An LPG car is a vehicle powered by liquefied petroleum gas, a mixture of propane and butane. It burns cleaner than petrol, typically costs 60–80p per litre, and can be either factory-fitted or converted from a standard petrol engine. Most UK LPG cars are bi-fuel, meaning they can also run on petrol.

Alternative Fuels LPG Cars

What is an LPG car?

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An LPG car is a vehicle that runs on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), a mixture of propane and butane stored as a liquid under pressure. LPG is a cleaner-burning, lower-cost alternative to petrol that can be used in factory-fitted or converted conventional combustion engines.

How LPG Cars Work

Stored under pressure: LPG is kept as a liquid in a pressurised tank, typically fitted in the boot or under the vehicle floor. When released, it vaporises and feeds into the engine like conventional fuel. 2

Factory-fit or conversion: Some vehicles are sold LPG-ready from the manufacturer, but most UK LPG cars have been converted from standard petrol engines using an aftermarket bi-fuel kit.

Bi-fuel capability: Most converted LPG cars retain their original petrol tank, allowing the driver to switch between LPG and petrol at the touch of a button — useful when LPG stations are scarce.

Cost and Environmental Advantages

Lower fuel cost: LPG typically costs around 60–80p per litre in the UK, significantly less than petrol or diesel, though LPG engines are slightly less fuel-efficient so the saving per mile is more modest. 1

Reduced CO2 and NOx emissions: LPG produces around 15–20% less CO2 per kilometre than petrol and significantly lower NOx and particulate emissions, making it a cleaner option for air quality. 2

Recognised as a lower-emission fuel: The UK government's Transport Decarbonisation Plan acknowledges LPG and other alternative fuels as transitional options while the country moves toward zero-emission vehicles. 3

Limitations to Be Aware Of

Fewer filling stations: LPG is available at roughly 1,400 sites across the UK, compared to over 8,000 petrol forecourts, so journey planning is important.

Reduced boot space: The LPG tank on a converted vehicle is usually installed in the boot, which can significantly reduce luggage capacity.

Not a long-term solution: With the UK ban on new petrol and diesel car sales set for 2035, LPG vehicles are a transitional rather than a permanent alternative to electric vehicles. 3

Is an LPG Car Right for You?

Best for high-mileage drivers: The fuel cost savings from LPG are most significant for drivers covering 15,000+ miles per year, where the price difference adds up enough to offset any conversion costs.

Compare all fuel costs before deciding: CheckFuelPrices tracks live petrol and diesel prices across 4,000+ UK stations, helping you benchmark exactly how much you could save by switching fuel type. 1