What is LPG?
Autogas is the common name for liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) when it is used as a fuel in internal combustion engines in vehicles as well as in stationary applications such as generators. It is a mixture of propane and butane.
Autogas is widely used as a "green" fuel as it decreases exhaust emissions. In particular, it reduces CO2 emissions by around 35% compared to petrol. One litre of petrol produces 2.3 kg of CO2 when burnt, whereas the equivalent amount of autogas produces only 1.5 kg of CO2 when burnt. It has an octane rating (MON/RON) that is between 90 and 110 and an energy content (higher heating value—HHV) that is between 25.5 megajoules per litre (for pure propane) and 28.7 megajoules per litre (for pure butane) depending upon the actual fuel composition.
How does LPG work?
An LPG Conversion works in exactly the same way as a normal petrol engine, just with a
different fuel. Everything about your vehicle remains the same but a
separate fuelling system is added with its own tank, piping, ECU and
injectors.
Earlier LPG systems are renowned for having problems when
fitted to modern engines with all of their electronic wizardry. The car
would detect that something wasn't quite right and try and adjust the
fuel flow, resulting in backfires, stuttering and occasionally more
serious problems.
An LPG Conversion works in exactly the same way as a normal petrol engine, just with a
different fuel. Everything about your vehicle remains the same but a
separate fuelling system is added with its own tank, piping, ECU and
injectors.
Converted vehicles become "dual-fuel" - they can change between
running on petrol or gas at the flick of a switch, even whilst driving.
As LPG is a much cleaner fuel, there is less wear and tear on the engine and its life will be prolonged.
LPG
is also 100% lead-free, produces fewer emissions (which is why it
attracts a lower duty rate) and causes less oil-contamination.
Combustion is cleaner, your engine will be quieter and smoother and much
better for the environment.