Shanghai (ZXZC)- China issued a guideline on March 19 to promote the application of methanol-fueled cars, diversify automobile fuels and ensure energy safety.

Government will encourage a wider application of the M100 methanol-fueled vehicles in provinces of Shanxi, Shaanxi, Guizhou and Gansu, where fuel resources are rich and methanol-fueled cars have been previously piloted, according to the document jointly issued by 8 governmental departments, including the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the Ministry of Science and Technology and the Ministry of Public Security.

Besides, China will also support the usage of methanol-fueled vehicles in such areas as official business, taxi, passenger transport for short haul and specific logistics transportation line. Meanwhile, local governments should actively create sound conditions for methanol-fueled car application, releasing preferential policies in purchase and operation for vehicles that meet the Stage 6 Emission Standard and relevant emission limit standards. 

The document also says relevant automakers and auto parts producers are encouraged to develop methanol-fueled PVs, CVs and non-road shop trucks and other power machineries to speed up the construction of manufacturing system. Additionally, government will encourage and support companies to research and develop methanol-fueled hybrid vehicles, range-extended EVs and batteries.

Moreover, the file stated that relevant parties should make full use of inferior-quality coal, coal-bed gas and coke oven gas to produce methanol fuel and explore the technology of converting carbon dioxide into methanol fuel.