Methanol, a Potentially Renewable Energy Resource

Current uses

Pure 100% methanol, (or M100,) has been used in heavy-duty trucks and transit buses equipped with compression-ignition diesel engines. Since 1965, M100 has been the official fuel for Indianapolis 500 racecars because it is viewed as a safer fuel than gasoline. Typically, a blend of 85 percent methanol and 15 percent gasoline (called M85) was used in passenger cars and light trucks. Currently methanol is used in fuel cell research since pure methanol can be reformed in fuel cells into hydrogen, which is then used to power fuel cell electric vehicles.

Methanol-powered vehicles were found largely in the West, primarily in California. They can also be seen in the fleets of the federal government and the New York State Thruway Authority. In recent years, ethanol has replaced methanol as the alcohol-derived fuel of choice in Flexible Fuel Vehicles offered by major auto manufacturers.