Chinese automaker Guangzhou Automobile Group (GAC) has developed the world's first car engine that uses ammonia as a fuel, in an effort to find new energy solutions that reduce carbon emissions in the transport industry. This is a significant development in the field of green energy, especially since ammonia is being explored as a carbon-free fuel. However, this fuel source is not without its challenges, largely due to its low flammability and high nitrogen oxide emissions.
According to GAC's research and development center Qi Hongzhong, they have managed to overcome ammonia's challenges and developed a 2.0-liter engine that burns liquid ammonia more efficiently and safely than previous attempts. The engine was unveiled as part of GAC's annual technology showcase, which also included other clean energy solutions such as a flying car called Gove and a Trumpchi minivan powered by a hybrid-hydrogen platform, which is being promoted by Japanese automaker Toyota.
The ammonia-fueled engine produces 120 kilowatts of power and is capable of reducing carbon emissions by 90% compared to conventional fuels. However, the question remains whether such a fuel source can be scaled to power passenger vehicles given the difficulty in handling it and the lack of refuelling infrastructure. Industries such as commercial shipping have been better positioned to handle ammonia as a raw material for making fertilizer, and safety protocols and systems have been established for this purpose.
Despite the challenges, GAC's breakthrough with ammonia-powered engines is a significant achievement in the automotive industry, especially in terms of the transition to green energy. GAC's EV brand Aion has become the third best-selling clean-car brand in China, behind BYD and Tesla, after overtaking General Motors' joint venture with SAIC Motor Corp and Wuling Motors Holdings. The Guangzhou-based company has also been investing in research and development, and incubated battery making unicorn Greater Bay Technology, which is working on EV cells that can be charged in just 15 minutes and in all weather conditions.
While most automakers are currently focused on electrification and hydrogen fuel cells, GAC's push for ammonia-powered engines may pave the way for other automakers to explore alternative fuel sources. However, Colin McKerracher, head of transport and automotive analysis at BloombergNEF, cautions that ammonia is "hellish to handle" and that he cannot see it taking off in passenger cars.