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.