At a time when fuel prices are soaring, many of you are wondering which mode of transport is the least expensive. Less expensive than gasoline and diesel, LPG can be a solution, chosen by more and more motorists. If you are hesitant to take the plunge, we will enlighten you on the issue. We review the benefits and dispel some preconceived ideas that might cause you concern.



What does LPG mean?

The letters LPG are the abbreviation for “liquefied petroleum gas”. This liquefied petroleum gas is a mixture of light hydrocarbons, 40% of which comes from oil refining and 60% from natural gas processing. It is composed mainly of butane and propane. LPG is used as fuel for thermal vehicles. It then takes the name GPL-c for “LPG fuel”.

What are the advantages of running on LPG?

Driving with this fuel has several advantages, mainly economical and ecological

You save money on your purchase

A new LPG vehicle costs the same as its gasoline counterpart. There is therefore no additional purchase cost. And better: your registration document is half price, or even free in certain departments. Finally, you benefit from a reduction, or even the cancellation of the ecological penalty.

Read : Liquefied natural gas: a further step towards the energy transition?

You save money on usage

The price of LPG at the pump is much lower than that of gasoline or diesel. In fact, expect around 50% savings when refueling. Even if it consumes more fuel, a vehicle running on LPG remains more economical to use.

You ride eco-friendly

LPG is considered an alternative and clean fuel because its combustion releases very few fine particles into the atmosphere. Less polluting than diesel and gasoline, it also emits very little nitrogen oxide. New generation LPG engines emit up to 20% less CO2 than gasoline. The cars benefit from the CRIT'Air 1 sticker, which allows them to travel without restriction, regardless of the year the vehicle was built.

You have great autonomy

A vehicle that runs on LPG has two tanks: one for gasoline and one for LPG. Indeed, as soon as the vehicle's tank is dry, the fuel tank takes over. Of course, depending on the capacity of these tanks, you have more or less autonomy. However, with a 40 liter tank you will travel around 500 kilometers, and the same with the gas tank.

Where to refuel?

There are now more than 1,800 service stations in France offering this fuel, and there are nearly 31,000 in Europe. A government site allows you to know and locate the service stations that distribute LPG, as well as numerous applications, which make it easier to plan your trip. In the worst case, if there is no gas station nearby, your vehicle can run on gasoline for several hundred kilometers. This gives you plenty of time to find.

Restoring the truth about LPG

LPG is not dangerous

The engines meet strict standards, described in the decree of April 27, 2001 . Vehicles must be equipped with an 80% filling limiter, a flow limiter, a non-return valve, a solenoid valve and a safety valve.



Underground car parks are authorized for LPG vehicles

Yes, you can park your vehicle in any car park without restriction, as long as it complies with the regulations in force.

Finally, maintenance of a vehicle of this type is the same as for any other vehicle, both in terms of cost and frequency. Only an additional service of the valves is required every 120,000 km. The engines have evolved and are now as efficient as gasoline or diesel engines.