The association said the objective of the trial was to produce an engine specifically for high-end applications.

The program is backed by the federal government, which has contributed $600,000 to help BP develop a prime mover engine running on LPG.

ALPGA said that autogas had previously only been used in rigid vehicles up to 15 tonnes gross vehicle mass (GVM) and the new engine would be suited for tri-axle configured vehicles up to 45t.

Initial work will be undertaken in the United States by Impco Technologies on a Detroit Diesel C60 engine, which ALPGA said is commonly used in Australia.

Impco will convert the engine to run on new generation common rail fuel injection technology. Two converted engines will then be sent to Australia where they will be trialled by fuel haulage outfit Cootes in Melbourne.

“Our aim is to quantify the real-world economic and environmental benefits of using LPG in Australian heavy vehicle fleets,” said BP Australia’s vice president of fuels management Mike McGuinness.

In terms of environmental impact, autogas has one- tenth as much fine particulate emissions as diesel. Diesel engines are also a major source of oxides of nitrogen, with autogas emitting 30% less, said ALPGA.

Environmental impact also translates to a financial burden on the transport industry with costs of transport related pollution put at $8.3 billion per annum in Australia alone.