100% LPG Long Haul Truck Conversion - Economy and Environmental Benefits

Advanced Vehicle Technologies (AVT), a Ballarat Australia based company, has developed the World's first diesel to 100% LPG conversion for heavy haul trucks. There is no diesel required or utilized on the trucks. The engine is converted with minimal changes into a spark ignition engine with equivalent power and torque of the diesel. The patented technology is now deployed in 2 Mercedes Actros trucks. The power output in engine dynamometer testing exceeds that of the diesel (in excess of 370 kW power and 2700 Nm torque). In on-road application the power curve is matched to the diesel specifications to avoid potential downstream power-train stress. Testing at the Department of Transport Energy & Infrastructure, Regency Park, SA have shown the Euro 3 truck converted to LPG is between Euro 4 and Euro 5 NOx levels, CO2 levels 10% better than diesel on DT80 test and about even with diesel on CUEDC tests. The average fuel ratio of LPG tests versus diesel tests over 7 points from 80 kW to 180 kW is 1.67:1. The conversion is already operational in fleets. The conversion to LPG permits a better economy, a better environment and a better energy security. The truck conversion permits lower operating cost and significantly reduced fuel cost. The LPG has a lower fuel cost per unit energy. The savings are almost $300 per 1000 km. These fuel costs are based on an average wholesale price including rebates over the past 6 months of $0.51/L LPG and $1.46/L diesel. Longer maintenance intervals also permit lower cost and less downtime. The LPG has significant emissions reduction. The reduced carbon dioxide and particulate matter emissions are a result of the gaseous state and the better C/H ratio of the LPG. The CO2-e advantage of the LPG engine is greater than the tailpipe 10%. There is almost no particulate matter with LPG. The goal is to achieve Euro 5 (with the Euro 3 engine) in 1st half 2012 with no catalytic converter or urea filter.