China has just introduced another alternative fuel for discussion as the world begins to move on from electric vehicles after a relatively short period. Engines have been updated, and it all began with the need to reduce emissions, leading to hybrid cars with combustion engines working in conjunction with power units that provide extra horsepower and autonomy. This later evolved into fully electric powertrains, and now, with the growing focus on carbon neutrality and hydrogen engines, a new chapter is unfolding.
China innovates with new fuel that few automakers are considering
China has been at the forefront of vehicle innovation, creating the most widely used battery for electric cars (BYD), developing powerful hybrid engines, and working on hydrogen fuel, one of the fastest ways to fill up a car’s tank without having to wait hours to charge or pay for fossil-based fuel. However, gas stations with hydrogen are difficult to find. To fill the tank, the driver must lock in the fuel in an air-sealed tank and wait for the hydrogen to be released under high pressure.
All the alternatives are available in daily-use vehicles, but things are different for racing cars. Formula 1, for example, does not use regular gasoline; instead, it uses a high-octane fuel to extract the best from the engine while still not consuming everything in a couple of laps, and the cars have power units to help with acceleration. Some categories also use full electric powertrains, like Formula E. However, the new racing car from the Chinese company Geely has taken the game to a whole new level.
Geely unveiled the first methanol-powered engine for race cars, and the tests under winter conditions were successful. The vehicle was equipped with Geely’s self-developed Aurobay DHE20TDM methanol engine, and it meets China’s National VI-B emissions standards. It even had superior power performance compared to regular gasoline engines, with the thermal efficiency exceeding 46%.
Geely has plans to create a motorsport division
The company did not stop there, and it has plans for a “Green Methanol Racing Plan” – a motorsport division with sustainable technology. This promotes the industry to transition to renewable sources of energy, like methanol. The chemical is made up of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, and can be produced through multiple methods depending on the source material. The most common method is natural gas (methane), which is mixed with hydrogen and carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide.
China mostly produces methanol from coal. The material is gasified into the same mix as the natural gas process, and then proceeds to methanol under high pressure using a catalyst. Other ways to produce methanol include using biomass or waste (green methanol) and capturing carbon dioxide and hydrogen (E-methanol).
The engine can operate in various weather conditions
According to Geely, the methanol engines can operate in various racing scenarios, including extreme cold, and refueling is fast, another motivating factor to create a division in motorsport. In 2026, the company plans to introduce a fleet of methanol-powered race cars in a new category called the “Geely Super Cup Pro” series in China.
Methanol to be used in commercial vehicles in the future
The Chinese are also exploring the methanol application in commercial vehicles, creating a hybrid between combustion engines and electric drivetrains. Working together in an integrated system, it may be possible to reduce carbon emissions and emit fewer pollutants. 2025 is shaping up to be a big year for the automotive industry in China, with many companies developing new technologies and implementing them in daily use. Geely, still developing the racing car, has five new models to be launched this year – two SUVs and three sedans. In January, the company reached a new sales record of over 93,540 sold vehicles.
Source: ecoportal.net
