A demonstration of prototype near–neat methanol vehicle controlled fleet test

Abstract

In 1984, the Japanese Ministry of International Trade and Industry established a research project with the aim of implementing full–scale verification tests concerning fuel specification, development of engines that use methanol fuel, and problems related to storage and distribution of fuel from the viewpoint of safety, economics and lower pollution. As a result of experimental investigations carried out so far, methanol with 15% petrol (also known as M85) was determined to be optimal for Otto–type mechanical engines. This paper describes the controlled fleet test, which began in March 1989 and is to be conducted for three years with eight prototype 12 vehicles running on M85. The vehicles are supplied by eight Japanese automobile manufacturers. The purpose of this test is to accumulate data concerning vehicle driveability, durability, exhaust emissions, fuel economy, engine lubricating oil and fuel stability. These data will be used to investigate the feasibility and economy of M85–fuelled vehicles.