Autogas
What is Autogas
Autogas is the term generally used for Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), when it is used for the propulsion of road vehicles.
It is obtained as a by-product of the distillation of oil from crude oil and from "wet" North Sea Gas. It is produced in large quantites, a surplus of approximately 4 million tonnes per annum is currently available form the North Sea. This surplus is forecast to increase over the next 20 years and be sufficient to run over 3 million cars.
When it is pressurised it becomes a liquid and it is in that form that it is pumped into your tank. Compared to petrol, Autogas has a higher octane content (according to the RON method):
- super grade petrol is rated at 98 octane
- lead free petrol is rated at 95 octane
- Autogas (LPG) is rated at over 100 octane
Advantages
The combustion of Autogas is smoother as a result of the higher octane content and, unlike other fuels, no additives are required to guarantee high quality.
Autogas contains no lead and is therefore cleaner and it is actually better than petrol because it reaches the engine in pure gas form with improved combustion resulting.
With modern technology, there is hardly any discharge of carbon monoxide, and compared to petrol and diesel, the exhaust fumes contain less harmful substances. 20% less carbon dioxide than apetrol car, 2000 times less particulates (soot) than a diesel.
The life of the engine is extended as a result of the abscence of acids and carbon deposits and the engine oil does not become diluted with a consequential reduction in servicing costs.
Unlike diesel, you do not have to adjust your driving style. Cold starting is no problem, engine performance is almost exactly the same as with petrol. There is no spilling when filling your tank and no possibility of theft or pilfering.
Engine noise is low and you'll be driving in a more environment-friendly way. The environmental advantages of Autogas for automotive use are indisputable.
Safety
Autogas has an excellent safety record throughout the world in terms of its storage, transportation and use. Extensive safety tests have been undertaken with respect to its use and the conclusions reached are that it is substantially safer than petrol due to its more robust fuel tank being more resistant to impact damage.
Usage
Italy leads the field with over one million vehicles on the road; the Netherlands, North America and Mexico each have just under half a million. By far the biggest consumer of Autogas, however, is Japan which uses over 1,800,000 tonnes a year. This is hardly suprising given the countries population density and the pollution problems of its major cities such as Tokyo and Yokohama. Over 90% of all taxis in Japan are powered by Autogas. This country is still a small user with less than 200,000 vehicles powered with Autogas.
In Vienna, severe pollution problems started many years ago. To overcome this the authorities began converting buses to Autogas some 30 years ago. This proved to be so successful in reducing pollution that the number of buses running on Autogas has been increased over the years to 400 today.
Driving an LPG vehicle is safe, easy and, best of all, much cheaper than petrol.
