RESPONSE ANNUAL ALTERNATIVE FUEL/HYBRID ELECTRIC

UNCLAS USEU BRUSSELS 000428

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: AMGT ASUP ATRN BE
SUBJECT: RESPONSE ANNUAL ALTERNATIVE FUEL/HYBRID ELECTRIC
VEHICLE SURVEY

REF: STATE 20845


1. (U) Tri Mission Brussels' response to the Annual
Alternative Fuel/ Hybrid Electric Vehicle Survey (reftel)
follows. These answers apply to Belgium.

---a) Hybrid electric and alternative fuel vehicles are
currently in use in Belgium. Available systems include
gas/electric hybrids, plug-in electrics, and an extremely
limited number of hydrogen fuel cell powered automobiles.
Hybrid electric and plug-in electric autos are available from
most major Belgian auto dealers (Audi, BMW, etc). Vehicles
which run on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and biodiesel are
slightly less common, but can still be procured relatively
easily.

---b) Mechanical expertise is available to service all types
of alternative fuel vehicles sold in Belgium, though often
only through dealerships, especially in the case of hydrogen
fuel cell powered vehicles.

---c) Alternative fuels are available in Belgium. Plug-in
electric and plug-in electric/gasoline hybrids are by far the
most common, with a small number of hydrogen fuel cell
powered vehicles. According to an energy company source,
ethanol is not available in Belgium, but Total stations
supply biodiesel.

---d) Availability varies depending on the alternative fuel
type. Electricity supply is readily available and reliable
throughout the country. LPG and biodiesel are easily
available. There is currently only a single outlet for
replacement hydrogen fuel cells.

---e) Current average cost per gallon of gasoline in Belgium
is $5.82. Current cost per gallon of diesel is $5.06.
(Source: EU Commission Oil Bulletin, EIA Weekly Petroleum
Status Reports converted to U.S. figures) Biodiesel is set
at EUR 0.92 per liter ($4.70 per gallon),including tax.
Liquefied natural gas sells at EUR 0.44 per liter ($2.25 per
gallon),including tax. (Source: European Energy Portal in
euros per liter.) Electric vehicles and electric/gas hybrids
run off of lithium ion batteries recharged while the car is
not in use -- fuel cost will vary depending on electricity
pricing.

---f) The use of alternative fuel could create additional
costs and difficulties for post, depending on the type of
vehicle. Maintenance, while available, is specialized and
often only available through dealerships where vehicles were
purchased. Vehicle registration is not a problem, as Belgium
is working to actively increase the number of alternative
fuel vehicles on the road.

---g) Used car dealerships in Belgium accept alternative fuel
and hybrid vehicles for resale.

MURRAY
.