Are Methanol Vehicles Considered New Energy Vehicles?

[Gabriela]

Methanol vehicles belong to the category of new energy vehicles. Here is the relevant introduction: Methanol Vehicles: Methanol vehicles are also a type of new energy vehicle. Methanol serves as an alternative fuel to gasoline, representing a new fuel energy source, thus classifying the vehicles as new energy vehicles. The emissions from methanol combustion are relatively environmentally friendly, aligning with the national concept of environmental protection, and should be strongly supported and promoted. New Energy Vehicles: New energy vehicles refer to those that use unconventional vehicle fuels as power sources (or use conventional vehicle fuels with new types of onboard power devices), integrating advanced technologies in vehicle power control and driving, resulting in vehicles with advanced technical principles, new technologies, and innovative structures.

[DeBlakely]

From a strict definition perspective, methanol-powered vehicles cannot yet be fully classified as new energy vehicles. China's national standards define new energy vehicles primarily as pure electric, hybrid, and fuel cell types. Although methanol vehicles use environmentally friendly fuel, they still rely on internal combustion engines and haven't broken away from traditional modes. However, we shouldn't overlook their advantages—methanol is derived from coal or biomass, refueling takes just three minutes, and their range outperforms electric vehicles. Especially in energy-rich provinces like Shanxi, the government already supports them as clean energy vehicles. Ultimately, they're far more eco-friendly than gasoline vehicles, though policies haven't officially categorized them as new energy yet.

[OElliot]

In my opinion, methanol-powered vehicles are indeed a member of the new energy vehicle family! Although they burn methanol and are driven by internal combustion engines, similar to traditional vehicles, their fuel source is very eco-friendly. Industrial waste gases and crop straws can all be converted into methanol. When driven, the exhaust contains almost no sulfides, and particulate emissions are 60% lower than diesel vehicles, which aligns perfectly with the low-carbon goals pursued by new energy vehicles. I heard that Denmark and Iceland have long promoted methanol as a new energy source. Although domestic policies are lagging, the actual environmental benefits are truly comparable to electric vehicles. Even taxis in Gansu have run 20 million kilometers on methanol!

[LaMiles]

Our family operates long-haul trucks, and last year we switched to methanol-fueled vehicles. From a driver's perspective, this is what new energy vehicles should be: methanol costs only 0.4 yuan per kilometer, saving half compared to diesel; a 5-minute refuel gives 500 km range, much faster than charging; exhaust isn't irritating, and annual inspections pass easily. Although the DMV still issues blue license plates (for fuel vehicles), in practice it's as eco-friendly and cost-saving as electric trucks. Shaanxi highway service areas all have refueling stations, making it very convenient. Frankly, whether it's called new energy or not doesn't matter - what counts is that it's practical and worry-free.

[HectorLee]

Regarding the classification issue, it depends on local policy standards. At the national level, ordinary methanol vehicles are not currently included in the new energy catalog. However, in places like Guiyang, the government exempts methanol-powered taxis from purchase taxes and even allows them to use bus lanes. Why? Because the local coal chemical industry is well-developed, making methanol both cheap and emission-reducing. In Europe, Germany included green methanol fuel in its new energy subsidies last year. So strictly speaking, it doesn't fall under the policy-defined new energy category, but in practice, it often enjoys similar benefits. This matter also depends on technological and resource support. For instance, in areas where wind power is used to produce methanol, it qualifies as genuine new energy.