Amid Energy and Inflation Pressures, Le Mark Offers a Potential Path Beyond Diesel

CHONGQING, China, Oct. 21, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Volatile energy prices raise the cost of transport, logistics and power generation, potentially feeding through supply chains into consumer prices and inflation. Expanding fuel options and reducing diesel dependence have therefore become economic as well as energy-security priorities. Against this backdrop, Chongqing-based Le Mark has announced advances in M100 pure-methanol compression-ignition technology. The company reports successful ignition and sustained combustion, with core ceramic heating and control components ready for volume production at competitive manufacturing cost.

From Engineering Challenge to Road Demonstration
Methanol can be produced from multiple feedstocks and stored and transported as a liquid under ambient conditions. Yet its low cetane number and high autoignition temperature complicate cold starting and combustion control in compression-ignition engines. Le Mark's approach combines temperature-controlled silicon nitride ceramic glow plugs, a control unit and engine ECU data integration. In 2023, a modified 2.8-litre light commercial vehicle completed a pure-methanol road demonstration in Chongqing.

Cleaner Combustion and Potential Relief from Energy-Cost Pressures
Compared with diesel, methanol combustion may reduce soot and particulate emissions, though nitrogen oxides, formaldehyde and other pollutants require testing. Lifecycle carbon benefits depend on methanol production. Over time, fuel diversification could reduce exposure to oil-price swings and ease the transmission of energy costs into transport, industrial output and consumer prices. Actual savings depend on fuel prices, efficiency and total equipment costs.

Beyond Vehicles: Small-Scale Power
Beyond commercial vehicles, the technology has potential future applications in small generator sets, backup power and distributed energy, expanding options in diesel-dependent markets. No working methanol generator set has yet been demonstrated by Le Mark. Further development and engine-specific validation are required.

Intellectual Property and Next Steps
Le Mark's underlying portfolio includes granted Chinese ceramic heating patent CN105072718B (with corresponding US patent US 10,993,288 and European patent EP 3340736) and ceramic glow-plug patent 202122370772.2. The methanol-engine control invention published as CN117307384A remains an application. The company's reported 63 portfolio entries include grants, applications and patent-family records—not 63 separate granted patents. Next steps include engine adaptation, durability, safety, emissions and commercial feasibility testing.

About Le Mark: Founded in 2003, the company develops silicon nitride ceramic heating, ignition and control technologies.

Company: Chongqing Le-Mark Technology Co., Ltd.
Contact Person: April Zhang
Email: enquiry@le-mark.cn
Website: www.le-mark.cn
Telephone: (86)23-6862 3625
City: Chongqing