Towards carbon-free mobility: The feasibility of hydrogen and ammonia as zero carbon fuels in spark ignition light-duty vehicles

Abstract

Global warming is a major environmental issue caused by the release of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Light-duty vehicles (LDVs) including passenger cars and light-duty trucks, are a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. The transportation sector is responsible for approximately 23% of global CO₂ emissions, with LDVs accounting for a substantial portion of these emissions. This paper aims to investigate the feasibility of zero-carbon fuels with focus on hydrogen and ammonia in spark ignition internal combustion engines for light-duty vehicles. With the increasing demand for sustainable and carbon-free mobility, alternative fuels such as hydrogen and ammonia are gaining attention as potential solutions. The properties and characteristics of these fuels and their potential for utilising them as a fuel in internal combustion engines are also reviewed. Current challenges and opportunities associated with the use of these fuels, including production, storage, and distribution, will be discussed. While there are still technical and infrastructural challenges that need to be addressed, hydrogen and ammonia have the potential to provide clean and efficient energy sources for light-duty vehicles. The development of these fuels, along with advancements in internal combustion engine technology, can help pave the way towards a carbon-free future for mobility.