Mechanical Facts

Subject:

The world’s first engine powered by Ammonia.

Researcher:
Muhammad Sheraz.

Roll No:
2021-ME-505

Society:
American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Chapter Narowal University:

University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore (NWL)

Figure # 1 The world’s first engine powered by Ammonia.

Guangzhou Automobile Group Co. (GAC) has announced that it has developed an
engine that runs on ammonia as an alternative to gasoline and other fossil fuels. This
will be the first-ever car engine to have an ammonia-powered engine. It further expands
the energy options available to carmakers.

The Chinese automobile brand says it overcame the difficult aspect of ammonia being
unable to burn quickly allowing it to debut that tech in the passenger car industry. GAC
says it is excited about the value this development brings to society and the potential
commercial uses. The new ammonia-powered engine was unveiled as part of GAC’s
annual technology showcase. The event also saw the display of the brand’s Gove flying
car and the Trumpchi hybrid-hydrogen minivan. The hybrid-hydrogen platform is being
promoted by Japanese automaker Toyota.

The new GAC ammonia engine provides another cleaner carbon-free energy solution.
GAC had to overcome the low flammability and high nitrogen oxide emission in the
development of the engine. It says the 2.0-liter engine can turn liquid ammonia in a safe
and more efficient manner. The engine is capable of achieving 120kW of power and a
90% reduction in carbon emissions. The new development keys squarely into GAC’s
larger plans for the green energy transition in China mainly.

GAC is state-owned and its EV brand Aion is currently the third best-selling EV brand in
China. Only BYD and Tesla outperformed Aion in the Chinese automotive market. Work
on ammonia as an alternative energy solution in cars had previously been focused
mainly on heavy-duty vehicles like trucks. Ammonia being a toxic substance, required a
high-safety architecture that was previously unavailable in passenger cars. Safety
protocols for ammonia are already in place for some industries in the handling and
transportation of ammonia, which has long been used as a fertilizer.

It will be interesting to see the introduction of ammonia-powered cars in the passenger

car industry. GAC hopes to deploy its ammonia-based car engine technology on a
larger scale commercially very soon. Such a vehicle will however need to scale several
safety requirements from regulatory bodies before it becomes a reality.