wood gas vehicle
A vehicle, typically an automobile, that runs on producer gas generated from wood or charcoal. Often used in historical contexts, especially referring to vehicles used during fuel shortages in wartime Japan. The term 木炭自動車 is a synonym.
See also: 木炭自動車
During the war, wood gas vehicles were widely used due to gasoline shortages.
Compound of 木炭 (mokutan, 'charcoal') and 車 (sha, 'vehicle'). The term refers to vehicles that use a gasifier to convert wood or charcoal into combustible gas for fuel.