What should you know if you want to install an LPG kit in your car?

Installing an LPG kit in a car can be a very interesting alternative and a possibility to obtain a car with an ECO label

Converting our petrol vehicle with an LPG kit involves a series of prior checks. First of all, only those cars that meet or exceed the Euro 3 standard can have an LPG kit installed. That means we will find vehicles from 2001 onwards, although there may be some between 1995 and 2001. In addition, the legislation only allows conversion of vehicles powered by petrol and in no case diesel.

On the other hand, we will obtain the ECO environmental label if it complies with the Euro 4, Euro 5 and Euro 6 standards. As for the price of installing an LPG kit, it ranges between 1,500 and 3,000 euros. This will depend on the model and specifications such as engine capacity, type of injection or the fuel tank we choose.

Euro 3 standard: the minimum to convert our vehicle

Before carrying out this process, we must check that our car complies with the Euro 3 standard. Although we place these vehicles from 2001 onwards, we may find some from earlier years. However, as we have said before, the best way to make sure is to check whether or not it complies with that legislation. In addition, it should be borne in mind that we can only convert our vehicle if it is powered by petrol.

One of the incentives for converting our car is obtaining the ECO environmental label. But is this really so? The answer is a qualified yes. Only cars that meet the Euro 4, Euro 5 and Euro 6 standards have access to that badge. Likewise, another requirement is that they already hold the DGT environmental C label.

The MOT and cars with an LPG kit installed

Once this conversion has been carried out, we may be unsure when taking the Technical Vehicle Inspection (ITV). What will we need to homologate an LPG kit in a car? The certificate of tightness of the installed circuit and of the correct functioning of its components. We will obtain this document at the workshop where the conversion was carried out. However, this certification must be no more than one month old before the ITV.

But, how much does it cost to install an LPG kit in a car? Although it will depend on the workshop, the price ranges between 1,500 and 3,000 euros. The price depends on the type of vehicle and the type of components used. This means a lower price if we have a car with a smaller engine capacity. Otherwise, the price will be higher. However, it also depends on the type of injection (direct or multipoint) or the model of fuel tank we install.

Finally, installing an LPG kit in our vehicle will have a more or less rapid payback depending on the mileage. This means that the more distance we cover, the greater the savings we will make. Why? In the first place, because autogas LPG is cheaper than petrol, by around 40%. Estimates indicate that by reaching 40,000 kilometres we will already have recouped the investment in this type of car.

What does the conversion kit require?

However, what does installing an LPG kit in our petrol car involve? Below, we list the components of the so-called “conversion kit” that will be placed in our vehicle after the conversion.

First of all, we can choose between two types of tanks: cylindrical and toroidal. The first of these is located inside the boot, as it does not take up space for the spare wheel. This is because the spare wheel is not there, as in off-road vehicles, or because it comes as standard with a puncture repair kit. Likewise, this model can hold up to 160 litres of capacity, the maximum possible.

As for the toroidal ones, they have a ring or donut shape and are located where the spare wheel would be. In this case, we will need a puncture repair kit, as we will not be able to refit the spare wheel. Furthermore, there are two types of installation: internal (hidden inside the boot, without taking up space in it) and external (on the outside of the vehicle, where the spare wheel used to be).

The loading point will be located on the side of the car. We will usually find this filler in the access used to fill the petrol tank. On the other hand, an LPG pipe will be installed from the new fuel tank to the engine. Likewise, valves will be added to control the gas supply, or pressure reducers to maintain the proper functioning of the LPG kit.

Finally, this system will use gas injectors, a control unit that controls the timing to feed the power unit, and a changeover switch. This last component allows us to select switching from petrol mode to autogas mode and vice versa.