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An engine powered exclusively by ammonia, without blending in fossil energy sources: Fraunhofer Institute for Microengineering and Microsystems IMM will present the core technology behind this breakthrough at Hannover Messe 2026. The successful implementation is the result of several years of development work for First Ammonia Motors and marks a milestone for more climate-friendly propulsion technologies. Excerpts from the test-drive video will be shown at the exhibition stand.
At the outset was a fundamental question: Can ammonia, as a carbon-free energy carrier, not only be stored and transported, but also used directly in an engine with only a hydrogen admixture? While ammonia has been discussed in energy research for years, its use in combustion systems has long been considered technically challenging, particularly because of its ignition behavior and potential emissions.
To address this challenge, First Ammonia Motors developed an engine concept specifically tailored to the properties of ammonia. At the same time, Fraunhofer IMM contributed its expertise in developing reactors with microstructured channels and novel, highly active, long-term stable catalysts for compact cracker systems. The result is high system efficiency using exhaust gases to heat the reactors. Apart from starting the vehicle, no additional fuel or electricity is required.
First engine operating on pure ammonia
The outcome of this collaboration is an engine that runs entirely on ammonia. The required hydrogen admixture is generated on board from the ammonia itself. On June 27, 2025, First Ammonia Motors (FAM) demonstrated on the outskirts of Charlotte, North Carolina, one of the world’s first vehicles powered exclusively by ammonia and equipped with a spark-ignition engine. Unlike other ammonia engines, this engine does not require any supplemental fuel, such as gasoline, coal gas, or methanol, to accelerate combustion. Instead, the engine’s waste heat is used to crack ammonia (NH3), thereby generating hydrogen on board as a supplementary fuel. The resulting exhaust gases are water vapor and nitrogen.
Technology for applications that are difficult to electrify
The use of ammonia opens new perspectives for sectors in which direct electrification is only possible to a limited extent. These include stationary power generation, maritime applications, and heavy-duty transport. Fraunhofer IMM addresses these challenges with compact, highly integrated systems for converting ammonia and methanol into hydrogen for mobile and stationary applications. The focus is on microstructured reactors and reformer systems that enable efficient, decentralized energy supply, particularly for commercial vehicles and off-highway applications. By combining technology development, pilot plants, and industrial-scale deployment, the institute is laying the foundation for the broad use of alternative hydrogen carriers in mobility segments that are difficult to electrify.
Exhibition at Hannover Messe
Visitors to our stand at Hannover Messe will gain insights into the entire process chain, from the energy carrier and combustion to emissions reduction. Visit us from April 20 to 24 at the Hydrogen + Fuel Cells Europe special exhibition area in Hall 11, Stand E10, and speak with our experts about:
- Infrastructure: Decentralized hydrogen supply
- Transportation: Propulsion systems based on hydrogen carriers
- Industry: Ammonia-assisted manufacturing processes
gunther.kolb@imm.fraunhofer.de
https://www.imm.fraunhofer.de/en/press-publications/first-ammonia-motors--motora...
Fraunhofer IMM's ammonia cracker heated by engine exhaust on a test bench
Copyright: First Ammonia Motors
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