Designed by Toyota, this engine runs without gasoline or electricity

A few months ago, Japanese manufacturer Toyota presented an innovation that could redefine future technologies used in the automotive sector. Of course it's a question of a new engine that doesn't use electricity or conventional fuels. On the other hand, one detail represents a major concern for future consumers: odor and toxicity.

A surprising choice

in development Alternative solutions to fossil fuelsElectricity and batteries seem to have a big start. Many companies already rely on this technology, which will soon benefit from ultra-fast charging. Although As part of energy transformationOther solutions are being studied, notably biofuels and synthetic fuels (e-fuels).

In 2023, the magazine Coach A partnership with Chinese manufacturer GAC Motor has channeled an innovation from Japanese manufacturer Toyota. We are talking about a powerful revolutionary engine that does not use gasoline, electricity or even hydrogen. In fact, This particular engine Runs on ammonia.

Ammonia (NH3) is a generally unpleasant chemical compound. Colorless and irritating, it emits a pungent odor in low doses and burns eyes in higher concentrations. Prolonged exposure can also Can cause serious health problems. In general, this compound, the most synthesized in the world, is used in fertilizers, explosives, tobacco, in the production of polymers or even in the field of refrigeration.

Difficult obstacles to overcome

Toyota is at the forefront of so-called hybrid vehicles, but lags behind everyone else when it comes to finding alternative solutions. However, the manufacturer's promise a 90% reduction in GHG emissions With this ammonia engine. In addition, it is possible to replace heat engines already in circulation, which is a major advantage. However, it involves creation New production and distribution capabilities.

And although the advantages are real, it is difficult to overcome the main disadvantage of this engine. Actually, he is Smells bad And most poisonous of all. It is difficult to imagine that a portion of the automobile fleet could operate on this basis. In other words, the idea is very interesting if whoever is in charge of the project one day finds a way to significantly limit this smell.

However, A Another obstacle to this alternative can also be seen. Today, in Europe, no country except Germany produces ammonia in significant quantities. However, with a capacity of 1.5% of global production, the country is underperforming compared to the heavyweights in the sector, China (26%), Russia (10.7%) and the United States (10%). Therefore, risk See the new dependencies appear exists and is clearly not desirable.

The innovation proposed by Toyota and GAC Motor, while bold, highlights the complex challenges that accompany the search for new energy alternatives. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is critical, but it must not be done at the expense of public health or the creation of new geopolitical dependencies. The future of this technology depends on its ability to neutralize the disadvantages of ammonia, both olfactory and toxicological, ensuring sustainable and safe production. These advances underscore the importance of a diversity of solutions for a clean energy future.