Liquified petroleum gas (LPG)

What is LPG?

Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) is a blend of propane and butane, produced either as a by-product of oil refining, or from natural gas (methane) fields. As an alternative fuel it is most suited for use in cars and light vans, rather than heavy vehicles.

What are the environmental benefits of using an LPG vehicle?

Cars and light vans running on LPG emit around 10 per cent less carbon dioxide in comparison to their petrol engine equivalents.

Nitrous oxide emissions are up to 80 per cent less in comparison with a diesel engine and there are no particulate emissions.

How much does it cost to run an LPG vehicle?

LPG vehicles cost up to 30 per cent less to run than their petrol equivalents and a similar amount to a typical diesel.

Maintenance schedules are generally the same as for petrol vehicles, vehicle converters will advise on any additional work required.

There are two ways to obtain an LPG vehicle:

1. The most common way is to convert your existing petrol engine to run on LPG. This will typically cost £1,500 - £2,200 including VAT depending on the vehicle type.

2. Some new cars and vans have manufacturer approved conversions.

Where can I refuel an LPG vehicle?

LPG refuelling sites are available across the UK. The location of the nearest site to you can be found at http://www.drivelpg.co.uk/map/index.php

What else do I need to know about LPG vehicles?

• Performance-wise, LPG vehicles drive just like petrol vehicles.

• 100% discount is available from the London congestion charge. (only for LPG vehicles / conversions on the PowerShift register) (Link to http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/business/Business/Transport-in-business/Powershift-Register

• Lower Personal Benefit in Kind (BIK) company car tax liability. (until 5th April 2011)
• Reduction in vehicle excise duty (VED) depending on band.
• You may lose a small amount of available boot space to allow for the installation of an LPG tank.
• No LPG-powered vehicles are currently allowed through the Channel Tunnel, although this is being reviewed.
• LPG costs about half the price of petrol on a pence per litre basis; however vehicles running on LPG consume more fuel.
• UKLPG the LPG trade association has details of approved converters and further information. [link tohttp://www.uklpg.org/]

• There is currently a fuel duty differential in favour of LPG. This has been eroded in recent budgets and is due to be further eroded in 2010 - 11 by a further 1 pence per litre