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Lpg Truck a World First

The world’s first heavy truck powered entirely by lpg was unveiled in Melbourne, Australia, in May. The truck is the result of an alliance between Fleet Effect Pty Ltd and its project partners, Advanced Vehicle Technologies Pty Ltd (AVT), Autolync Pty Ltd and MapData Sciences Pty Ltd.

The 2656 FPC Envirotech® uses patented technology to re-engineer a Mercedes Benz Actros 12-litre V6 diesel prime mover to run on lpg alone. A patented compression reduction fuel swirl plate reduces engine compression from 18:1 to less than 10:1 and allows the engine to operate on spark ignition rather than compression ignition.

The cylinder head is also modified to accept spark plugs and an lpg induction system. An lpg electronic engine management system controls engine timing and fuel induction.

The project is supported by the Co-operative Research Centre for Advanced Automotive Technologies (Auto CRC), which included the project participation of its members, the University of South Australia and the Victorian Partnership for Advanced Computing (VPAC).

“This lpg-diesel re-engineering technology is an exciting event of significance to Australia for the large operating savings it offers fleet operators and its contribution to reduced greenhouse gas emissions, as well as the virtual elimination of particulates,” said Matthew Cuthbertson, Auto CRC’s chief executive.

The project partners have spent the last 18 months fine-tuning a number of diagnostic systems and controls in order to fully integrate the LPG-powered truck into an internet-based communications and GPS network that operates in real time.

Fleet Effect chief executive John Tsoucalas says this system is almost as big a breakthrough as the engine technology.

“The technology breakthrough comes in a complete package, which offers the heavy fleet operator everything from installation of the new lpg-diesel technology, to an internet GPS-based fleet maintenance diagnostic system,” he said. “A complete compliance package, including greenhouse gas reporting and fatigue management, is also included.”

“Customers will also receive a whole-fleet fixed-price customer lease, inclusive of LPG fuel and maintenance, which will be known as a ‘Fleet Performance Contract™’, or FPC.

“This will turn the traditional approach for managing truck fleets on its head and offer transport operators an up to 10 per cent reduction in fleet operating costs.

“It will do this while eliminating the normal risks associated with alternative fuel technologies, such as truck downtime, costly maintenance cycles and unpredictable fuel consumption.”

Supporting partners for the 2656 FPC Envirotech project include Elgas, LPG Australia, Climate Positive and Mercedes Benz (Derrimut).

LPG Australia’s industry development manager Phil Westlake says there is a compelling case for the greater use of LPG in heavy vehicles.

“The projections for the growth in heavy road transport in Australia are sobering in light of the need to contain and reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” Mr Westlake said.

“Equally sobering is the reality that diesel-powered vehicles are a source of harmful particulate matter and air toxics.

“The environmental and health benefits of injecting LPG into diesel engines are already well-known, but this technology takes that to the next level and has the potential to place Australia at the very forefront of LPG use in heavy vehicles.”

Comprehensive road and emissions testing of the 2656 FPC Envirotech® is being undertaken in South Australia and Victoria prior to fleet customer trials in Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland.

The vehicle will be on display on stands OT170 and AH237 at the inaugural International Trailer, Truck and Equipment Show in Melbourne from May 8 to May 10.

Contact John Tsoucalas, Chief Executive Officer, Fleet Effect Pty Ltd
Tel: +61 3 8561 2410, Mob: 0419 588 095 www.fleeteffect.com

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