Small diesels are rare here too but turbo diesels are a common option
for large 4WD's (SUV's). With a compact, saving 30% of fuel costs is
almost insignificant and often not worth the cost of alternative fuel
options. But with petrol running at 125-140¢ litre and diesel at
just below 140¢, the saving with a large vehicle is substantial. Oh,
and Oz fuel is very low sulphur but I can't understand why distillate
(diesel) is not a hell of a lot cheaper than ptrol given that it's a
pretty crude material - didn't Rudi develop the engine to use virtual
waste product.
However, we also have the option of LPG (butane/propane mix) widely
available an those who seek real savings retro-fit 'real' gas in a
dual fuel configuration and is environmentally preferable (low
particulate, etc., but high CO2 I think). Most taxis run on it
exclusively and fleet vehicles (Ford for certain) have an LPG version
engine and fuel system available OEM at a small additional cost. The
yield is reduced (70-80% of distance per km on a dual tune) and it is
more difficult to manage but at 35-45¢ litre, there's a 2-3 month
waiting list at any conversion shop. The price is deliberately held
low to encourage usage by the simple expedient of not levying any
excise on it!
Andrew Fildes
afildes@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
On 13/05/2006, at 8:46 PM, Steve Dropkin wrote:
> When I bought my first diesel, fuel cost around 90 cents a gallon
> (around 19 Euros per liter). It's nowhere near that now, so the
> return on investment pushes way out. For many drivers, neither a
> diesel nor a hybrid make economic sense. But diesel (especially once
> ultra-low-sulfur diesel fuel is common in the U.S.) is one of the
> surest, fastest ways to improve the mileage people get in cars
> they're not likely to give up anytime soon.
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