|
Additional information of special interest to fleet and business users
Wide availability
LPG is seen as a bridge to the future of the hydrogen economy but industry commentators suggest that whilst the technology of using hydrogen as a transport fuel is progressing rapidly, it will be at least 15 to 20 years before it is an economically viable option, especially if the source of hydrogen is to be renewable rather than generated from fossil fuels.
Meanwhile LPG is here now with by far the largest re-fuelling infrastructure of any of the alternative fuels and LPG vehicles continue to offer a viable economic alternative to petrol and diesel with added environmental benefits – especially in urban areas.
With European emissions regulations new petrol and diesel vehicles are becoming cleaner but there are still significant advantages to be obtained by running on LPG.
Our published fuel cost savings assume 100% use of LPG, and whilst many fleets achieve this, driver training/management may be required to ensure the full benefit can be achieved. These include:
· Back to base operations have their own filling facility to ensure that drivers always leave with a full tank of LPG
· Fleet managers can negotiate significant savings on the pump prices with their own bunkered facility.
· Ensuring drivers have up to date maps of the refuelling sites available including the use of Sat Nav downloads of LPG stations.
· Monitoring and/or restricting the amount of petrol used.
·
There have been significant developments in this area and whilst some vehicles converted in the past have demonstrated running problems, the technology has moved on and fleet managers have confirmed to us that vehicles supplied over the last two years have had an excellent reliability record.
Aftermarket dealer networks are in place to deal with servicing vehicles for the fleets and to provide training to fleet operators to service their own vehicles.
Click here for a list of member companies who can provide this support.
Auction houses such as BCA confirm that residual values are comparable with petrol equivalents. However, premiums are being seen through the specialist re-selling companies and in the private sector, especially in the South East for those vehicles which are eligible for the 100% discount on London Congestion.
However, as LloydsTSB Autolease point out, for high mileage users it is more important to take into account whole life costs which favour LPG over petrol and diesel vehicles.
Leasing and contract hire is available on a wide range of LPG vehicles from the major companies such as Lex Leasing and Lloyds TSB Autolease.
Leasing companies generally make arrangements with specific LPG equipment manufacturers for the provision of LPG options. For details contact:
|
