BioLPG - What cars suit LPG conversions

[theog87]

Morning all,

So I like electric cars, but they are a bit meh, and all the electronics scare me a little. Not really sure about a 10+ year old electric car. Jap maybe, but not sure of the rest.

Calor gas have pledged to be fully green by X and I would like to think BioLPG could keep nice way to keep cars on the road, whilst being slightly cleaner. If the gas can come from a biproduct of biodiesel then great.

Just wondering if any particular cars lend to LPG conversions?

From what I have heard, LPG burns hotter, so plugs need changing more regularly, and servicing needs to be on point. I've also heard fords and Hondas don't take well to them for whatever reason, and generally cars before 2008 are best because of injection systems!? Higher octane could suite performance cars well though?

I currently have a 2006 Subaru STI and tempted to do that, but half tempted to get a car sub £6k as a daily it to see how that goes first.

Sure fuelling stations are pretty hard to find now days, but it could be an interesting alternative. Also when I feel a little more confident to drive to Europe, then there are plenty of filling stations there.

I guess main benefits being slight cost reduction and potential future green credentials of LPG.

I think the tricky part, is how do you get just BioLPG for your car!? Would be ace if you could donk a big tank in your back garden, get callor to fill up with just BioLPG and fill up your car from there!?

Dare I ask how much it would cost setting up an LPG fuelling station? I've heard the one down the road makes a bit of money from it, so could be an interesting venture if not too expensive.

Best

T

[theog87]

rxe said:

Liquid take of the in bottom of the garden tank works just fine.

Would there be someone who could get a pump or whatever connected to a tank of kinds which then goes into a car?

[theog87]

kambites said:

Generally speaking direct injection engines aren't keen on running on gas, I think because the injectors overheat.

For what it's worth though, EVs generally have far simpler electronics than modern ICE vehicles.

Ok interesting to know RE injectors.

[theog87]

Car_driver said:

I've had LPG cars since 2008 (but only about 7 cars in total). As already mentioned, you can install an LPG tank on your property and take gas from that, but due to regulations/costs it's probably not worth it.

Your Subaru can be converted (as already mentioned, you will need flashlube and get someone who knows what they are doing to convert it). I would say a professional install should be around £1500 or slightly more (don't go for the cheapest and if it's a lot more expensive, ask why). If you ask on lpg forum uk, you will get all the information you want (Simon from LPGC knows his stuff and I have been to see him to fix a fault on my system).

Regarding suitable engines, as already said normal port injection engines can all be converted but direct injection conversions require kits specifically designed for that manufacturer and engine (I may be wrong, but that's how it was when I looked into it). Again, might be worth asking an LPG installer. Have a look on Drivelpg to find an approved fitter near you (if you let us know where you are, maybe I can recommend someone I've used in the past).

I agree that it has become slightly more difficult to find LPG for sale (Shell recently stopped selling it), but if you download the Filllpg app it shows you the stations and prices. I've rarely struggled to find a place to fill up (except Cornwall) and if you are in Birmingham, it's really cheap.

Any questions, ask away. I really think the UK missed a trick with LPG as a green fuel around the 2000's, instead promoting diesel.

How much does the tank / regs etc cost per year if you dont mind me asking?

Do you have to jump through lots of hoops for it to be working for a car?

[theog87]

NugentS said:

How does the tax work on that. I am assuming that the tank also supplies the house with heating etc.

Exactly what I'm thinking. And regulation of the gear to connect to your car etc.

Not heard of many tanks going back in the back garden, which could be a good thing, or could be interesting to say the least.

Calor charge I think £0.45 per litre for tank top up. That includes delivery. So could be rather interesting.

[theog87]

Car_driver said:

Sorry if my post came across like I know more than I do. Unfortunately, I don't know the answers. I never had a tank fitted where I live, as the property was unsuitable (calor site shows the necessary distances from walls, boundaries etc).

I was reading up on it out of curiosity (I think on the lpg forum or maybe even the volvo forum). I was thinking about buying a tank off ebay/gumtree/etc (with the lpg takeoff already fitted at the bottom, for automotive use), fitting it in the garden and then getting calor, flogas to fill it...however they would not fill a tank that was not theirs. Anyway, that doesn't really help you or answer your questions.

I think the best way is to call up an lpg provider (or visit them in person), tell them what you want to do and see what they say in terms of cost/feasibility. When calling flogas (to find out whether the local depot had lpg, I got through to a call centre, which I doubt would help you, but talking to the lads at the depot would probably answer all your questions. I don't know your location, but in Manchester Embassy Gas are very friendly and would happily talk to you. Birmingham Autogas appear to run quite a large operation yet whenever I popped in they were always happy to talk.

Sorry about the long rant.

Very informative, cheers for the advice! Will keep posted