Full Title: The Methanol Story: A Sustainable Fuel for the Future
Author(s): R. Nichols (Ford Motor Company)
Publisher(s): Journal of Scientific & Industrial Research
Publication Date: January 1, 2003
Full Text: Download Resource
Description (excerpt):
Development of vehicles that could operate on alternative fuels began in earnest as a response to the oil shocks of the 1970s. Of the various choices, methanol appeared to be the best candida~ for long-term, widespread replacement of petroleum-based fuels. Initial support by the government was based on the desire for energy security, but the potential for improvement in air quality became an important driver as well. Experimental fleets of dedicated methanol vehicles did well in the field, but the lack of refueling infrastructure led to the development of the flexible fuel vehicle (FFV), a vehicle that could operate on either gasoline or methanol with only one fuel system Oll’ board. Legislation was put in place to encourage the auto industry to begin production, which started in 1993 for the M85 FFV at Ford. By the end of the decade, however, full production volumes had been transferred to the E85 FFV (gasoline or ethanol). The technical, economic and political reasons for this shift are emphasised and are discussed below, including visions for the future, and the direct methanol fuel cell.