Frequently Asked Questions
How long will the conversion take ?
Generally 2-3 days, but we let you know in advance.
^Back to top Can diesel vehicles be converted ?
Yes, but it is only commercially viable to convert large diesel engines (ie HGVs). The systems are vehicle-specific and have been targeted at the high fuel-users first. The only exception to this is the London black-cab which has been targeted for environmental reasons. In all other cases, it will not be worth converting unless your fuel bill is above £20,000 per vehicle!!!The golden rule is – if you can have either a diesel or a petrol engine, buy or echange for a petrol vehicle and convert it to LPG.
^Back to top Where can I fill up?
For a regularly updated comprehensive list of the UK's LPG stations, click on “Where Can I buy LPG?” on the left of your screen.
^Back to top Will the Government raise the duty on LPG?
Until recently, duty levels for the cleaner fuels were anounced every four years. This meant that business would be brisk for the first couple of years but as the next budget approached everything would slow down due to uncertainty. In April 2004, the Government showed its support for LPG by keeping the duty level at around 5p per litre (a fraction of the petrol and diesel levels) but also by setting a rolling three-year window. So, for example the duty level as far as 2009 will be set in April 2006, 2010 will be set in April 2007 and so on. This eliminates the period of uncertainty and is welcomed by all in the industry.
^Back to top Will the conversion affect the value of my car ?
Yes, properly converted cars are worth more to buyers who recognise that they can run at half the cost of a normal petrol car
^Back to top What happens if I run out of LPG before reaching the next fill-up point?
Most systems will recognise that you have run out and automatically switch back to petrol. Some older systems require that you flick the switch yourself. Either way, you can still change back to petrol, even whilst driving.
^Back to top Will my insurance be affected?
No. Provided you use an LPGA-approved installer, your insurance will not be affected. For a list of approved installers, click here
^Back to top What about grants and the congestion charge?
Until recently, the energy saving trust was offering grants through the "Powershift Fund" - however this has now been withdrawn as the industry is regarded as being pretty well established. In any case, a grant would almost never tip the balance between converting and not converting. However, correctly converted vehicles are still entitled to exemption from the London congestion charge and this amounts to around £1600 per year per vehicle! For a list of these vehicles click here. (Click on the bookmarks tab to the left for the different makes of car)
^Back to top Where will the LPG tank go?
Tanks fall into two main categories – doughnut-shaped (toroidal) or cylindrical. Doughnut tanks are designed to fit into the spare-wheel well, whereas cylindrical tanks tend to be fitted in the boot cavity. However, both can be fitted under the vehicle if ground-clearance is sufficient
^Back to top Can I transfer the system when I change car?
This shouldn’t be a problem, although there will be a labour cost. Contact us for more details
^Back to top Will I get the same performance and mpg out of LPG as I do petrol?
No. There will be a slight drop in both. LPG has a lower energy content than petrol and therefore performance will be slightly lower. Your mpg will also drop by around 10% but with LPG at less than half the price of petrol, you will still cut you fuel bills in half!
^Back to top
| 
