What Is an LPG Gas Conversion?

There are plenty of people who have gotten a LPG gas conversion, but many are still wondering what the conversion is. They have heard about it in the news, from their friends and have heard the government gives a refund for the conversion, but don’t understand what it is.

What Is an LPG Gas Conversion?

A LPG gas conversion on a vehicle adds a liquefied propane tank to the boot of your car. It also includes gas lines to the engine that allow the driver to safely switch between petrol and propane gas. This gives a the owner of the vechile a lower cost in fuel expense and in certain cases, a boost in engine performance.

Even though you could use LPG gas as a sole fuel source, it isn’t recommended. If you have a problem with the gas system or not close enough to a LPG station when you run low, you won’t have the petrol as a backup option to get you to safety.

LPG for vehicles is called Autogas. It is a blend of gases and purer grade than the propane you would use in your BBQ. Since Autogas is a blend of propane and butane, your vehicle will not run off of a cylinder off BBQ gas, which is propane only.

When your vehicle undergoes a LPG conversion, it will start to save you money from the start, since LPG is generally fifty percent cheaper than other road fuels. This means you can recover the cost of the conversion in a matter of months. Even if you didn’t receive the rebate.

The Rebate From The Government

LPG Vehicle Scheme, the name of the rebate program, provides a reimbursement to buy a new private-use vehicle that has been fitted with a

LPG system before it is first registered or for a LPG fuel conversion of a private-use vehicle that has already been registered.
http://www.humanservices.gov.au/customer/services/lpg-vehicle-scheme

If the brand new automobile you buy already has a LPG system installed, you can claim a $2000 refund. This includes vehicles fitted with LPG at the time of manufacture, as well as vehicles fitted with LPG after manufacture, but before its first registration.

If you convert your used vehicle to Autogas, you canclaim $1000 back from the government, if the conversion is completed between 1 July 2012 and 30 June 2014.

This information can be found here: http://www.ausindustry.gov.au/programs/energy-fuels/lpgvs/Pages/default.aspx

With these benefits, provided by the Government and the inherent fuel cost savings of the conversion, it is easy to understand why so many people get a LPG gas conversion.

Want an LPG Conversion? Here’s how…

For all LPG conversion work in Melbourne
Call on the experts at LPG Auto Power.

Offering a very comprehensive service at a competitive rate, we can provide you with expertise in LP Gas conversions and repairs for your automobile. Our helpful team can provide you with quick and reliable advice on any issues you may have and are dedicated to excellent customer service. You can count on LPG Auto Power to provide the best technical solutions every time.

If you are considering an LPG Conversion, then you may well be eligible for the LPG Vehicle Scheme grant. Please read the details below for more information.

Overview

The LPG Vehicle Scheme offers grants of $2,000 towards the purchase of a new vehicle fitted with LPG, or $1,000 for the LPG conversion of a registered vehicle.

The $2,000 grant is for new vehicles already fitted with LPG at the time of manufacture or fitted after manufacture but before first registration.

The $1,000 grant is available for the LPG conversion of registered vehicles.

The scheme is capped at 25,000 eligible claims paid in a year (1 July to 30 June) for the duration of the scheme to 30 June 2014.

By converting to LPG, generally there is a decrease in greenhouse gas emissions from your car. The outcome depends on a range of factors including the type of LPG system fitted, the age and model of the car.

Key eligibility

To be eligible for a grant, you must:

  • have converted a registered vehicle to LPG; or
  • have purchased a new LPG vehicle
  • have the vehicle registered for private or family use
  • have a vehicle less than 3.5 tonnes Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) in weight
  • have the vehicle registered in your name and the LPG conversion completed when you lodge your application
  • lodge an application within 12 months from the date of LPG conversion or purchase of a new LPG vehicle.

If you converted a registered vehicle to LPG, your application form must include copies of:

  • vehicle registration papers that show you were the registered owner at the time of conversion; or
  • vehicle registration papers that show you are now the registered owner of the vehicle if you purchased the vehicle and then had the LPG conversion done before the registration was transferred to your name
    • you must also provide proof that your purchased the vehicle before the date of the LGP conversion
  • documents that prove you’ve paid for the parts and installation of the LPG conversion
  • documents that prove your identity, for example your current driver’s licence.

If you purchased a new vehicle fitted with LPG before first registration, your application form must include copies of:

  • vehicle registration papers showing you are the registered owner
  • documents that prove that you’ve paid for the vehicle, for example a contract of sale
  • a tax invoice in your name for the LPG conversion for all parts and installation costs if the conversion was not included in the purchase price of the vehicle
  • documents that prove your identity, for example your current driver’s licence.

You can only apply for one grant every 3 or more years. However, this requirement can be waived under special circumstances.

A number of other conditions apply. Check your eligibility on the Australian Government’s AusIndustry website.

Items covered

The LPG Vehicle Scheme provides assistance for:

  • the LPG conversion of a registered motor vehicle
  • the purchase or conversion of a new LPG motor vehicle.

The grants are available for eligible petrol or diesel motor vehicles.

A number of conditions apply. Check the customer guidelines on the AusIndustry website.

Next steps

Make sure you understand the full program information on the AusIndustry website.

For more information, you can also ring the AusIndustry Hotline on 13 28 46 or email hotline@ausindustry.gov.au

LPG Vehicle Scheme

www.ausindustry.gov.au/programs/energy-fuels/lpgvs/Pages/default.aspx

LPG Rebate information

LPG Rebate – Vehicle Scheme (LPGVS)

Program Status:

Open for applications.

Description:

The LPG Rebate – Vehicle Scheme provides grants for the LPG conversion of a registered motor vehicle or the purchase of a new vehicle fitted with LPG prior to first registration, subject to eligibility criteria.

The Program Delegate can declare a waiver to LPG Vehicle Scheme – Claiming a Second Grant rule in response to the Australian disaster relief arrangements.  For more information please contact the AusIndustry hotline on 13 28 46.

Since 1 July 2011 the LPG Vehicle Scheme has been capped at 25,000 eligible claims paid in each financial year, for the duration of the scheme to 30 June 2014.

Should the 25,000 cap be reached before the end of a financial year, application processing will continue and eligible claims will be paid in the following financial year.  Grant amounts for eligible applications will be determined from the date of vehicle LPG conversion or new LPG vehicle purchase.

As a registered vehicle owner you are entitled to apply for an LPG Vehicle Scheme grant up to 12 months after the date of the LPG conversion or new LPG vehicle purchase.

Funds are currently available.  For the current status of claims paid please see LPG Vehicle Scheme Statistics

To establish whether you qualify for a grant, please read the customer documents including:

  • Customer Guidelines:
    These guidelines provide detailed information on the program criteria and application process.
  • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
    This provides answers to frequently asked questions about the LPG Vehicle Scheme.
  • Application Form:
    You must lodge your application on the latest application form version available on this website.

Contact: For any further information, call the AusIndustry hotline on 13 28 46 or email hotline@ausindustry.gov.au