What is LPG ?
LPG stands for Liquefied Petroleum Gas. Otherwise known as auto gas.
It is made up of propane and butane. It is a by-product of oil and refining
operations, particularly when using North Sea 'wet' crude. Consequently,
the UK has an abundant supply. The UK currently exports LPG
and imports petrol.
How will owning an LPG vehicle save me money?
LPG (1.72 per gallon) is HALF the proce of diesel or petrol (£4
per gallon). This is because the tax is far lower in recognition of
its environmental benefits. The savings on LPG are substantial with
figures as high as 65% against petrol and 55% against diesel. Some examples
are :
Vauxhall Vectra 1.8 LS doing 25000 miles per annum:
Running costs on petrol are approximately £2772.00. On LPG
it would be approximately £1090.00. Saving £1628.00
Ford Mondeo 1.8 TD doing 25,000 miles per annum:
Running costs on diesel are approximately £2128.00. The equivalent
petrol vehicle running on LPG would be approximatley
£1036.00, saving £1092.00
There are also benefits such as small reduction in VED (Vehicle Excise Duty) and reduced engine wear, and therefore maintenance:
Increased spark plug life (typically 75,000 miles)
Extended engine life (200,000 miles)
Reduced soot formation, with associated decreases in abrasiveness and chemical degradation of lubrication oil
Reduced wear during cold starting. Petrol engines need fuel enrichment for cold starting. The excess fuel accumulates on the cyliner walls, 'washing' away oil and accelerating wear. LPG poered engines are considered easier to start, especially in cold weather and unlike petrol-fuelled vehicles there is no sluggishness or reduction in power when cold.
Why is LPG better for the environment?
For two reasons:
The simple chemical nature of the fuel ensures that it burns cleaner producing less polution. LPG has the potential to make a huge difference to local air quality, particularly in urban areas.
LPG emissions compared to petrol
75% less carbon monoxide
85% less hydrocarbons
40% less nitrous oxides
85% less ozone
LPG emissions compared to diesel
90% less carbon monoxide
90% less hydrocarbons
90% less nitrous oxides
90% less particulates
Please note that these figures are based on tests
performed at Millbrook and may vary from vehicle to vehicle. This is
a guide only.
It is produced as a by-product of oil extraction and refining operations. The UK produces a surplus of millions of tonnes each year, LPG is by far the most valuable use of it.
How will it affect my vehicle's performance ?
Modern LPG conversions suffer no noticeable loss of performance. Engines will run smoother and be slightly quieter. The high octane of LPG allows higher compression ratio, which can deliver increased engine-power output and better thermal efficiency, thus reducing fuel consumption and emissions. With the latest generation of LPG fuel systems, acceleration and top speed are comparable to petrol or diesel.
Is LPG safe?
Very safe. The gas tabks have to be at least 25 times stronger than a petrol or diesel tank and are not easily damaged. Crash and fire tests have proved that the strengh and integrity of tanks fitted to LPGA safety guidelines make the LPG fuel system safer than petrol. There is also a pressure sensor in the tank which seals off the tank if there is a drop in pressure between it and the engine. So if the fuel line is ruptured, the tank will seal itself off to prevent a large leak of gas (automatic gas supply shut-off in a major accident). It is impossible to get the LPG and petrol tanks mixed up as there are different nozzles for LPG/petrol, the fuel caps are different sizes, and LPG wont come out unless the nozzle is firmly locked.
Will it damage my engine ?
On the contrary. The LPG conversion will reduce engine wear. LPG burns cleaner than petrol. This means less emissions out of the exhaust and less carbon deposits in the engine (see Qu.3). These deposits are very abrasive and can contribute to engine breakdowns. The oil and spark plugs will also last loner (See Qu. 2).
What about servicing
The LPG system should be inspected annually by a specialist LPG technician. This normally takes about half an hour and is consequently not expensive.
What happens if I run out of LPG?
If you run out of LPG, some systems will automatically switch back over to petrol which is quite normal, hardly noticeable and causes no damage to your engine. With other systems it will be necessary to manually push a button. This button can also be used to change over to petrol at any time should you wish (unlikely when you see how much LPG will save you)
Where can I refuel?
The industry has invested over £100 million in the infrastructure and there are currently 1474 LPG refuelling stationsin the UK. LPG dispensers look and operate much like a normal petrol/diesel pump. You simply attach a bayonet-type connection to the tank nozzle and it locks on, and then push a button to start the flow of gas from the dispenser to the vehicle. It's very easy to use, quick, clean and safe.
Can I still drive petrol?
The LPG tank is additional to the original petrol tank, therefore the car is able to drive (as before) on petrol and will normally cold start on petrol and then quickly switch over to LPG when the engine is warm. It is therefore important to have a little bit of petrol, but after seeing how much you save with LPG, you won't want to buy any more petrol than necessary!
What happens if I get a puncture ?
The LPG tank is ususally in the spare wheel well of the car so as not to reduce boot space. If you are unlucky enough to get a puncture, approved tyre foam will do the job. This re-inflates the tyre and seals the puncture until you get it properly repaired. However, most of our vehicles come with a spare wheel/space saver wheel in the boot. This takes up minimal space (and much less than an LPG tank would) so the boot is not noticeably reduced.
Will LPG take off?
Recently Brian Wilson, the Energy Minister, unveilled the 100,000th LPG car in the UK, which represents an investment of over £150 million. The oil industries have invested over £100 million in the fuelling infrastructure. Globally there are now more than eight million vehicles powered by LPG.
What is going to happen to LPG prices?
The Government has committed itself to reducing pollution. The environmental credentials of LPG are proven. Therefore it is extremely unlikely that the duty differential between LPG and petrol and diesel will be reduced.
Will I be exempt from Congestion Charging?
All of our vehicles, where stated, are currently exempt otherwise we wouldn't say it. The following vehicles are also exempt:
Ford Focus and Mondeo
Vauxhall Astra, Corsa, Vectra and Zafira
Volvo S60, S80, V70
Does anyone famous use LPG?
The Queen has two Rolls-Royces, a Daimler and a Rover running on LPG, a refuelling facility in the Royal Mews. The Duke of Edinburgh's Metrocab runs on LPG. The Prime Minister, the Deputy Prime Minister and the President of the USA all use LPG cars.
How does the dualfuel system operate?
For LPG operation the driver sets the LPG/petrol switch to LPG.This can be done at any time,even on the move.Fuel from the gas tank then flows via the vapourizer/pressure regulator to the distributor unit and on to the injectors in the inlet manifold.
A computer- operated valve automatically controls the supply of gas according to demand and regulates the air/fuel mixture for optimum emissions and driveability.
The vehicle fuel guage displays the appropriate level for whichever type of fuel is selected and the vehicle will automatically switch to petrol operation if the gas runs out,but not vice-versa.
How far can you travel on a tank full of gas?
The LPG Vectra's 57 litre tank holds 46 litres of fuel (LPG tanks are only filled to 80% capacity),giving it an average range of 250 miles,depending on payload and driving style.The LPG Astra can typically be expected to travel around 290 miles on its 46 litres of LPG.For vans,Combo will typically travel 335 miles and Astra van 350 miles
respectively on their 56 litres of LPG.