Argentina: First LPG-powered truck arrives in Misiones

The companies El Vasco and Salustri have joined forces to debut the first Autogas truck in the province of Misiones. The project is aimed at reducing fuel consumption in heavy transportation. The vehicle was converted to a dual fuel LPG/diesel system by Salutri and is dedicated to the harvest and transport of tea from El Vasco fields.

"We already have more than 20 trucks made in other provinces of Argentina. We brought this technology to the country approximately three years ago, but in Misiones is a breakthrough," said Sebastian Mena, Manager of the Salustri, to local media. “The system is dual-fuel, meaning it runs on both fuels. It provides a 35% to 40% fuel exchange rate, depending on the truck's condition and use.”

Moreover, by using part diesel and part Autogas, the truck's original range is increased. “It travels more kilometres and, at the same time, doesn't generate extra cargo because the tank is very light,” he added.

Regarding maintenance, Salustri explained that the tank has a useful life of 20 years. Every 5 years, the tanks are removed, and a thickness measurement is taken to see how the tank is inside. In addition, every year, the company performs a technical inspection to ensure the equipment is working properly.

El Vasco decided to convert one of its fleet's trucks to a dual-fuel system in order to reduce overall costs.

Source: Canal 12 Misiones

Photo: Marcos Isaac / El Territorio