[supergauntlet]

One big question I have is why LPG isn't a bigger thing for cars. Regular gas and diesel engines can be (relatively) cheaply modified to run on LPG and indeed can often run on both. It's a cleaner burning fuel than both gasoline and diesel AND is cheaper to boot.

[rjsw]

A friend had a LPG conversion for a car, the tank took up a lot of luggage space. A larger tank for the same range doesn't matter as much for a large vehicle like a bus.

[bobthepanda]

It’s also not abnormal for equipment on a bus go onto the roof.

[tastygreenapple]

I think it's because most people don't understand the benefits of LPG fuel, and LPG vehicles incur costs similar to other alt-fuel vehicles without enjoying benefits.

Honda used to sell a natural gas civic and you could buy a home fill station, in the late 2000s it probably made a lot sense. But now, you'd be better off getting an electric vehicle and a home charger.

I think LPG is interesting, but if you're going to deal with speciality fuel/fueling, you can just get a hydrogen or battery electric vehicle and enjoy the benefits of an electrified powertrain. LPG powertrains retain the complexity and service costs of gas powertrains with pretty marginal benefits. Electrification has its own costs but unique advantages.

[gattilorenz]

> LPG vehicles incur costs similar to other alt-fuel vehicles without enjoying

Not universally true. In Italy, where regular gas prices are stellar, LPG is a relatively common thing. Not common enough, but the infrastructure is "there" (although not as capillary as regular gas) and it's advertised as a consumer option.

[tastygreenapple]

You're right, I was American-centric. It's a land littered with gas stations and finding other fuels can be extremely challenging.

[i_feel_great]

In the case of New Zealand from the mid-70's to the early 80's, CNG (compressed natural gas) was subsidised by the government and there was a very large uptake. My dad had it installed in his Toyota Hiace van and Ford Falcons. This was during the oil shortages era.

When oil became cheap again, the government stopped the subsidies and it was back to petrol. The tanks and the pumps at the services stations were ripped out and sold to the Indians, Eastern Europeans and the Chinese.

[inferiorhuman]

Worse fuel economy and increased engine wear are probably the big issues.