Pros and cons of LPG (liquefied petroleum gas)
Liquefied petroleum gas, also known as LPG, is a gas that can be extracted from oil refineries.
Before a few decades ago, this gas was released directly into the atmosphere or burned (the typical flame seen in refineries).
Still, today Now that it has become the main alternative to replace oil and natural gas in half the world, the United Nations believes that its use will help to heat millions of homes and improve mobility in less developed countries.
This is because it has become the main alternative to oil and natural gas in half the world.
Countries such as Italy, Portugal, Turkey, and Germany, amongst others, have decided to place significant bets on this form of energy.
So far, they have not experienced any consequential losses. We are behind schedule in implementing LPG in countries such as Spain, Mexico, Argentina, and Colombia.
Will we be able to make it there on time? Is it true that LPG is superior to both gasoline and diesel?
What exactly is LPG?
When people talk about LPG, they refer to the various kinds of liquefied petroleum gas. Propane and butane are the primary focus of this discussion.
They are produced in the initial stage of the refining process for crude oil or natural gas and can be mixed in various proportions.
As was mentioned earlier, LPG was utterly worthless in the past; however, these days, it can be used in the kitchen, for heating the home as a whole, or for heating water.
In the latter half of the 1990s, some nations began testing liquid petroleum gas (LPG) in automobiles.
Beginning in 2004, sales of these items got off to a shaky start in countries like Germany and Spain.
The European Union and the United Nations, along with several other organizations, recommend using this fuel as an alternative to gasoline and diesel in this transition toward the complete electrification of the automobile fleet.
The pollution issue is one of the front lines in the ongoing argument regarding LPG.
It is not a bad idea to use another fossil fuel in parallel with oil if we are going to be using oil as a fuel (after all, the consequences are the same).
Here is the question: Is the amount of pollution caused by LPG comparable to that caused by gasoline or diesel?
According to research conducted by the auto industry and experts consulted by the European Union, those organizations have recommended that LPG be used because it is less polluting.
Specifically, it emits less carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx).
However, environmental organizations claim that the opposite is true: that it emits more gases that pollute the environment.
Who has the upper hand? It will be very challenging to get to the bottom of the matter before we have access to reliable, independent studies.
For the time being, one thing is abundantly clear: even if they pollute less than traditional cars, despite their higher fuel consumption, they will end up being on par with them.
What are the benefits of using liquefied petroleum gas instead of conventional gas?
Let’s look at some of the benefits of owning and operating a vehicle that runs on LPG. Its dependability and the economic advantages it offers are its two primary strengths.
Because of its dependability, taxis prefer it
The gas cylinder that was stored in the trunk of the first autogas models was in place of the spare tire.
Because of this misconception, many drivers are still under the impression that their vehicles can explode at any time or that they will be banned from parking in public garages and lots.
At the moment, LPG cars are subject to stricter safety standards than other cars, their storage system is more complex with safety in mind, and they are very reliable in terms of their engines.
In Spain, the demand for LPG has increased in the taxi industry, as taxis are vehicles that travel a significant number of kilometers annually and must be reliable.
Taxi drivers would not make such an investment if they did not anticipate a financial return.
Remember that the investment will not be as worthwhile if you drive a relatively low amount.
2. A more affordable price
On average, the price of LPG is lower than that of gasoline and diesel. You use more fuel because it has a lower caloric capacity, but nothing changes because we are talking about it.
For instance, in Spain, the price of LPG is at 0.70 $ / L, while gasoline and diesel are increasing from 1 $ and up. This is because nothing happens.
After all, we are talking about it. However, there is a catch to this price: from now until 2025, the European Union will subsidize both the purchase of the car and the fuel for it.
Nevertheless, it would be best if you made the most of this opportunity while you have it.
3. Making the most of the available natural resources
LPG will continue to be manufactured even if it is not incorporated into any products.
This gas is guaranteed to be produced at some point in the course of refining oil.
And it is released into the atmosphere; wouldn’t it be more prudent to use this fuel instead?
When we combine the production of gasoline and liquid petroleum gas (LPG), we will need to extract fewer fossil fuels from the ground because the demand will already be satisfied.
Companies will have fewer expenses and fewer concerns about running out of oil, and consumers will see a reduction in the economic cost of fuel.
The economy might be resurgent if governments place their bets on LPG during this transition period.
Because of this, the United Nations is advocating for the use of liquid petroleum gas (LPG) in countries that are still considered to be developing.
4. Extensive prior experience in several countries
Experimentation is the most reliable method for determining whether or not a novel technique for moving a vehicle is successful.
Turkey is the country that leads the world in the number of cars that are powered by autogas.4.8 million vehicles, or 40 percent of the fleet, were using LPG as their primary fuel source in the year 2020.
Are there any drawbacks connected with its application? None the number of vehicles that use this fuel is only increasing.
South Korea, known for its exceptional resource management, comes in second place among all states in total autogas production.
Portugal and Italy have also begun to promote it, and they have seen positive results so far.
The lessons that can be learned from these incidents should help drivers in Spain, and Latin American countries overcome their anxiety.
5. Additional financial incentives and benefits
In Europe, vehicles powered by LPG have been awarded the ECO label, which validates their status as vehicles that produce less pollution and are better suited for driving in urban areas.
As we have seen, not only do they receive subsidies when it comes to purchasing and refueling, but they also receive tax advantages when it comes to filing their income tax return and paying tolls.
What matters at the end of the year is how much money you have saved; if you switch to LPG, you will have saved money.
For the time being, gasohol-powered automobiles are a perfect choice; however, we will have to wait and see what 2025 brings.
What are the downsides and problems associated with using LPG?
Now, let’s look at some of the negative aspects and consequences.
LPG is challenged by the absence of a viable future over the medium term and its decreased engine power.
1. a decreased amount of power
Because it produces less heat than other fossil fuels, LPG reduces the amount of power that can be extracted from an engine.
If we are fans of cars with powerful engines, we will surely hesitate to buy autogas; however, for average users, the decrease in power will not be an inconvenience; currently, the brands in gasoline and diesel cars “bet on making smaller engines and with less power to lighten the weight of the vehicle.” (if we are fans of cars with powerful engines, we will surely hesitate to buy an autogas.”)
We do not require a machine with 300 horsepower for urban and intercity travel that is relatively short.
Because it has a lower caloric power, we will require a significant amount of fuel to move the engine.
This results in the need for additional refueling, ultimately leading to a price comparable to that of a conventional automobile.
Another issue is that the fuel tank will take up space in the trunk, and as a result, the vehicle will become heavier (remember that greater weight results in higher fuel consumption).
It is a hamster wheel, but for the time being, we can stay afloat with the help of fuel subsidies.
When the donations are no longer available, we will get a better idea of the state of affairs in Europe.
If electrification does not proceed at a satisfactory pace, it is recommended that the incentives be prolonged.
The calibration of the fuel injection system, whether indirect or direct (although direct will soon be the more common method), must be carried out to a high standard in a specialized workshop.
If it is not correct, there is a possibility that we will experience ongoing engine problems.
3. There are not many places to refuel.
In Spain, we can find an LPG refueling point in every province’s capital city. It is insufficient in any way and even less adequate compared to other countries such as Portugal.
The other issue is that the ratio of LPG to gasoline sold at gas stations is incompatible with our vehicle’s engine.
This indicates that the proliferation of autogas cars is limited to urban areas planned to accommodate such vehicles.
However, if people do not buy cars, gas stations will not put pumps in their locations. Make sure you can find a place to charge your device before you head out on a trip.
4. Companies are withdrawing their support for it as a betting option
Opel has already removed the LPG models it previously offered from its product catalog, and other brands are moving in the same direction.
New emission regulations have rendered their models obsolete, and the company has shown no interest in investing in developing more advanced technology.
Why? The explanation for this is relatively straightforward: from now until 2050, the objective is to identify a method that enables the production of electric vehicles on a large scale.
Because of the support of customers, hybrid electric vehicles and gasoline-powered vehicles are both doing very well halfway through (they are highly advertised).
Continuing research on a car that runs solely on gasoline is analogous to continuing research on an LPG. (although it may carry the ECO label, it is still considered a fossil fuel).
Specialized garages can install an LPG engine in virtually any vehicle; however, if companies don’t make new vehicles, potential customers may be discouraged.
5. Little institutional support
While some nations have promoted, incentivized, and invested in gasoline-powered automobiles powered by natural gas, others have permitted the use of such vehicles while saying very little about the matter.
One example that perfectly exemplifies this principle is Spain, which has not exerted much effort in this domain.
Because of this, their numbers are significantly lower than those of other countries.
If they do not believe in LPG from a higher vantage point, they should not be required to buy it.
And you, do you currently own or are you interested in purchasing a car that runs on LPG? Do you consider it a viable option for the here and now or for the years to come?
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