SA Is Converting Cars To Run On LP Gas
Aug 08, 2023 7:01 am
SA Is Converting Cars To Run On LP Gas
1 min read
On the 15th of June 2023, Isinkwe Energies launched their first LPG (liquified petroleum gas) fuel site in partnership with Egron Equipment and Prins Autogas. The Autogas fuel site in Durban was the first ever in Kwazulu-Natal and the first of its kind in South Africa.
LPG, also known as cooking gas, is a greener fossil fuel than petrol and diesel. It is also cheaper than these fuels, with LPG costing around R13,72 per litre, and diesel and petrol costing R19,80 and R22,11 at the coast respectively.
All prices are applicable at the time of writing.
Isinkwe Energies claim that converting to LPG could reduce fuel costs by 40%. These converted vehicles run on a bi-fuel system, which means that when the LP gas is depleted the car automatically begins using traditional fuel. The Autogas kit costs around R25 000 to R35 000 excluding VAT and the conversion itself costs R2 950 excluding VAT.
Converted LPG-powered cars still have fuel tanks.
Isinkwe Energies also offer limited finance and lease options and have converted over 50 vehicles with a claimed customer savings of 40-50%, according to Isinkwe Energies managing director Kyle Hartley.
The LPG tank is usually placed beneath the boot’s main floor, where the spare wheel typically goes. Autogas LPG fuel tanks come in various sizes starting from 42 litres, which is only a few litres less than the average petrol-powered car. Prins Autogas also offers CNG (compressed natural gas) and LNG (liquified natural gas) fuel systems.
LPG fuel tank.
With rising fuel prices in South Africa and the need for a more environmentally friendly fuel, LPG might look like an attractive fuel alternative. However, it comes with its drawbacks.
LPG-powered cars date as far back as 1910 with the conversion of petrol-powered cars to LPG not new to the continent either. Kenya have been converting petrol-powered cars to run on LPG for over a decade, yet the alternative fuel has still struggled to gain steam in the country. This is mostly due to issues with increasing the footprint of LPG conversion companies and LPG filling stations.
Other issues raised include conversion costs, loss of boot space, lack of infrastructure in the form of natural gas pipelines and LPG stations/sites, and little to no awareness. The investment may seem worth it, with one Kenyan taxi driver who converted his car to run on CNG saying that he saves 75-80% on his previous fuel spend.
It’s these fuel saving numbers that Isinkwe Energies is chasing. Hartley also said that the company is investing heavily in the research and development of hydrogen-based systems.
Two LPG converted Suzukis.
LPG converted Suzuki getting filled up.
Volvo XC90 with LPG fuel tank conversion.
What do you think of LPG conversions? Is this something to watch out for in the future or will it soon die down? Share your thoughts by replying to this email!
For more information on LPG vehicle conversions, or any other energy related articles, view the blog posts on my website and be sure to open my weekly emails every Tuesday at 9AM CAT.
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