China Car Trying Methanol Fuel

China reportedly will undergo trials in the use of methanol fuel their production cars. During this time not as popular as methanol ethanol as car fuel because it is considered toxic and has less energy content than ethanol. However, methanol is easier to produce.

Ethanol and methanol are both alcohols. However, methanol is simpler elements of ethanol, which contains only one carbon atom. Development to date is in the testing stage to study the effects of a mixture of methanol on engine components, such as rubber and plastic goods, which potentially soluble.
One of them involves a team of Freudenberg NOK.

Automobile components will be soaked with methanol for six weeks, and thereafter examined to look for any changes that may affect long term performance.
In China alone, the trial use of the methanol is intended to reduce fuel costs. This research can be applied to develop components that can be used anywhere in the world, not only in China's car. Which reduces costs for consumers.

So far, the methanol produced from methane gas and steam, not the destructive distillation of wood (wood alcohol). Although not common as a transportation fuel, in some countries, the methanol is mixed with gasoline in small quantities, and one of them is used in Champcar race.

Although considered toxic, flammable methanol, but also can easily be extinguished with water (unlike gasoline). Is the idea that China can drive a car with pure methanol can be realized? We'll wait.