Autogas, the leading automotive liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) supplier, has found that almost 50 per cent of motorists have considered converting their car to run on LPG because of the rising cost of fuel.
LPG currently retails at around half of the price of petrol and diesel, and in the recently published study, 47 per cent of people questioned said they have already considered converting their car to save money.
Autogas business development manager, Chris Taylor, said switching to LPG can save up to 40 per cent on fuel bills. “The cost to convert a vehicle to run on LPG is around £1,800 and based on current fuel prices and an annual mileage of 20,000 miles it would only take around 22 months to recoup this initial cost.”
“LPG is by far the most widely available alternative fuel available in the UK, although it is surprising that so few manufacturers are currently producing LPG powered vehicles. However, most petrol powered cars, and even light commercial vehicles, can be easily converted to run on LPG.”
The survey, conducted by Zussi Reseach, found that 90 per cent of motorists have changed their driving habits as a result of current fuel prices. Almost two thirds of motorists have cut down on the number of car journeys they make, and 41 per cent have made an effort to change the way they drive to save fuel, for instance, by driving at a lower speed.
When asked about choosing a new car, sixty per cent of people cited reduced running costs and 40 per cent considered reduced carbon emissions as being ‘Very Important’ when making a purchase.
As well as dramatically reducing fuel bills, LPG’s environmental credentials weigh up too. All LPG vehicles are entitled to up to 100 per cent exemption from the London Congestion Charge and as Chris explains, LPG motorists can rest assured they are doing their bit for the environment too: “Vehicles running on LPG produce far fewer harmful emissions that contribute to environmental and health problems than traditional road fuels.
“LPG vehicles produce 17 per cent less carbon dioxide than petrol and 2 per cent less than diesel, 120% less NOx than petrol and a staggering 2,000 per cent less than diesel and up to 120 times less small particle (PM10) emissions than diesel vehicles.”
Chris advises people who want to convert their car to always use a LPGA Approved Installer, who will have undergone extensive training and examinations and can advise on the most suitable system for your vehicle. There are around 200 outlets currently registered in the UK and a full list can be found at www.autogas.ltd.uk
