Ameer Randolph
Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) is a type of liquid gas that can be used as fuel for a variety of purposes, including powering cars. LPG cars are sometimes referred to 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 as it turns into gas when exposed to the atmosphere. LPG cars are considered a clean alternative automotive fuel that is safer and quieter than petrol or diesel engines. However, there are some drawbacks, including the high cost of converting a car to LPG and the difficulty in finding fuel stations that provide it.
LPG car fuel characteristics and values
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Full form | LPG stands for Liquefied Petroleum Gas |
| Type of gas | Butane and propane gas |
| Fuel tank location | Separate from the conventional fuel tank, commonly under the boot floor |
| Fuel tank capacity | 100 litres |
| Fuel tank shape | 'Donut tanks' |
| Fuel tank safety | LPG is stored in a thick steel tank and is not kept at high pressure, making it safer than petrol |
| Fuel tank filling | Takes a similar process and time as filling a normal petrol or diesel car |
| Fuel gauge | Secondary fuel gauge for the LPG fuel tank |
| Fuel availability | LPG is the most widely available environmentally-friendly alternative fuel in the UK |
| Fuel stations | 1,400 LPG refuelling stations across the UK |
| Fuel cost | LPG is much cheaper per litre than petrol, costing about 50% less per litre |
| Fuel savings | Drivers can save up to half of their monthly fuel bill by switching to LPG |
| Fuel efficiency | LPG has 20% lower fuel efficiency than petrol |
| Fuel emissions | LPG vehicles emit 21% less CO2, 62% less nitrogen oxides, and 90% less particulate matter than petrol vehicles |
| Fuel versatility | LPG is used for a variety of applications, including cooking, heating, refrigeration, and powering cars |
| Fuel maintenance | LPG systems require servicing every 12 months or 12,000 miles, adding to the overall ownership costs |
| Fuel purchase incentives | LPG-converted cars receive a reduction of £10 per year on road tax |
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What You'll Learn
LPG car conversions
Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) is a versatile, low-carbon fuel that can be used to power cars. 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 and require filling from a dedicated LPG pump.
Most petrol cars can be converted to LPG, which involves adding a new fuel tank and fuel system, as well as modifications to the engine's Electronic Control Unit (ECU). The LPG fuel tank is typically installed in the boot of the car, and a fuel filler is installed at the rear of the car. The conversion process also includes adding a secondary fuel gauge and an LPG/Petrol switchover button, allowing the driver to manually switch between fuels.
The average cost of an LPG conversion ranges from £1,000 to £2,500, depending on the installer, the car model, and the ease of conversion. While LPG is cheaper per litre than petrol, fuel efficiency with LPG is lower, resulting in a trade-off between conversion costs and potential savings.
One of the biggest challenges with LPG conversions is the limited availability of LPG fuel stations. In the UK, there are around 1,400 LPG refuelling stations, compared to over 8,350 filling stations for petrol and diesel. This disparity can make it difficult for LPG car owners to find LPG fuel, especially in rural areas.
Despite the challenges, LPG car conversions offer potential advantages such as significant fuel cost savings and reduced CO2 emissions compared to petrol. However, it is important for car owners to carefully consider the pros and cons before deciding to convert their vehicles to LPG.
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LPG car filling stations
According to the UK trade association for the LPG industry, UKLPG, there are 1,400 LPG refuelling stations across the UK, compared to around 8,350 filling stations for petrol and diesel. LPG filling stations can also be found at around 350 petrol stations around the UK, where LPG cars can be filled from a dedicated LPG pump.
Converting a car to LPG is a big job and can be expensive, but it can also bring significant savings. LPG is much cheaper per litre than petrol or diesel, and while fuel efficiency drops by around 20%, this still limits savings. LPG is also a low-carbon fuel, producing 15% less CO2 than petrol.
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Cost savings of LPG cars
LPG cars, or Liquefied Petroleum Gas cars, are vehicles that have been converted to run on LPG, in addition to petrol. LPG is a by-product of the processing of natural gas liquids and the refining of crude oil.
The cost of converting a car to LPG ranges from £1,000 to upwards of £2,000, depending on the installer, and the make and model of the car. This conversion allows the car to become a 'dual-fuel car', running on both LPG and petrol.
LPG is significantly cheaper than petrol, often costing around half the price per litre. In 2024, LPG was priced at under £1 per litre, while petrol and diesel were priced at over £1 per litre. This means that despite a drop in fuel efficiency of around 20% when using LPG, there are still substantial cost savings to be made.
For example, using an average annual vehicle usage scenario, you can save over £800 per year running on LPG. This means that the conversion costs can be recouped in around 3 years, after which you will benefit from the cost savings.
In addition to the financial savings, LPG is also better for the environment, as it is a low-carbon, cleaner-burning fuel.
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Environmental impact of LPG cars
Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), or autogas, is increasingly being recognised as a more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional petrol or diesel fuel. LPG cars produce 50% fewer nitrogen oxides than petrol cars and 20 times fewer than diesel cars. LPG also emits fewer ozone-creating compounds, and considerably lower amounts of carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and particulate matter. Research has shown that LPG vehicles generate 14% fewer CO2 emissions than petrol cars and 10% fewer than diesel vehicles. Another estimate puts this figure at up to 20% lower CO2 emissions. LPG is also non-toxic, non-corrosive, and free of additives such as tetraethyl lead, which was outlawed in the UK in 2000.
LPG has a lower carbon footprint than gasoline and diesel fuel. One gallon of LPG emits 12.52 pounds of CO2 when combusted, compared to 19.59 and 22.44 pounds for gasoline and diesel, respectively. This lower carbon footprint is also due to LPG's low carbon-hydrogen ratio, which generates a lower amount of carbon dioxide per unit of heat produced.
The environmental benefits of LPG are particularly notable in countries like India, where the transport sector contributes to nearly 15% of CO2 emissions and 60% of all greenhouse gases. Vehicular pollution and vehicle-induced dust are damaging to roadside plants and highway vegetation, which are natural sinks for pollutants. LPG can help mitigate these issues and reduce the risk of air pollution-linked health issues, such as those associated with ground-level ozone formation, acid rain, and respiratory problems like asthma.
However, it is important to consider the source of LPG when assessing its environmental impact. The longer the transportation distance, the higher the carbon footprint. As LPG is a by-product of natural gas processing and crude oil refining, it is worth noting that abandoned oil and natural gas wells leak millions of metric tons of methane into the atmosphere annually. Nevertheless, the UK has an ample supply of LPG, and some companies are actively working to find renewable LPG alternatives to fossil fuel sources.
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LPG car maintenance
LPG, or liquefied petroleum gas, is a type of liquid gas that can be used as fuel for a variety of purposes, including powering cars. LPG cars can be designed from the factory to run on LPG or can be converted to take LPG by an aftermarket company. They are sometimes called dual-fuel or Bi-Fuel cars as they can switch between LPG and petrol.
Maintaining an LPG car differs from a standard car service and requires a separate rigorous safety and component check. It is recommended to service an LPG car every 12 months or 12,000 miles, and this should be carried out by an LPG-accredited technician in an Alternative Fuel Systems Assessment and Certification Scheme (AFSACS) workshop.
- Changing LPG filters – Filter longevity is related to engine displacement. For standard displacement engines (up to 2L), an LPG filter can last up to 30,000 km.
- Spark plugs and ignition cables – Worn-out spark plugs and ignition cables can cause LPG engines to underperform. Regular replacement is necessary, especially for 2nd-generation autogas systems. 4th-generation autogas systems may follow the car manufacturer's recommendations.
- Draining the vapouriser – There is a plug at the bottom of the reducer used for draining the vapouriser of the oily condensate deposit. Excessive condensate build-up can lead to engine issues, so it should be removed every 10-15,000 km.
- Fine-tuning – This should be done by mechanics specialising in autogas systems to ensure the LPG system is properly adjusted to the petrol engine.
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Frequently asked questions
An LPG car is one that has been designed to run on liquefied petroleum gas, or has been converted to take LPG by an aftermarket company. LPG cars are sometimes referred to 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 turns into gas when exposed to the atmosphere.
LPG cars are a clean alternative automotive fuel, known as "autogas". They are considered a safer option than petrol as LPG is stored in a thick steel tank and is not kept at high pressure. LPG vehicles are also much quieter than diesel engines and are better for the environment, producing fewer emissions and fine particles. LPG is also much cheaper per litre than petrol, currently costing about 50% less per litre.
Most petrol cars can be fitted with an LPG conversion, which involves adding a new fuel tank to the boot and another filling cap. The average cost of an LPG conversion is between £1,000 and £2,500, depending on the installer, the make and model of the car, and the ease of conversion. You should only ever have the work carried out by a UKLPG Approved Autogas Installer.
