Liquefied Petroleum Gas, or GLP, is an alternative fuel that is attracting more and more interest due to its economic and environmental advantages. This type of fuel, also called Autogas, is used as an alternative to gasoline and diesel, offering a considerably lower price and greater efficiency in terms of polluting gas emissions. For this reason, many people consider converting their gasoline car to LPG, but are unaware of the requirements, the process and the costs involved.
In this article, we will explain in detail everything you need to know about converting a car from petrol to LPG, including the advantages, cost and current regulations. This process may seem a bit complicated, but it has numerous benefits for both your pocket and the environment.
Fuel change
The biggest attraction of LPG is its price, which is about 50% less than that of gasoline or diesel. However, despite its advantages, the process of converting a car is not as simple as it might seem at first glance. Not all cars can be adapted This type of fuel, and those that are, must meet certain requirements.
For example, vehicles that are converted to LPG must comply with regulations ECE/UN R-115. This regulation establishes that only cars with engines of gas that comply with emissions regulations Euro 3 or later may opt for conversion. Such vehicles must have been registered from 2001 onwards, although this rule has certain exceptions.
In addition to the regulations, another important point is the type of engine. Indirect injection cars are easier and cheaper to convert than direct injection ones. In models with direct injection, the process is more expensive and involves the installation of specific injectors for the gas, which can cause problems if they are not properly cooled. It is therefore essential to ensure that the vehicle meets all the technical conditions before proceeding with the installation of the LPG kit.
Features to transform a car from gasoline to LPG
Cars converted to LPG are bi-fuel vehicles, meaning they have a single engine that can run on either petrol or LPG. This means that the car will have two tanks, one for petrol and one for LPG, giving it greater range than conventional vehicles.
In the case of indirect injection cars, conversion to LPG is much simpler, as it does not require complex modifications to the engine. However, in models with direct injection, the process involves additional challenges, such as installing a second set of LPG-specific injectors. These injectors ensure that the engine can withstand the high temperatures generated when using this type of fuel. Without this modification, the vehicle could suffer from engine overheating problems.
Once the conversion is complete, the car can run on either LPG or petrol. The driver can choose which type of fuel to use at any given time, allowing them to optimize costs depending on the availability of LPG or its price at nearby service stations.
However, in order to obtain the eco label According to the DGT, the car must meet certain additional requirements. These include being registered in 2001 or later and exceeding the Euro 3 (petrol cars) or Euro 6 (diesel vehicles) emissions standards. Diesel cars converted to LPG will not always obtain the ECO label, as their installation is more complex and involves a higher cost.
Process of converting a car from gasoline to LPG
Below we explain the process of converting a petrol car to LPG step by step. The procedure must always be carried out by a specialised and approved workshop.
- LPG tank installation: The gas tank is usually placed in the boot, where the spare wheel is usually located. The size of the tank varies between 35 and 150 litres, depending on the model of the car and the characteristics of the available space. Although a new tank is installed, the petrol tank is not removed, so the car will have two tanks.
- Installing the filling nozzle: At this stage, a filler port is fitted to the LPG tank, usually close to the petrol filler nozzle. If you are travelling in Europe, you may need to purchase adapters, as not all petrol stations abroad have the same filling system.
- Pipe assembly: Pipes are installed so that LPG can flow from the tank to the engine. These pipes must comply with strict safety regulations.
- Installation of the LPG injector ramp: LPG injectors are different from petrol injectors. Because LPG injection generates higher compression in the engine, it is necessary to install additives that reinforce the engine gaskets, especially the cylinder head gasket.
- Installation of sensors and control unit: Various sensors are fitted to monitor the level of LPG in the tank and other parameters. A control unit is also installed to regulate the mixture of petrol and LPG, allowing the vehicle to alternate between these fuels. The car will never run on LPG alone; the usual ratio is 90% LPG and 10% petrol, especially at start-up.
Once the installation is complete, it is necessary to pass the MOT to certify the conversion and ensure that the entire system is working correctly. During this technical inspection, the safety of the gas pipes, valves and tank will also be checked.
Advantages of converting your car to LPG
El GLP continues to gain ground in many countries because it offers great advantages both economically and environmentally. One of the main reasons for converting is the considerable savings in fuel.
- LPG cost: The price of LPG is much lower than that of gasoline or diesel, which can represent a saving of up to 50% in fuel costs.
- Greater autonomy: By having two tanks (one for LPG and one for petrol), the converted cars have a significant autonomy. With both tanks full, an LPG car can exceed 1.000 kilometers without the need to refuel, which is ideal for long trips.
- Lower emissions: LPG vehicles emit up to 40% less of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other polluting gases such as nitrogen oxides (NOx), which is beneficial for the environment.
- ECO label: By converting to LPG, vehicles that comply with Euro 4 or higher regulations obtain the DGT ECO label, which allows access to the Low Emission Zones (ZBE).
Although conversion to LPG involves some initial costs, in the long run it becomes a cost-effective option. Car owners who do more than 30.000 kilometers a year They usually pay for themselves in just a few years thanks to the savings in fuel and the tax benefits of the ECO label.
Price to convert a gasoline car to LPG
The cost of converting a car to LPG depends on several factors, such as the car model, engine capacity and type. In general, the cost of conversion ranges from 1.500 and 2.000 eurosThis price usually includes the conversion kit, labour and homologation. In some cases, the cost can rise to 3.000 euros if the car has a more complex or larger engine.
It is also important to note that after the conversion, it is necessary to go to the ITV to homologate the car as a bi-fuel vehicle. The cost of this homologation is around 8,50 Euros, and must be carried out within a maximum of 15 days after installation. Once the ITV has been passed, the ECO label can be requested at the Post Office or on the DGT website.
As for the amortization of the conversion cost, it is estimated that a driver who performs 30.000 kilometers a year You will be able to recover your investment in less than two years thanks to fuel savings. However, this calculation varies depending on the type of car and how often it is used.
LPG prices also fluctuate depending on the location and the gas station. Currently, in Spain, the price of LPG is approximately 1,04 euros per liter, although it may vary slightly depending on the region. In any case, it is still much cheaper than gasoline, which costs around 1,80 euros per liter.
Limitations and disadvantages
Despite the many advantages that LPG offers, there are also some limitations and disadvantages that need to be taken into account before making the conversion:
- Power loss: Cars converted to LPG typically experience a loss of between 10% and 20% power compared to its usual operation with gasoline. This is because LPG has a lower calorific value than gasoline, which affects engine performance.
- Loss of trunk space: When installing the gas tank in place of the spare wheel, it will be necessary to do without the spare wheel or use a puncture kit.
- Additional maintenance: Although LPG is cleaner than petrol, it requires specific maintenance to avoid problems with the engine valves and ensure proper combustion. In addition, conversions of cars with more powerful or diesel engines can be more expensive and complicated.
Despite these limitations, many drivers find LPG to be a cost-effective and sustainable option. If you drive a lot of miles a year or want to reduce your emissions and reap the benefits of the ECO label, converting to LPG can be an effective alternative.
Conclusion
Converting a petrol car to LPG can be an excellent option both to save on fuel and to reduce CO2 emissions. Although the process is not simple and has certain initial costs, in the long run it can be very profitable, especially if you make intensive use of your vehicle. In addition, obtaining the ECO label brings significant advantages such as access to Low Emission Zones and tax discounts.
The key to a successful conversion is to ensure that your car meets the technical requirements and to choose a specialist garage that can guarantee a safe and quality installation. If you meet these points, converting to LPG is a smart decision that will save you money and allow you to contribute to improving the environment.