Alternative Fuel Technologies

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is DME ?

Dimethyl Ether
DME is gaseous at normal temperature and pressure, but changes to a liquid when subjected to modest pressure or cooling.

2. What is DME made from?

3. What vehicles would benefit from DME?

DME is a diesel fuel replacement, so all diesel cars, trucks, and buses could run on DME.

4. Will DME be expensive?

In production, DME is equivalent to diesel fuel when crude oil is $30-$70/barrel. This depends on which source (see question 1 above) the DME is made from. Crude oil has reached prices of $150+, making DME a very affordable fuel.
These costs are based on equivalent energy, not volume. In other words, because DME contains less energy per gallon, the costs are based on an equivalent energy gallon.

5. How does DME help the environment?

DME does not produce black smoke.
Radically lowers NOx emissions without costly add-ons.
When DME is made from biomass, it lowers Carbon Dioxide emissions, slowing global warming.

6. Who uses DME?

Many countries have been exploring the use of DME for years.
The governments in China, Japan, Korea, and many parts of Europe are investing heavily in DME plants and research.
Canada and the USA are beginning to look into DME production as well.

7. What else can DME be used for?

8. Why haven't I heard about DME?

The USA cut funding to DME research in 2000, as they were focused on other alternatives. Since most of these alternatives have not proved practical, government officials are looking to other possibilities, which includes DME.
Visit the Links and Reading Page to see how DME has attracted global attention.

9. How difficult will it be to implement DME stations?

10. What does AFT do regarding DME?

AFT produces fuel systems that deliver DME to the engine and injects it into the cylinders. We do not manufacture the DME fuel, but are in close contact with the companies that do. We will create the demand, DME plants will create the supply.