AUTOGAS CONVERSIONS UP 36 PER CENT

The number of automotive LPG conversions carried out has increased dramatically as more people realise its cost and environmental benefits.

In 2008, 17,000 LPG conversions were carried out by LPGA Approved Installers – an increase of 36 per cent on 2007’s figures and the highest number of conversions in five years. The total number of LPG vehicles on the UK’s roads now stands at around 155,000.

Calor’s Autogas Development Executive, Chris Taylor, says the considerable increase is due to a range of factors, including cost savings to run an LPG vehicle, reduced payback periods and the desire to be more environmentally aware.

Commenting on the figures released today, he says: “LPG is by far the most widely available alternative fuel available in the UK. Motorists running LPG vehicles can expect to save up to 40 per cent on fuel costs1 and, in many cases, can recover the cost of a conversion in under two years2.

“The increase in conversions is good for business too as we’re seeing an increase in the number of installers seeking LPGA approval.”

Added benefits of running a vehicle on LPG can include up to 100 per cent exemption from the London Congestion Charge and increased residual vehicle values. The environmental benefits weigh up too as vehicles running on LPG produce far fewer harmful emissions that contribute to environmental and health problems than traditional road fuels. LPG vehicles produce 17% less carbon dioxide than petrol and 2% less than diesel, 120 per cent less NOx than petrol and staggering 2,000 per cent less than diesel and in terms of small particle emissions (PM10) one LPG vehicle will emit up to 120 times less than a diesel vehicle3.

Chris adds: “Given the rise in popularity of LPG, the number of refuelling sites is also increasing. There are now more than 1,400 public access sites with the majority of these on petrol forecourts.”

Autogas Limited, a joint venture between Calor and Shell, currently supplies around 220 outlets in the UK. A full list can be found at http://www.autogas.ltd.uk/. In addition, Calor supplies autogas from over 150 outlets through its Calor Centres, Morrisons supermarkets and other independent sites.

Chris concludes: “Although the number of miles per gallon achieved with LPG is slightly lower than petrol or diesel, the cost of refilling far outweighs any shortfall and there is no noticeable loss of power or performance.”

Calor and Autogas advise that conversions should always be carried out by an LPGA Approved Installer and, as there are around 200 outlets currently registered in the UK, it is easy to find your nearest specialist – a full list of Approved Installers can be found at http://www.autogas.ltd.uk/lpg-conversion/lpg-vehicle-conversion.htm

For further information on fuel supplies and bulk tank installation, contact Calor on 0800 216 659 or visit http://www.lpg-vehicles.co.uk/.

For more information contact Kathy Hodson on 01902 714957 or email kathy@connect-group.com