Thanks to its lower cost, Autogas is attracting more and more drivers in France. Last year, registrations of LPG-powered vehicles increased by 180%, compared to 2020. In 2021, a total of 46,420 vehicles were registered, while in 2020 there were 16,586 units. The volumes of LPG distributed have also increased by 35% last year, at a pump price of around 0,90 Euros.

“The taxation of LPG as an alternative fuel is around 30% of the final price paid by the consumer, while we are rather between 70 and 80% for gasoline or diesel”, said Joel Pedessac, Managing Director at France Gaz Liquides. “As a result, sales are taking off.”

Moreover, a real trend is emerging mainly encouraged by an offer that has never been so strong, in particular for the most popular brand in France, Dacia. The manufacturer is back in force with a strong argument: an Autogas vehicle at the same price as a petrol-powered one.

“Sales have been boosted by Dacia, which offers all its models in LPG version and is breaking sales records on the new vehicle market”, commented Pedessac.

There is also a strong demand on the second-hand market. According to France Gaz Liquides, drivers can transform their petrol small and medium-sized vehicles to LPG with 2,000 to 4,000 Euros, depending on the model, while the operation takes about two days. “You can amortise the amount in 40,000 to 50,000 kilometres”, added Pedessac.

Autogas vehicles benefit from the Crit’Air 1 sticker in France, which allows access to low emission zones (ZFE), as well as reduced or free rates for parking and lower cost of the gray card (French vehicle registration certificate). For more information, please visit here.

2 February 2022