LPG ‘key’ to delivering Road to Zero Strategy

Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) will play a key role in helping government deliver its Road to Zero Strategy, a supplier of the fuel has said.

Launched last week, the Road to Zero Strategy sets out government policies aimed at delivering an increased uptake in low and zero emission vehicles up to 2040.

LPG fuel performs favourably in terms of CO2 and NOx according to suppliers

This outlines the roadmap to achieve lower emission transport including measures such as the introduction of Clean Air Zones in a number of UK cities and towns.

In its Transport Energy Model accompanying the strategy, DfT has suggested that the relative environmental performance of different fuels and technologies which will underpin future policies.

According to suppliers of the fuel, LPG vehicles emit less NOx, CO2 and particulates than both petrol and diesel models and the new report even uncovers LPG’s favourability over full petrol hybrids.

In the van sector (2.5 to 3.5 tonnes), an LPG van has been estimated to be cleaner in terms of both CO2 and NOx than petrol, full petrol hybrid and even Euro 6 diesel alternatives.

Meanwhile for cars, an LPG car was estimated to emit 19% less CO2 compared to petrol, making its performance similar to that of a full petrol hybrid car.

Autogas

Holly Jago, general manager for automotive LPG supplier Autogas Limited. “We’re very pleased that after an incredibly thorough and extensive research process involving many important stakeholder groups, the Government has outlined its support for LPG in its quest for a zero-emissions transport future. The new findings are similar to the results of our own tests conducted regularly over many years and emphasise what a pivotal role LPG can play in emissions reduction, especially in highly polluted, urban environments.

“This latest report is a strong sign of the Government’s support for LPG which we expect will be of great interest to OEMs, fleets and local authorities alike who are all looking at the most effective ways to reduce emissions. We are looking forward to having further discussions with these groups, helping them lower their environmental impact.”

While there are currently no opportunities for van or car buyers to buy an LPG model directly from vehicle manufacturers in the UK, the report supports the retrofitting of LPG systems, especially for vans and taxis. As well as outlining the potential for NOx reductions, the report states that “retrofitting vehicles with pollution-reducing technology can offer a relatively low cost alternative to purchasing new low emissions vehicles”, giving drivers another reason to switch to LPG.