gasoline prices in germany are getting higher and higher. Consumers are looking for adequate fuel alternatives. A solution: autogas. All it takes is a simple vehicle conversion. And costs can be saved not only on fuel. We would like to take a closer look at the technology and inform you about the possibilities of converting your vehicle to autogas.
LPG – the technology of the future?
Also known as LPG (liquefied petroleum gas), autogas is used as a fuel all over the world. And is considered particularly cheap, because the liquefied petroleum gas is a waste product of oil and natural gas production and consists of a mixture of propane and butane.
Accordingly, the price per liter is far below that of gasoline. Currently, a liter of autogas costs between 69 and 90 cents (as of february 2014). And even though the consumption of an autogas system is between 5 and 20 percent higher than with gasoline, an autogas-powered vehicle is much cheaper in the long run.
one reason why more and more drivers are switching to autogas. In the meantime, almost 500.000 vehicles are equipped with an autogas tank:
And the number of refueling options has also multiplied. According to this, in germany alone, there were around 6.500 autogas filling stations:
This means that almost half of Germany’s gas stations – according to the German Automobile Association (ADAC), there were 14 in 2013 – are now equipped with this technology.328, equipped with a tank system for autogas.
Is autogas more environmentally friendly than gasoline??
In addition to the cost advantages, the environmental balance of autogas vehicles can also be seen. Compared to gasoline, the combustion of autogas produces about
- 50% less unburned hydrocarbons,
- 20% less nitrogen oxides and
- 15% less CO2 emissions.
The emission of
- Aldehydes,
- benzene and
- Paks (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons)
Is reduced and particle like
- Soot and
- sulfur dioxide
are only released into the environment in minimal quantities. In addition, the fine dust pollution is lower.
Tax advantages with autogas
And also fiscally you are in the next few years with an autogas system on the right path. Until 2018, a reduced mineral oil tax rate of 9.74 ct/l (or. 18 ct/kg or 1.29 ct/kwh). So the tax is only 58% of the cost of a gasoline vehicle.
The regulations for 2018 are not yet clear, but the first voices are being raised calling for an extension of the tax breaks for the more environmentally friendly autogas vehicles.
Conversion to autogas
Converting a vehicle to autogas is relatively easy and pays off financially after about a year. With the conversion you can expect costs from 1.600 € calculate.
However, not every vehicle can be converted. Only gasoline-powered vehicles with naturally aspirated engines can be converted to autogas without any problems. Gasoline direct injection engines are only partially convertible. Diesel vehicles can generally not be converted. Check with your dealer whether your car can be fitted with an autogas system.
If a conversion is possible, it is quite simple. You can see how it is done in a report by "lokalzeit sudwestfalen":
- Tank,
- Vaporizer,
- Gas filter,
- Gas control unit,
- Gas nozzles,
- Refueling nozzle
And a switch button from gasoline to autogas in the vehicle cabin. In addition, you will receive an adapter for the tank nozzle, as different connection systems currently exist. In germany, the ACME is the most common (less common is the dish connection). In the long term, the uniform euronozzle is to be established in europe.
After the conversion, the gas system is adjusted using a laptop to bring the characteristic curves of the gasoline and autogas injection nozzles to as similar a level as possible.
Your vehicle will therefore not be converted exclusively to autogas, but will continue to run on gasoline as well. You simply get a second fuel system with the conversion. A great range advantage.
However, many consumers wonder whether a gas-powered vehicle is also safe. This question is clearly answered with "yes!" to answer. All autogas systems are inspected by an expert after installation, and a GAP (gas system inspection) is carried out every 2 years.
Attention: autogas is not a synonym for natural gas! You cannot fill up with natural gas with an autogas vehicle, because otherwise the tank would burst due to the large pressure difference. If you would like to learn more about natural gas vehicles, you will find the most important information here.
LPG – a good alternative
Conversion to autogas is therefore worthwhile. Because advantages like
- Low cost,
- Low taxes and
- Environmental friendliness
Give a good feeling when driving. A qualified dealer can advise you whether and if so, which autogas system is suitable for your vehicle, and we wish you a pleasant journey with your autogas vehicle.