Australia, Perth
The Australian Government has approved a ‘Commercial Ready Plus Grant’ to assist Advanced Engine Components (AEC) Limited develop natural gas (NG) engine and vehicle technology for the Isuzu 295 and 510hp engines. AEC’s current development programme will enable the 295 and 510hp Isuzu vehicle operators to convert their diesel engines to CNG or LNG engines through the incorporation of AEC’s NGVS. Once converted, vehicles operating on NG will comply with Euro 4 emission standards (required under new legislation effective 1 January 2008) and maintain the same performance as the diesel equivalent.
In 2007, AEC successfully completed the development,
commissioning and testing of compressed natural gas (CNG) and
liquefied natural gas (LNG) versions of the Isuzu 190, 220 and 225hp
7.8 litre engines to Euro 3 emission standard. AEC is selling these
AEC/Isuzu natural gas vehicle systems (NGVS) throughout Australia.
Engine development has commenced with the first of the new Isuzu
vehicles delivered to AEC in February 2008. On-road testing will
commence in July 2008 with the full programme completed by the third
quarter of FY09.
The Isuzu 295hp vehicles, used for refuse collection, concrete
delivery, urban delivery and general transport, represent approximately
17% of Australia’s total truck market. The 510hp engine, for the
longer-haul intercity and interstate truck and trailer-unit market, is
a relatively new but significant market for Isuzu.
Energy and environmental legislation, together with increased freight
and transport costs, are key drivers for heavy duty engine vehicle
operators seeking viable, alternative fuel solutions. Factors
considered by the AusIndustry Board included: Australia’s abundant NG
reserves; the price of oil; environmental concerns; the cost and
performance competitive edge of the AEC/Isuzu engines; major Australian
companies investing in NG refuelling infrastructure; the potential for
the AEC/Isuzu development programme to obtain a significant share of
the Australian commercial vehicle market within a relatively short
period; and the potential for future export opportunities to other
countries using equivalent Isuzu vehicles.
Print 
PDF 