LPG is an alternative fuel which is cheaper than petrol and diesel – but is the cost of an engine conversion worthwhile? We have researched how much it costs to convert five popular UK cars to run on LPG and look at their annual fuel savings.
What is LPG?
Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) – or Autogas – is an alternative fuel which costs about half the price of petrol and diesel and cars emit less CO2 when powered by it.
Can my car run on LPG?
Most engines can be converted to run on LPG, but not all – call us to discuss your individual requirements.
Converted engines are dual-fuel, which means they can run on either petrol or LPG, both stored in different tanks. If you're running low on one type, flick the switch on your dashboard to change to the other.
How much does a conversion cost?
Costs start from about £1,600, depending on car make and model, and this one-off payment can be recouped from lower running costs.
We have calculated how much it costs to convert the following cars, and compared annual petrol costs to LPG - based on an annual mileage of 15,000 miles, with petrol at £1.00 per litre and LPG at 48p per litre.
Ford Focus
Cost: £1,956
Annual fuel saving: £754
How long until you save: 2 years and 7 months
The Ford Focus 1.6-litre Ghia is one of the UK's most popular hatchbacks – and costs £1,826 for petrol each year. The same car running on LPG will cost £1072 per year.
Vauxhall Astra
Cost: £1,921
Annual fuel saving: £686
How long until you save: 2 years and 10 months
It costs £1,664 per year to run a 1.4-litre Vauxhall Astra on petrol, or £978 if it runs on LPG.
Audi A4
Cost: £1,925
Annual fuel saving: £1036
How long until you save: 1 years and 10 months
Running an Audi A4 saloon on LPG will save you more than £1000 per year on fuel – and it'll take less than two years before the initial switch to LPG is paid back.
Renault Clio
Cost: £1,921
Annual fuel saving: £660
How long until you save: 2 years and 11 months
The standard 1.2-litre Renault Clio will reach savings of almost £2,000 in fuel costs after three years of driving on LPG.
Peugeot 206
Cost: £1,921
Annual fuel saving: £786
How long until you save: 2 years and 5 months
If you drive an LPG-powered Peugeot 206 you'll spend £1,121 per year on fuel, compared to £1,906 in petrol.