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Converting a Prius to LPG

Old Feb 14, 2007 | 06:29 PM
  #1  
norak's Avatar
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Default Converting a Prius to LPG

A hybrid like the Prius runs on gasoline and gasoline is not a very green gas. LPG or liquid petroleum gas is greener than gasoline and plus LPG is cheaper than gasoline. Running a car on LPG cuts fuel costs by about one-third.

A hybrid car is great, but what would be even better is a hybrid car that runs on LPG. Can someone tell me whether a Prius can be converted to LPG or whether there are any hybrid LPG cars out there?
 
Old Feb 15, 2007 | 05:36 AM
  #2  
Earthling's Avatar
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Default Re: Converting a Prius to LPG

The Honda Civic GX runs on compressed natural gas. The biggest downside is the shortage of filling stations. Another disadvantage is that compressed natural gas is less energy dense than gasoline, so you have to fill up much more often. The GX is only available for sale in limited markets, NY and CA, or to fleet sales.

The upside is that the Civic GX is rated the greenest car in the US market right now.

I don't know of any cars that run on LPG.

Harry
 
Old Feb 15, 2007 | 06:40 AM
  #3  
Delta Flyer's Avatar
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Default Re: Converting a Prius to LPG

norak,

Check this out > http://www.myphill.com/vehicles.htm

A few LPG Honda Civic owners has this installed at their home. Think it's $1-2K.
 
Old Feb 15, 2007 | 06:43 AM
  #4  
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Default Re: Converting a Prius to LPG

I once read a report that someone in France did the conversion. However, knowing what I do about how the systems work, this would not be a trivial piece of engineering. You'd need a very smart injector system.

Bob Wilson
 
Old Feb 15, 2007 | 07:22 AM
  #5  
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Default Re: Converting a Prius to LPG

Originally Posted by Delta Flyer
norak,

Check this out > http://www.myphill.com/vehicles.htm

A few LPG Honda Civic owners has this installed at their home. Think it's $1-2K.
Plus about $0.40 per equivalent gallon of gasoline for electricity
(4 hours at 800 watts for 8 liters equivalent).
Plus about $0.50 per equivalent gallon of gasoline for capital depreciation of Phill
(6000 hours expected life - can be refurbished at an unpublished price 3 times - 2 hours of operation per equivalent gallon of gasoline.)

Now add the cost of the Natural gas and amortizing the vehicle conversion cost (about $2000 if available) of your vehicle and you can then determine if it actually saves money (at least it is greener and there are no road use taxes - for now).

JeffD
 
Old Feb 15, 2007 | 08:15 AM
  #6  
Sledge's Avatar
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From: Saginaw, MI
Default Re: Converting a Prius to LPG

Phill is for natural gas, not LPG. Phill costs somewhere around $5k
 
Old Feb 15, 2007 | 08:39 AM
  #7  
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Default Re: Converting a Prius to LPG

Originally Posted by Sledge
Phill is for natural gas, not LPG. Phill costs somewhere around $5k
You shouldn't assume that we don't know the difference:

CNG - Compressed Natural Gas
LPG - Liquefied Petroleum Gas (Propane)

Either can be used with conversions in some vehicles. The conversion kits are similar, but the pressure tank for CNG is more expensive (CNG is a less expensive fuel, but there are compression costs as noted earlier).

Both are Greener fuels than gasoline.

As you noted Phill is a low-cost home compressor that accepts natural gas and compresses it into the storage tank of a converted vehicle.

If you want to use LPG, you install a large storage tank in (or near) your home and fill the smaller tank (in the trunk of the converted vehicle) from the stored propane (home delivery is generally available).

JeffD
 
Old Feb 15, 2007 | 08:53 AM
  #8  
Sledge's Avatar
YA RLY.
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From: Saginaw, MI
Default Re: Converting a Prius to LPG

DF above mentioned a LPG Civic. No such animal exists.
 
Old Feb 15, 2007 | 09:14 AM
  #9  
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Default Re: Converting a Prius to LPG

Sorry - should have said natural gas.
 
Old Oct 18, 2011 | 07:05 AM
  #10  
CharlieK's Avatar
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Default Re: Converting a Prius to LPG

Smart guys from Romania, using parts from my country (Poland, EU) - converted their Priuses into LPG :-)))

See this !

http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-ii-p...pg-hybrid.html

Now I look for any informations about converting Toyota Camry Hybrid '2007 into LPG. Is there anybody who read something about it ???
 

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