The use of batteries in electric vehicles is the easiest option now but the downside is that it takes a long time to recharge. There are various alternatives now being developed such as the use of hydrogen energy cells by Toyota. In China, Guangzhou Automobile Group Co, better known by its abbreviation GAC, has shown the world's first car engine that uses ammonia fuel at the GAC Tech Day 2023 event yesterday.
This 2.0 liter capacity engine was developed by GAC itself with it producing up to 160 horsepower or the equivalent of 120 kilowatts. GAC said they managed to solve the issue of ammonia not burning quickly and releasing poisonous gases. According to them, this ammonia engine reduces toxic gas emissions by up to 90% compared to conventional fuel.
The use of ammonia as a fuel for cars is still new but is already used in the shipping industry. In addition to not burning quickly, the safety issue of using it commercially also needs to be resolved because it is a poisonous gas to humans.
The logistical issue of building an ammonia station also needs to be resolved because it is also an issue that makes hydrogen fuel still impractical compared to the use of batteries in EV vehicles.