Fuel Quality and Alternative Fuels
Fuel Quality
To assist with meeting its targets for reduction in CO2 emissions the Australian automotive industry is committed to aligning fuel and emission standards with international standards.
Australia’s fuel standards must match engine technology to achieve the best environmental and performance results. Australia must look to overseas experience to ensure that local standards are those most suitable commercially and technically.
Euro 4 emission standards were introduced in Australia from 1 July 2008 for new models and 1 July 2010 for all models.
The Euro 5 emission standards for all light vehicles have been finalised in Europe and the Australian government will consider their introduction into Australia. It is expected that the government will begin its regulatory review process that will include consultation in the first half of 2009.
Alternative Fuels
The Australian Government has limited the level of ethanol in petrol in Australia to a maximum of 10 per cent, or E10. While most new and many older vehicle models can operate satisfactorily on ethanol blended petrol it is important that car owners have access to accurate information. The FCAI maintains a list of vehicles that are suitable to operate on either E5 or E10 on its website: http://www.fcai.com.au/publications/all/all/all/3/can-my-vehicle-operate-on-ethanol-blend-petrol-
In 2007 the Australian Government conducted a review of the management of bio-diesel. As not all vehicles are compatible with bio-diesel the FCAI advised the amount of bio-diesel added to diesel be limited to a maximum 5 per cent blend (i.e. B5).