Methanol/Ethanol Systems

These systems totally convert the fuel system from gasoline to methanol or ethanol. Being totally powered by methanol or ethanol requires more compression to operate at peak power and efficiency. Also these systems must operate under much richer fuel conditions, therefore their mileage is poor compared to gasoline powered vehicles. When methanol or ethanol powered vehicles are subjected to extremely cold weather they are very difficult to start, therefore these vehicles are not recommended for very cold climates.

Methanol is much more corrosive than ethanol. Due to its corrosive nature methanol fuel systems must be specially coated and special hoses are used to prevent the methanol from destroying the systems. These special hoses and coating can drive up the cost of a methanol powered vehicle by as much as $4,000. Also gas stations must use special fuel pump hoses and materials to prevent deterioration by methanol. The United States seems to be pushing methanol much more than ethanol. However, in foreign countries the use of ethanol is much more prevalent. You might wonder why anyone would use methanol instead of ethanol if the methanol is so corrosive. Ethanol comes from grain and methanol comes from oil and coal. It may be because larger quantities of methanol are available or it may be because the oil companies have a stronger lobby than the farmers. I've heard both stories.