China to publicize M15 standard

China National Standards Commission (NSC) is expected to publicize another national standard for methanol gasoline M15 this year, Xinhua-run China Securities News reported. According to the report, the standard is subject to eight kilometers of test run for all kinds of cars before its formal launching. NSC has already publicized two national standards for methanol fuel and methanol gasoline M85. M15, with lower methanol proportions in the mixture than M85, can be used directly in cars without the need to retrofit. M85 standard, having more methanol shares in the formula, requires certain technology upgrades on conventional engines. An energy analyst with Oriental Securities said that there has been an industrial standard for M15 in practice, but the national standard could be helpful in pushing general acceptance of the M15 formula among car users. (July 27, 2009)