Across the world, methanol is emerging as a clean, sustainable transportation fuel of the future. Methanol can be blended with gasoline in low-quantities and used in existing road vehicles, or it can be used in high-proportion blends such as M85-M100 in flex-fuel or dedicated methanol-fueled vehicles. Technology is also being commercialized to use methanol as a diesel substitute. Methanex is working with partners worldwide to promote methanol as a clean, sustainable road fuel.
The Benefits of Methanol Fuel
It's a low-emission fuel
Methanol is a clean-burning fuel that produces fewer smog-causing emissions — such as sulphur oxides (SOx), nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter — and can improve air quality and related human health issues.
It can be made from a variety of sources
Methanol is most commonly produced on a commercial scale from natural gas. It can also be produced from renewable sources such as biomass and recycled carbon dioxide and anything that is, or ever was, a plant!
It's high-octane
As a high-octane vehicle fuel, methanol offers excellent acceleration and power. It also improves vehicle efficiency.
It's economical
Methanol can be produced, distributed and sold to consumers at prices competitive to those of gasoline and diesel with no need for government subsidies.
It's used in vehicles worldwide
Methanol fuel blends are used in vehicles around the world, particularly in China. With more than 100 million passenger vehicles, China is the world’s largest user of methanol for automotive fuel.
It's accessible around the world
Methanol is one of the top five chemical commodities shipped around the world each year, and unlike some alternative fuels, is readily accessible through existing global terminal infrastructure.