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What is LPG?
LPG stands for “Liquefied Petroleum Gasoline”,
and it’s widely recognised as a clean low carbon alternative
to diesel and petrol.
LPG starts off life as a gas – a mix of propane and
butane – and it’s a by-product from the processing
of natural gas and refining of crude oil. Under pressure,
LPG becomes a liquid – making it easy to store.
What do vehicle manufacturers think about LPG?
The industry is relatively positive about LPG, and most big
motor manufacturers have supplied LPG vehicles. The enthusiasm
for LPG is still lukewarm in the UK because of relatively
small size of the current market, there are over 120,000
vehicles compared to 30 million conventional vehicles on
UK roads.
In other countries, where there is larger demand, the major
manufacturers play
a more active role in the industry.
How much does it cost to convert ?
A Gas conversion can cost on average around £2,000. However, the cost of
a diesel variant of vehicle is always higher than the petrol equivalent that
we convert. Furthermore we have negotiated excellent terms with all manufacturers
that supply LPG compliant vehicles, and can therefore offer you a variety of
financial packages that consolidate the conversion cost with the vehicle purchase
cost. This allows you to start saving money on day one.
What is going to happen to LPG prices?
The cost of LPG currently stands at around 57p per litre. Thanks to its environmental
benefits, LPG has found favour with the government. In 2006 the Chancellor agreed
to continue to give notice 3 years in advance of any changes in fuel duty. As
a result, the price of LPG at the pumps will continue to be around half that
of petrol and diesel for the foreseeable future.
With care for the environment becoming a higher day-to-day priority, schemes
are also being put in place which see taxation, insurance and parking incentivised
towards LPG vehicles.
The future is wallet-friendly as far as LPG is concerned.
Can I get LPG even Cheaper than Forecourt Prices?
Yes. It may be beneficial for you to install your own bunkered Gas storage facility
at your premises. This way you can buy LPG in bulk for around 45 ppl. We will
consider this option when we assess your business.
Where can I fill up on LPG?
There are over 1,300 LPG stations throughout the UK – so filling up is
easy. Use our LPG station finder and LPG route planner to find an LPG station
that’s handy for you.
What happens if I accidentally add petrol or diesel to the LPG fuel tank?
Don’t worry – it’s impossible to add the wrong fuel to your
LPG tank. That’s because the LPG tank has a special valve which only takes
fuel from LPG nozzles.
How do I fill up at an LPG station?
Filling up on LPG is just as easy as filling up on petrol or diesel. There’s
a pump and a hose – just as you’d expect – and LPG is sold
by the litre.
Filling up with LPG is also incredibly safe. The pump makes sure that LPG doesn’t
leak, and it’s impossible to add the wrong fuel
Is it safe to have petrol and LPG tanks in the same car?
Yes – LPG cars are very safe. Your LPG tank has gone through a huge amount
of tough testing – including pressure-testing and strength-testing. LPG
tanks shut down the gas supply if you have an accident.
What happens if I'm involved in an accident?
The LPG tank will automatically shut off the gas supply – keeping you safe.
Is LPG safe?
Yes LPG is perfectly safe. In fact, the LPG tank in your car, van or taxi is
actually tougher and safer than a traditional petrol tank.
Who do I turn to if I have technical problems with my LPG car?
When you buy from us, we will ensure that you have the full technical support
of the manufacturer approved converter and the vehicle manufacturer. And for
complete piece of mind the LPG Association will always support you.
Can I sell my LPG vehicle or do I need to remove the conversion?
We can offer a complete range of financial packages to suite you, some of which
include Guaranteed Future Value’s to give you piece of mind. However, if
you prefer to enter into an ownership agreement then there is a healthy used
car market for LPG vehicles. Just take a look at eBay.
Will LPG shorten the life of my engine?
No, not if it converted properly by a manufacturer approved converter. In fact,
because LPG is a much cleaner fuel it is less likely to 'gum up' your engine
or contaminate your engine oil. Years of experience shows that LPG actually extends
the engine life of petrol cars.
What about servicing my car or van?
Your LPG system will be serviced in line with the manufacturer’s service
intervals, and we can add a maintenance agreement on to the vehicle to cover
this aspect.
What happens if I run out of LPG?
If you have a dual fuel installation (i.e. you still have
a petrol tank) then your vehicle will automatically switch
back to petrol until you can fill up on LPG.
What can I expect in miles per gallon?
LPG does have a lower energy density than either petrol
or diesel, so the equivalent fuel consumption is slightly
higher,
but since the UK cost is of LPG is on average only 44% of
the cost of diesel and 49% of the cost of petrol (source:
The AA fuel price report July 2008) it is vastly more cost
effective. It typically offers drivers and fleet owners 40%
savings over petrol, and around 25% over diesel.
Will the vehicle perform as well on LPG as it does on petrol?
Actually, it should perform a little better. Most people
notice a smoother, quieter ride. Nevertheless, you might
notice a very slight reduction in power (if you are a racing
driver).
How long will it take to recover the cost premium for LPG?
That’s easy – check out the savings calculator
to see how much cash you could pocket.
Will my insurance be affected?
Although your premium probably won’t change, you do
need to tell your insurance company about your LPG conversion.
What about the vehicle warranty?
Your vehicle warranty remains in tact because the vehicles
are converted at manufacturer approved converters.
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