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With fuel prices as they are, why are there so few cars that can run on LPG? I know conversions are available on many but there are very few new cars that are bi-fuel.
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I don't have one because:
1. Cost of conversion
2. Not many garages around that sell LPG (although increasing)
3. Cynics like me would say that when everyone has switched to LPG, the Government will have to put the tax up.
4. I like the smell and noise a diesel engine makes. Strange but true. I also like the torque they offer. I would have a diesel even if it was no cheaper to run than a petrol.
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I don't have one because
[snip]
The main thing that would put me off is the loss of a spare wheel. Even the fcatory conversions seem to involve gobbling up that space.
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All the points that Xileno raised, specially the nowhere to get it argument. Plus you cant take your car on the chunnel.
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Cost of fitting LPG to vehicles whether in the factory or after is more expensive than just fitting a petrol system and it takes time to recoup this cost.
Example on an aftermarket system
Assume 15,000 miles per annum at 40 mpg - 375 litres of petrol at 85p = £318.
15,000 miles p.a. at 32 mpg (LPG mpg is about 20% less than petrol) - 468 litres at 35p = £164
Difference on fuel cost is £150 per annum - cost to convert say £1,500 - that's ten years of motoring (assuming price differential remains constant) to recoup the intial outlay.
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I wish I could do 15,000 miles on only £318 of fuel.
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Yeah, think Davey meant 375 gallons not litres, which takes it closer to £1400 !
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So the difference in cost over one year will be much greater, meaning the time to claw back the extra outlay will be much less than 10 years.
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Yes, I agree - it's basically the cost. I went to Poland (the 2nd largest user of LPG after Italy) and got a conversion for £400. The workmanship left alot to be desired though and we broke down in Germany. It cost £350 to rectify (with 1 night hotel + meal) the loose ECU earth connection; they 'tap into' the ECU. I'm glad it was Germany though because :
- ADAC (German AA) came quickly, said they couldn't fix it by the roadside and towed us to the Volvo garage for free!
- the Volvo garage were helpful but couldn't fix it and put us on a transporter to the auto electrician, but the cost was reasonble.
- the auto electrician were very methodical and found and recitified the fault in a couple of hours!
That is, all was done without the crap attitude and 3 weeks advanced booking we have here. I'm sure I would've been ripped off it was in the UK - "tut, tut, needs a new ECU mate ..."
In the summer I checked the workmanship and found that the new holes had no grommets or rust proofing etc.
I guess what I'm trying to say is why does it cost £400 in Poland and £1400+ in the UK for the same Italian equipment? Labour difference of £1000? Surely not - rip off Britain? Maybe
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