VACC, the peak Automotive Industry body in Victoria, is reminding motorists that LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) is arguably the best alternative fuel on the market.
“There has been a lot of recent industry and media discussion regarding alternative fuels and electric powered vehicles in particular. VACC can see the potential of plug-in vehicles, but they are for the future, especially when you consider re-charging networks and training courses for repairers still need to be addressed. But LPG is for the now. It is viable, environmentally friendly and the technology and infrastructure is proven,” VACC Executive Director, David Purchase, said.
VACC believes LPG is the best alternative available fuel for the following reasons:
Environment: LPG (also known as Autogas) is clean and green. It produces among the lowest of life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions of all commercially-available automotive fuels.
Safety: Every aspect of the LPG industry is covered by a National Code or Standard and also by similar or additional State Regulations. Modern Autogas engine systems are designed to be safe in use, safe to repair and safe in a vehicle accident.*
Cost: Autogas is typically at least 50 percent cheaper than mainstream automotive fuels.The national average metro ULP price (source: Fuel Trac) from November 2008 to October 2009 was 120 cpl – LPG was 55 cpl.
Cost saving: The Federal Government is currently offering private motorists a rebate of $1750 for converting their vehicle to LPG.
Conversion: Almost any vehicle can be converted to LPG. The process is simple and can be done overnight. Victoria accounts for just over 50 percent of the nation’s LPG co nversions and has more than 600 LPG conversion businesses registered with the Automotive Alternative Fuels Registration Board (AAFRB).
User-friendly: Most service stations in Australia supply LPG: with more than a thousand in Victoria. Motorists fill their Autogas tank via pumps, as they would with diesel or petrol.
Australian Economy: The LPG retro-fit industry has a turnover of $350 million per annum. Nearly 6000 national conversions are carried out per month and more than 600,000 Australians run their vehicles on Autogas.
Self sufficient supply: Australia has huge natural reserves of LPG, producing around 3 million tonnes per annum.
“LPG is the sensible and practical choice when it comes to alternative fuels. And, unlike electric-powered vehicles, you do not have to buy a new car to benefit: you just convert your current model through a VACC Accredited Alternative Fuels Specialist,” Mr Purchase said.