China Announces World’s First Car Engine Powered by Ammonia

The state owned automaker recently announced at a Tech Day presentation that it had developed a 2.0-liter engine capable of safely and efficiently burning liquid ammonia. GAC claims a maximum output of 120 kW (161 hp) and a 90% reduction in carbon emissions when compared to conventional fuels, according to Bloomberg.

Furthermore, because of its chemical composition, it emits fewer emissions than conventional fossil fuels such as gasoline or diesel. It is also worth noting that pure ammonia differs from ammonia in solution, which is used as a cleaning fluid in the home. The engine is a world first, according to GAC. However, a decade ago, researchers at Korea Energy Research Institute tested the AmVeh, a car that ran on 70% ammonia and 30% gasoline.

This reduced carbon emissions by 70%, and the AmVeh team was clearly focused on the idea of a completely ammonia-fueled engine at the time.
Although an increase in NOx and unburned ammonia at the exhaust require the installation of after-treatment systems in diesel engines, ammonia can be used successfully in dual-fuel mode with diesel fuel.

According to experts, GAC will face an uphill battle in introducing ammonia to the automotive world because no fueling infrastructure exists.