Analysis by Lex Vehicle Leasing of the maintenance costs for its mixed fleet of 600 LPG cars and light vans found they were identical to comparable petrol models. The company said reliability, engine wear and tear and general running costs were in line with predictions and no customer had criticised the vehicles.
Although the network of fuel stations stocking LPG has risen, Lex says customers would benefit the most from having their own fuel bunker on site.
Lex pricing manager Steve Jones said: 'Our bigger fleets which use LPG vehicles are seeing the greatest benefits because they run bunker fuel storage facilities, but greater driver access to LPG means that their cars or vans are spending more time running on gas than petrol.
'Carrying out a review of our LPG fleet was a useful exercise as it reinforced exactly how the gas cars were performing compared to petrol equivalents.
'The key item in the make-up of an LPG contract is its lower residual value, but we have only disposed of very few vehicles second-hand. A few Vauxhall Astravans have found homes with mainly small tradesmen who can't afford a new LPG van, but have been educated as to the benefits of gas power.'
Lex recommends that fleets should stick to gas vehicles with a full manufacturer warranty. This provides peace of mind at service time and means the manufacturer will have carried out the relevant tests to ensure the conversion meets strict quality and safety standards.
Leasing rates petrol vs LPG
Lex Vehicle Leasing's monthly rates for gas powered vehicles
Vauxhall Astra 1.6 16v LS petrol 5 door hatch manual: £274
Vauxhall Astra 1.6 16v LS LPG 5 door hatch manual £298
Vauxhall Vectra 1.8 LS petrol 5 door hatch manual £321
Vauxhall Vectra 1.8 LS LPG 5 door hatch manual £351
Volvo S60 2.4T S petrol manual £465
Volvo S60 2.4 S LPG S manual £497
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