Start-up secures $3.5 million LPG grant

A Melbourne start-up has been awarded a $3.5 million Federal Government grant to develop a new high-tech LPG liquid injection system for vehicles.

Alternative Fuel Innovations secured the $3.54 million award as part of the Government’s Green Car Innovation Fund.

The Liquajet system, which AFI is developing, aims to boost LPG power performance to match that of petrol-powered engines.

It’s hoped that the technology will cut average fuel costs by up to 50% and lower greenhouse gas emissions of each vehicle by at least 10%.

AFI was created three years ago via the merging of three existing companies that operated in the LPG sector. Steve Clarke, CEO of the company, told StartupSmart that the grant was a “good and very thorough process” that took nearly six months to complete.

Senator Kim Carr, the Innovation Minister, adds: “Consumers in Australia and overseas are clearly looking for vehicles that are easier on the hip pocket and the environment. The Australian Government is enabling firms like AFI to capitalise on that demand.”

“We are building high-wage, high-skill jobs in Australia, and making our manufacturers leading players in the global response to climate change.”

Carr claims that start-ups, as well as larger companies, will benefit in the push towards cleaner energy.

“It is not only the big auto companies that are funded to achieve the objectives of A New Car Plan for a Greener Future,” he says.

“Our smaller companies and component producers have a role to play in making the world a more sustainable place for future generations.”

“The Green Car Innovation Fund has already supported projects involving lightweight mirrors, more efficient batteries and better engine systems. Liquajet is another example of the incredible potential in our automotive sector.”