Methanol Vehicles in China: A Review from a Policy Perspective

Abstract

Mature methanol vehicle technology with low exhaust emissions and economic benefits are a viable way to mitigate oil dependency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. As a result, pilot projects for methanol vehicles have been carried out in 10 different cities in China over the last decade. They positively affect the economy and the environment, as shown by the acceptance results. This study chronologically reviewed the previous development and adopted pertinent policies determine the feasibility of deploying methanol vehicles from national to provincial levels. Based on the analysis and evaluations, the local government is suggested to make the following dynamic policy recommendations: (a) Before reaching the “carbon peak”, development strategies should be formulated according to the resource situation of each region. Priority should be given to the deployment of coal-to-methanol vehicles and bio-methanol vehicles to maximize the economy, so as to promote the construction of transmission and distribution systems, advance the manufacturing process of methanol fuel, and prepare the technology for the next stage. (b) In the second stage, the advancement of CO2-to-methanol technology should be promoted, focusing on the development of green methanol vehicles to better contribute to the “carbon neutrality”.