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Considering an LPG conversion to the Prius

Discussion in 'International Owners' started by GrumpyCabbie, Feb 26, 2011.

  1. GrumpyCabbie

    GrumpyCabbie Senior Member

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    North Yorkshire, UK
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    III
    With petrol prices continuing their upward trend (yesterday I saw it at £1.38 a litre or $8.22 US gallon) and despite my reduced costs from having a Prius, I have been considering an LPG [ame=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Autogas]Autogas - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia[/ame] conversion as lpg fuel is taxed much much less over here and is only £0.60 a litre or $3.57 a US gallon.

    I know that some European owners have successfully converted their Gen2's to lpg using a standard system and a circular tank in the spare wheel well. Does this system transfer to a Gen3 Prius? The projected cost of conversion is around £1,500/$2,400 via a registered installation company and should pay for itself in no time on my mileage.

    Has anyone on here got any experience of lpg for a Prius or any useful experiences or comments to add. I am aware of some of the negatives attributed to lpg as a fair few of my colleagues run petrol/lpg non hybrid cars, but an lpg conversion would give me the cost savings of running an 80/90 UK mpg car (I get 50 UK mpg on petrol and lpg is half the cost). It's also cleaner running and produces less smog.

    Would also like to hear what the other Prius cabbies think on this. All comments appreciated.
     
    #1 GrumpyCabbie, Feb 26, 2011
  2. Flaninacupboard

    Flaninacupboard Senior Member

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    Can't see any real reason not to. Longevity of the engine would be reduced, but i guess you won't keep it running much past 200k anyway?
    The only thing i'd be bothered about is how the LPG system deals with all the engine start/stops, and could you end up with the engine running a bit lean or rich? not so much a problem in cab use, since your engine is going to be kept warm all the time anyway.

    I am kind of suprised there isn't more evidence of lpg'd prius, but hey, you can be a trend setter :)
     
    #2 Flaninacupboard, Feb 26, 2011
  3. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    thanks for the price/gallon conversion assistance, reduces my questions. seems like a no brainer if it will work with gen III. what are the downsides?
     
    #3 bisco, Feb 26, 2011
  4. mainerinexile

    mainerinexile No longer in exile!

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    In your cost analysis, don't forget that you need 1.35 gal LPG to equal the energy equivalent of a gallon of gasoline.
     
    #4 mainerinexile, Feb 26, 2011
  5. GrumpyCabbie

    GrumpyCabbie Senior Member

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    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    III
    Yeah that's why I haven't allowed a doubling of the mpg's despite the fuel being half the cost. It also doesn't quite give the same performance either.
     
    #5 GrumpyCabbie, Feb 27, 2011
  6. UGC

    UGC Member

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    Do they sell these kits for the prius gen2 here in the U.S. ? I would like to buy one (and pay someone to install it). Thanks for any info on this.
     
    #6 UGC, Mar 2, 2011
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