8 things about LPG cars you probably didn't know

They are an alternative with many advantages over hybrid and electric cars if you are looking for a vehicle with an ECO label. And their sales are increasing non-stop. Do you know AutoGas LPG cars?

1.- LPG AutoGas is the most widely used alternative fuel in the world

Yes, just as you are reading it. The AutoGas or LPG is, today, the alternative fuel to conventional fuels –gasoline and diesel– the most widely used fuel in the world. Currently, more than 25 million vehicles run on LPG AutoGas. Of these, around 15 million are circulating in Europe, and in our country there are already around 60.000. Brands such as SsangYong have a range of ECO vehicles, such as the Tívoli and XLV GLP AutoGas, which run on this eco-friendly fuel.

2.- Sales of cars with LPG AutoGas continue to grow

In the Spanish market, sales of cars with LPG AutoGas reached a share of new registrations of 1,2% of the total, with more than 17.000 units soldThis figure is five times the sales of cars with this fuel recorded the previous year. As a curious fact, in 2009 only 3 cars with LPG were sold in Spain.

Current sales of LPG cars are thus lagging behind those of electric vehicles. And also those of cars that run on natural gas, CNG, whose market share currently remains below 0,3%.

3.- LPG cars are one of the most accessible ways to have a car with an ECO label

There are currently different types of vehicles that allow access to the ECO label granted by the DGT and all the advantages that this entails. Among them, Bi-fuel cars are the most affordable alternative, and one of those that provides the greatest savings in cost per kilometre travelled. In addition, it is one of the most effective measures to reduce fuel costs.

These are vehicles with a gasoline combustion engine prepared to operate with liquefied petroleum gas (LPG AutoGas). These cars generally offer a more accessible possibility of having a car with an ECO label, compared to plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEV) with an electric mode range of less than 40 km, and non-plug-in hybrids (HEV), which also include some vehicles with the so-called hybrid technology. Mild-Hybrid light hybridization.

Un LPG AutoGas car can cost up to 50% less than an electric car, if we consider similar power and performance, and between 20 and 30 percent less than a hybrid.

4.- They cost a little more, but you get your money's worth quickly

A car with a petrol engine prepared to run on LPG AutoGas has a slightly higher cost, due to the installation required to convert the car to bi-fuel (AutoGas/Petrol). Keep in mind that it is necessary to install the gas tanks, pipes, sensors, valves, etc. In the SsangYong ECO rangeFor example, this additional cost is estimated from 1.750 euros in the case of the Tívoli LPG AutoGas, compared to the gasoline engine versions.

But since the savings can be up to 40%, thanks to the lower cost of AutoGas, the amortization of this investment is quickly realized. Depending on the type of use made of the vehicle, This amortization occurs around 25.000 km. But you have to keep in mind that in reality the amortization comes from the first kilometer, because you will enjoy all the Additional benefits of vehicles classified with the DGT ECO label.

5.- AutoGas combustion is much cleaner than gasoline

Another point in favor of LPG AutoGas: its Combustion is much cleaner than that of conventional fuelsIt is a hydrocarbon, so its molecules contain hydrogen and carbon. When combined with oxygen during combustion, carbon dioxide and water are produced.

But unlike petrol or diesel, LPG does not contain the impurities present in the latter (different naphthas, sulphurs, etc.), which produce solid and gaseous residues that are doubly harmful: for the atmosphere by polluting the air, and for the engine, by leaving deposits that mix with the oil and reduce its performance and lifespan. In general terms, It can be said that an LPG car reduces nitrogen oxide emissions by up to 96% compared to a diesel car. and 15% less carbon dioxide than gasoline.

6.- There are more than 600 refueling points in Spain

And the number continues to rise. According to data from April of last year, There are 603 AutoGas recharging points at conventional service stations in our country, compared to 57 natural gas stations, and 876 public charging points for electric vehicles. And the number will continue to increase progressively. Repsol is the operator with the most supply points, with around 390 service stations with AutoGas in Spain.

In Europe, you can refuel at 33.000 service stations that supply LPG AutoGas.

7.- There are no differences between driving with AutoGas or in gasoline mode

When you travel with an AutoGas LPG car you can choose the fuel you want to use. In normal driving no difference is noticeable, so your vehicle does not lose performance or force you to change your driving style. The only difference you will notice is when you pass by the service station. AutoGas LPG cars have two tanks, so they can practically double their range.

In SsangYong ECO rangeFor example, the Tívoli and XLV LPG AutoGas have a gas tank that can store up to 62 litres of LPG. AutoGas vehicles operate on LPG interchangeably, and provide great autonomy, allowing you to travel up to 1.200 km without refueling.

8.- You have a SsangYong SUV with LPG AutoGas from 13.850 euros

For less than 14.000 euros, taking into account the current discounts in force, you can access a SsangYong Tivoli, with a 1.6 hp 128 engine. There is no other SUV on the market with the Tivoli's features that offers a more competitive price. The range has Line, Premium and Limited trim versions, and you can opt for the automatic transmission on the top level.

With the same engine and the same equipment version structure, the SsangYong XLV range starts from a base price of 17.450 euros. In either case, the fact of having the installation to operate with LPG AutoGas does not reduce versatility of use: eThe compact Tivoli offers a boot capacity of 423 litres, while the XLV, with a more family-friendly approach, reaches 720 liters.