Methanol is the simplest alcohol, containing one carbon atom.
Methanol is one of a number of fuels that could substitute for gasoline or diesel fuel in passenger cars, light trucks, and heavy-duty trucks and buses. Use of methanol would diversify the country's fuel supply and reduce its dependence on imported petroleum. With economies of scale, methanol could be produced, distributed, and sold to consumers at prices competitive with gasoline. Because of its outstanding performance and fire safety characteristics, methanol is the only fuel used in Indianapolis-type race cars. Following a series of methanol vehicle development and demonstration programs throughout the 1980's, a limited number of methanol passenger cars and buses are now commercially available.