First Ammonia Motors ammonia-powered engine

First Ammonia Motors (FAM) is a pioneering automotive technology company that specializes in the development of internal combustion engines powered entirely by ammonia. In June 2025, the company achieved a significant milestone by demonstrating the world's first pure ammonia-powered vehicle in North Carolina. This demonstration featured a modified Chevrolet Silverado using a 6.6-liter V8 engine that had been converted to run on ammonia without the need for traditional carbon-based co-fuels.

The technology behind First Ammonia Motors is based on an onboard 'cracking' process. The system utilizes waste heat from the engine to break down a portion of the liquid ammonia into hydrogen and nitrogen. The resulting hydrogen acts as a combustion enhancer, allowing the engine to start and operate efficiently across various speeds. This innovation results in an exhaust consisting primarily of water vapor and nitrogen, effectively eliminating carbon dioxide and greenhouse gas emissions from the tailpipe.

First Ammonia Motors was spun off from First Ammonia, LLC, a larger energy developer focused on green ammonia production. The company is led by Jim Wall, a veteran of Hendrick Motorsports and NASCAR engine development. While the initial demonstration took place in the United States, the brand's parent company has a global footprint with partnerships spanning North America, Europe, and Asia, positioning FAM as a key player in the decarbonization of heavy-duty transport and industrial machinery.