A Global Roadmap for Autogas
Autogas is practical – and safe
The operational characteristics of vehicles that run on Autogas compare very favourably with other alternative automotive fuels, making it a highly practical and safe fuel. The performance and drivability of vehicles that run on Autogas are as good, if not better, than those that run on petrol, diesel and most other fuels. It is the only alternative fuel that delivers a wide range of benefits, including lower emissions, without having to compromise on vehicle performance and autonomy.
“Autogas-electric hybrids offer bigger environmental benefits than standard gasoline- electric hybrids.”
Autogas has a higher octane rating than gasoline, so converted gasoline-powered spark-ignition engines tend to run more smoothly. This reduces engine wear and maintenance requirements, including less frequent spark plug and oil changes. The higher octane of Autogas also allows higher compression ratios, which can deliver increased engine-power output and better thermal efficiency, reducing fuel consumption and emissions. Acceleration and top speed using the latest generation of Autogas-fuel systems are comparable to gasoline or diesel. Autogas has a lower energy density than gasoline and diesel, which means that a larger volume of fuel and a bigger tank are required to achieve the same overall driving range, but this has no effect on engine performance. Autogas is fully compatible with electricity in hybrid configurations in the same way as gasoline, including plug- in hybrids. Autogas-electric hybrids offer bigger environmental benefits than standard gasoline-electric hybrids.
Autogas is not new. It has been used as a road transport fuel for over 70 years. These years of operation worldwide have amply demonstrated the integrity and safety of Autogas dispensers, as well as on-board vehicle tanks. In fact, the safety record of Autogas use in practice is at least as good as, if not better than, gasoline or diesel. In practice, Autogas vehicles meet the same standards for safety as conventionally fuelled ones:
- Autogas requires a much higher temperature to ignite compared to gasoline and diesel, and has the lowest flammability range of any fossil fuel.
- Autogas is fully contained under pressure in solid tanks, which limits the danger of leakage. Being stored in liquid form, gasoline is prone to leaks or vapour escapes. Autogas fuel tanks are 20 times more puncture resistant and can withstand far more pressure than typical gasoline tanks.
- Unlike gasoline and diesel, if Autogas leaks it does not pool or puddle, but instead quickly vaporises and dissipates into the air, eliminating the risk of fire.
- Since Autogas is released as a vapour, it cannot be ingested like gasoline, diesel or alcohol fuels. Autogas is virtually odourless and colourless in its natural state. The unpleasant smell you might associate with propane is added to help with detection in case of a leak.
- Autogas is a nontoxic, non-carcinogenic and noncorrosive fuel. It poses no hazard to groundwater, surface water or soil.
“Fuelling with Autogas is as safe and simple as filling up with gasoline or diesel. Around the world, millions of vehicles of all types – from cars to tuk-tuks, school buses to police cars – run safely on Autogas.”