The UK’s leading low carbon vehicle event taking place at Millbrook on September, 9 to September 10 will feature many modern vehicle technologies. Among these will be three Autogas vehicles demonstrating the cost and emissions savings potential inherent to this technology. A Ford Focus, a Fiat Doblo van and an LPG powered london black cab will be presented.

The three cars are being brought to the show by Autogas Limited, UK, one of the largest operators of Autogas refuelling networks. Linda Gomersall, general manager of Autogas comments on their participation: “We’re delighted to once again be taking part in the Cenex LCV event, and look forward to introducing visitors to the fantastic variety of autogas LPG powered vehicles we have on display.

At the same time three myths are successfully tackled:

Myth #1: Direct injection engines won’t take Autogas

The Ford Focus is equipped with a modern, state of the art direct injection engine, which by its design increases efficiency and develops much more power than the older gasoline engines. This technology is setting the benchmark for next generation internal combustion engines. It has often been said, that these engines turbocharged, direct injection (DI) engines, cannot be made to run with LPG making conversions virtually impossible. Fact of the matter is, Autogas is better suited at replacing gasoline in a turbo-DI engine, than in any previous technology. The physical properties of LPG actually enhance its advantages over gasoline.

Myth #2: There are no Autogas vans for businesses

Businesses in cities depend highly on transporting goods to customers private as well as commercial or personell, material and equipment to work sites in cities. Parcel delivery, the supply of restaurants in old city centres or plumbers, electricians and other installers come to mind. Very often the only option offered by car manufacturers has a diesel engine. Because these vehicles are used extensively, businesses look at the operating cost as much as the availability. Some applications need reliable and tried technology and can’t afford to take risks. Fiat’s Doblo van addresses this problem and offers a viable rock-solid alternative to the more polluting standard, thus giving local businesses an opportunity to help clearing the air while on the move.

Myth #3: Euro 6 is not possible with Autogas

The star of the Autogas part of the show is probably the London black cab. This ambassador of London’s appearance (along with red phone booths and doble decker buses) has been declared dead quite a number of times in the past. Each time it has successfully defied death and avoided to be buried alive. Not only does this iconic symbol of public transportation deserve to be carried well into the second decade of the 21st century, but it also deserves the makeover in order to better coexist with customers and citizens in tomorrow’s cleaner metropolises. This time it shall attempt to prolong its life through the use of a modern Autogas engine. The classic taxi is outfitted with a brand new Autogas engine, a process – often called re-engining and which could theoretically be employed for existing as well as brand new taxis. This will yield much cleaner vehicle conforming to the latest Euro 6 emissions standards, thus successfully coupling yesterdays flair with a clean exhaust of tomorrow. As they are still being manufactured in China to this day it isn’t too far fetched to say that the manufacturer might want to adopt this technology to make its product more attractive for the future.

Autogas said they want to highlight the “huge variety of businesses and fleets that could benefit from switching to autogas LPG.” through the event.

“We’re inviting fleet operators and drivers to come and chat with us to see not only how much they could save on fuel costs but also how running vehicles on LPG is a simple and effective way of helping to tackle the growing issue of air pollution in our towns and cities.”

Drivers switching to Autogas could save up to 40 % on their fuel costs, and those racking up high mileage, such as fleets could potentially save much more. And for those looking to help reduce their impact on air quality, LPG is significantly cleaner than diesel with NOx emissions from Autogas up to 80 % lower than diesel.