeds to the vapour phase filter for further contaminant removal. The mapsensor measures the pressure of the gas fed to the injectors and the negative pressure generated in the intake system.
The clean and ready-to-combust gas then goes directly to the LPG injectors, then to the intake manifold (separately to each intake channel), and finally to the engine combustion chambers. The timing of feeding the gas to the intake manifold’s individual channels is identical to the sequence of engine operation on petrol. This complex operation is managed by a sophisticated computer – the controller. It controls the electromagnetic valves, monitors the gas parameters (temperature and pressure), and determines the injector opening/closing times (which can vary for each cylinder). Finally, it ensures smooth switching between fuel types, allowing the driver to switch between LPG and petrol with the press of a button.
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Frequently asked questions
LPG stands for Liquefied Petroleum Gas. An LPG car is one that has been designed to run on LPG, or has been converted to take LPG by an aftermarket company. LPG cars are also known as dual fuel or Bi-Fuel cars as they can switch between LPG and petrol.
You will need to install an LPG fuel tank, usually in the boot, and another filling cap. You will also need to modify the engine’s Electronic Control Unit (ECU) and install an LPG fuel filler. The Dacia Duster and Sandero can be bought as Bi-Fuel models.
The average cost of an LPG conversion is between £1,000 and £2,5000, depending on the installer and your car's make and model.
LPG cars have a secondary fuel system and require filling from a dedicated LPG pump. In the UK, LPG pumps can be found at around 350 petrol stations. LPG is stored in a pressurised fuel tank in liquid form as it turns into gas when exposed to the atmosphere.
LPG is a cleaner-burning fuel, resulting in less carbon deposit and reduced engine wear. LPG is also cheaper than petrol or diesel, and cars converted to LPG benefit from a reduction in road tax as they are deemed 'alternative fuel' vehicles.
