With the cost of petrol constantly rising, governments around the world are now looking at helping customers to save money by converting to Liquefied Petroleum Gas or LPG.
This flammable gas is less damaging to the ozone layer and so makes an environmentally friendly fuel. Because of this most governments impose less tax on LPG. LPG is either made primarily from butane or propane and used for fuel in heating appliances as well as vehicles. When used for cars LPG is often referred to as auto propane or auto gas.
LPG has very low production costs as the Australian motoring service NRMA explains: "LPG is a by-product of the oil refining process. The refineries themselves use it as a fuel source so it is basically the excess supply which is sold." In Australia sales of LPG run cars have rocketed. Even though it can cost between two and four thousand dollars to convert your engine to LPG dependence, this cost can be recouped quickly as LPG is significantly cheaper than petrol.
Despite the rise in demand for LPG vehicles it takes a long time and a lot of money to do the engine conversion and motorists could have to wait for up to a year for one of these cars. Furthermore only a limited number of companies make them and you also need to have LPG compliance plates fitted. About eighteen hundred Australian businesses do an LPG vehicle conversion. The Ford Falcon is the most popular LPG run car in Australia and sales of this model have jumped by a fifth. There are special government grants to buy these vehicles, though quite a few terms and conditions apply.
Contrary to popular belief there are few negatives to running a car on LPG and a depending on the mileage that you cover the capital cost of the install (anything from £1k-£3k) can be paid off in no time. For example if you cover 20,000 miles per year and run an average family saloon achieving approximately 30mpg, (assume petrol prices £1 per litre and LPG 50p), you will save approximately £1500 on your annual fuel bill!
comparison price difference from circa 2003
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Contrary to popular belief there are few negatives to running a car on LPG and a depending on the mileage that you cover the capital cost of the install (anything from £1k-£3k) can be paid off in no time. For example if you cover 20,000 miles per year and run an average family saloon achieving approximately 30mpg, (assume petrol prices £1 per litre and LPG 50p), you will save approximately £1500 on your annual fuel bill! |
The myth that LPG has a negative effect of performance or a cars mpg is far fetched, probably started by the leading petroleum suppliers as LPG is becoming big business and more and more drivers choosing to fuel their cars on it. You’ll find that often the spare tyre well is used to store the tank, or if your can uses the increasingly popular run-flat tyres, its usually some boot space needed. The only other thing to consider is that LPG is not available at all forecourts. The infrastructure costs are such that not every station will have LPG so its always useful to know where you can fill up. Thankfully there are lots of sites out there that can guide you, such as the very useful service from Drive LPG, check out there map of LPG stations
here.
If you are considering an LPG conversion your best bet is to search for a local supplier / installer who can guide you as to what is needed. Make sure they carry the necessary accreditation and look out for the LPGA approved Autogas Convertor logo. There are many reputable LPG installers around and is sure to be one near you as the market is growing with thanks to the ever increasing prices on the forecourt, so why not take the initiative and get one step ahead by using LPG from installers such as FES Auotgas. Why not contact them for advice on the system most suitable for you at
www.fesautogas.co.uk
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Romano Autogas are an Italian manufacturer that come highly recommended within the industry. If you are looking for a Romono Autogas Installation you’ll find all the information you need and your nearest approved supplier at www.autogasworldwide.co.uk |
So when you see someone at the Autogas pump at the filling station looking rather smug, thats becausewhen they follow you into the kiosk to pay, they'll be paying around half of what you are for petrol ro diesel and rightly feeling pretty chuffed with themselves. And its not only cars that you can convert, any vehicle with a combustion engine can feasibly be converted, for example the thirsty looking limo's on our roads have likely been converted by
www.avonautogas.co.uk so they are greener than your average family saloon!