Why LPG Is Not Used in Cars
Liquefied petroleum gas is widely used as a fuel for motor vehicles. In some countries, such as Australia and Israel, the government requires some cars to be LPG-powered. LPG vehicles are also widely used by taxi drivers in the Philippines. In Japan, 90 percent of taxis run on LPG.
There is an issue of safety when it comes to LPG, however. This alternative fuel does not burn as easily as petrol, and the vapor produced does not cause fire. In case of a leak, LPG will evaporate, not ignite, as petrol does. This means that the fuel has a lower fire risk.
Another concern is the cost. LPG is more expensive than gasoline, and it takes more of it to perform the same work. A gallon of gas can cost two dollars and thirty cents, and a gallon of propane costs $2.30. This is one reason why most cars are not converted to use LPG. Nevertheless, some enthusiasts are doing this for their own pleasure.
The volumetric energy content of LPG is lower than that of diesel and gasoline. As a result, it requires a larger fuel tank than diesel to cover the same distance. A fuel tank for LPG is twice as large as one for diesel. A car with a dual-fuel tank can have a range of over 1000 kilometers.
Autogas cars are on the rise in the United States. More than 147,000 vehicles are now on the road in the country. That makes it 2% of the global fleet of vehicles. The government does not provide subsidies for LPG or CNG car installations. The natural gas industry provides the funds needed to support the program. The price of converting a car to autogas starts at US$3,000.
LPG cars are also more environmentally friendly. They burn cleaner than petrol, which means less hydrocarbons are released into the atmosphere. Furthermore, the CO2 emissions from an LPG engine are reduced by about 10 to 15% compared to a petrol engine. LPG vehicles also have a longer lifespan than petrol engines.
One of the key benefits of LPG cars is that they save money on fuel. It is important to note, however, that they have to be used for a significant amount of mileage before the savings will be realized. There are also some unfounded concerns about safety and power and some people find it difficult to start an LPG car. Despite these problems, LPG is an excellent fuel for cars and the environment.