What is LPG Conversion?

LPG conversion is the process of taking a petrol engine and converting it so that it runs using LPG. For cars, this will require new cables and tubes, along with a new tank to store the fuel. Additionally, a converter will be required for turning the liquid into gas, as petrol is burnt as a gas inside the engine.

For a standard vehicle, LPG conversion can cost between £1,500 and £2,000, although these prices will vary depending on where this is carried out and the certification of the mechanic. Prices will also vary if the engine or generator you are converting is not a vehicle, and will depend on size, cost of parts and the cost of labour too.

What are the Benefits of an LPG Conversion?

Despite there being numerous advantages to using LPG as a fuel, it is still something that is rarely seen in vehicles. That being said, there is a range of benefits, including:

– Reduced Cost of Running

Generally, LPG costs much less per litre than petrol and diesel, making it cheaper to fill up a tank. Prices can range from place to place but generally fall between 50p and 80p per litre, considerably less expensive than petrol and diesel.

That being said, the initial outlay of the conversion will mean that you won’t start to make any savings until at least a year or two of driving regularly. We’d suggest sitting down and doing some maths on whether or not it will make financial sense to make this conversion.

For other engines and generators, consider how much fuel you use and whether it will contribute to a financial saving in the long run.

– Better for the Environment

Despite still being considered a fossil fuel, LPG is a much cleaner fuel than petrol and diesel, making it better for the environment and better for air quality. Granted, using any fossil fuel is still a negative impact on the environment, but surely it’s best to use cleaner fuel where possible.

– Can Operate as a Dual Fuel Engine

Another great benefit of converting an engine or generator to run on LPG is that only minor changes are made so that the system can still run using the original fuel it was built for. In vehicles, it’s possible to incorporate a switch which allows you to change between the two fuel sources.

Additionally, for generators and stationary engines, this creates the possibility of using whichever fuel is available or most cost-effective. If petrol is cheap, then this can be used, whereas when the price rises, LPG can be used instead.

Disadvantages of Using LPG

Although it may seem like a ‘wonder fuel’, there are just a handful of downsides that come with using LPG:

– Less Availability

With LPG being a less in-demand fuel, it can be harder to get hold of. By no means is it like gold dust, but you’ll have to either head to a dedicated stockist or to one of the few petrol stations that have it at the pump (roughly 15% – 20% of them).

– Costs of Installation and Maintenance

Finally, there are the costs of installation and any maintenance that will be needed. Generally, LPG servicing can be hard to come by, but this is something that we at Edge Technology have years of experience in! Although the initial setup cost can be expensive, for many people, a lot of money is saved in the long run.

Are you thinking of converting your petrol engine to running on LPG? Why not get in touch with us at Edge Technology? Our installation kits are perfect for smaller petrol engines up to 25HP, and all come with a twelve-month warranty.

For more information, check out our LPG conversion services here or get in touch on 01270 509 296.