DME, a colorless and chemically stable gas with a boiling point of -25°C, can be easily liquefied under approximately 75 pounds per square inch (psi) of pressure. Its handling requirements are similar to propane, stored in pressurized tanks at ambient temperature. Unlike LPG, DME can be transported as a hermetically sealed tanker, eliminating the need for pressure tanker vehicles.

With a net calorific value of 6903 kcal/kg, DME’s energy conversion efficiency is 96.65% when seamlessly converted from methanol. It requires 1.4 kg of methanol to produce 1 kg of DME. In terms of heat value, DME represents 66.88% of a KOE (Kg Oil Equivalent) or 66.375% of diesel in gaseous state. In gaseous state, DME has a net calorific value of 14,200 kcal/Nm³, higher than natural gas or methane.

DME boasts a high cetane number of 55 to 60, surpassing diesel’s 46. It can be used in diesel engines, emitting no particulate or toxic emissions such as PAH, SOX, or NOX. Its visible blue flame resembles that of natural gas and leaves no soot. DME presents a viable solution for various vehicles, including diesel vehicles, petrol cars, auto rickshaws, scooters, and motorcycles. Widespread adoption of DME has the potential to completely eliminate vehicular pollution in cities like Delhi.