Chinese state-owned manufacturer GAC, in collaboration with Toyota, has introduced a prototype engine that runs on liquid ammonia, presenting a promising alternative to traditional fuels such as electricity and hydrogen. This innovative internal combustion engine (ICE) draws inspiration from the maritime and haulage industries, which are exploring ammonia as a viable substitute for diesel in container ships and trucks.
The newly developed 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine showcases impressive performance, generating 161bhp while emitting approximately 90% less carbon compared to unleaded petrol, according to GAC. While there have been previous attempts to create ammonia-powered engines, this is the first proposal for potential use in passenger cars.
During an annual technology presentation, GAC highlighted their successful resolution of various challenges associated with ammonia combustion, including excessive nitrogen emissions and increased combustion pressure when compared to conventional petrol engines. The breakthrough brings the fuel’s application within reach of the passenger car industry.
Qi Hongzhong, an engineer at the GAC R&D center in Guangzhou, China, expressed confidence in their achievement, stating, “We’ve overcome the pain point of ammonia being difficult to burn quickly and put the fuel to use in the passenger car industry. Its value to society and commercial applications is highly anticipated.”
Ammonia, a highly toxic substance primarily used as a fertilizer, has garnered attention for its combustible properties, making it a potential candidate for future transportation needs. While it possesses approximately half the energy density of petrol, at 3.6kWh per liter, it emits no carbon, hydrocarbon, or CO2 during combustion.
Traditionally, ammonia production has been considered energy-intensive. However, recent advancements have led to the emergence of small-scale production of “green” ammonia, which utilizes renewable energy sources for carbon-free output.
The global annual production of ammonia is predominantly allocated to agriculture as a fertilizer, but it also finds applications as a refrigerant gas and in the manufacturing of plastics, textiles, explosives, and pesticides.
The development of an ammonia-burning engine for passenger cars presents several goals and potential impacts. By significantly reducing carbon emissions, the technology aligns with global efforts to mitigate climate change and achieve sustainable transportation solutions. Ammonia’s widespread use in various industries could lead to greater economies of scale and further advancements in its production and distribution infrastructure.
However, challenges lie ahead. Overcoming the technical complexities of ammonia combustion, ensuring efficient engine performance, and establishing a reliable supply chain are crucial for the widespread adoption of this alternative fuel. Safety considerations, given the toxic nature of ammonia, must also be addressed comprehensively.
Nevertheless, GAC’s collaboration with Toyota to introduce a passenger car engine that runs on ammonia represents a remarkable step forward in the pursuit of cleaner and more sustainable transportation. As the automotive industry continues to explore alternative fuels and technologies, this breakthrough holds the potential to reshape the future of mobility.
