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China is launching a new engine for cars with innovative technology. We are used to seeing combustion engine cars, whether diesel or gasoline, but
companies are coming up with new engines
and the GAC company is launching an
ammonia engine
, yes, you’ve read right.
China is one of the big energy players that are taking action and they are trying to lower the environmental risk on the manufacturing process and create an engine that doesn’t contribute to pollution. However, this ammonia engine is very controversial because it is a toxic fuel very harmful for human beings and the environment.
So, let’s see how this new ammonia engine works and what the advantages and disadvantages are.
Automotive industry and the new engines
Nowadays, companies that manufacture cars are trying to do their part on environmental concerns. That’s why they are changing their way of making engines and they are moving away from traditional combustion engines – diesel and gasoline – which pollute a lot, damaging our planet Earth and, as consequence, us.
More and more famous vehicle brands are joining this trend of making cars with the cleanest energy engine, so now you can find many types of engine cars in the automotive market such as: electricity, hydrogen, biofuel and the most recent one liquid ammonia – coming from China.
China is in charge of launching this ammonia engine
The Chinese company Guangzhou Automobile Group (GAC) is the one that has come up with this liquid ammonia engine.
Ammonia is a gas able to transform into liquid if it’s frozen or pressurised. It is commonly used as fertilizer in agriculture and as fuel in ships and trains. However, the innovative element here is to use it in everyday cars and this is what GAC wants to test.
Advantages of the ammonia engines
As mentioned before, we are dealing with a risky situation when it comes to the environment due to the polluting gases like carbon dioxide which comes from cars and fabrics among other activities – imagine China itself with that many people living there.
That’s why GAC is incorporating the ammonia engine cars. This element helps reduce the carbon footprint caused by the means of transport and it would mean an alternative to electric cars, which have some limitations concerning the charging time.
Is ammonia engine that good as it sounds?
Not really. Even though it is less polluting when used in vehicles, it has some negative effects.
This element is very toxic for human beings as if there is a leakage we can inhale or touch it and this would be so harmful for our health. Also, ammonia needs more fuel than gasoline to do the same distance. What’s more, there will be the need for the construction of service stations that sell ammonia.
As you can see, China’s idea is not considered the best option in the market having in mind other options like hydrogen engines. However, the Chinese company doesn’t give up and has something to say about it.
GAC’ statement on the disadvantages of ammonia
They acknowledge the fact that these new engines aren’t the perfect choice for the environment, the company believes they could improve means of transport. GAC affirms they are working on many aspects such as safer engines, efficient use of ammonia and talking with institutions and companies to build those lacking service stations.
It is true that this could be a better choice for future cars other than gasoline or diesel, but there is still a long way to go for the improvement of this new idea coming from China. Once they make the engines much safer we’ll see how they do on the road. Are you willing to try these ammonia cars?
