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 .