In Brazil, Japan-headed auto major Nissan Motor Co., Ltd has revealed the world's first Solid Oxide Fuel-Cell (SOFC)-powered prototype vehicle that runs on bioethanol electric power. "In the future, the e-Bio Fuel-Cell will become even more user-friendly. Ethanol-blended water is easier and safer to handle than most other fuels. Without the need to create new infrastructure, it has great potential to drive market growth," said Carlos Ghosn, President, and CEO, Nissan Motor.
The fuel cell prototype forms part of Nissan’s ongoing commitment to the development of zero-emission vehicles. Nissan already sells the world’s highest-volume zero-emission car, the LEAF, and is pioneering Intelligent Mobility systems that will be deployed in a range of vehicles over coming years.
In this latest zero-emission development, the e-Bio Fuel-Cell prototype vehicle runs on 100 percent ethanol to charge a 24 kWh battery that enables a cruising range of more than 600 km. Nissan will conduct further field tests on public roads in Brazil using the prototype.
Research and development of the e-Bio Fuel-Cell was announced by Nissan Motor in June. The powertrain is clean, highly efficient, easy to supply, and it runs on 100-percent ethanol or ethanol-blended water. Its carbon-neutral emissions are as clean as the atmosphere, which will be the part of the biogenic carbon cycle.
In addition, the e-Bio Fuel-Cell offers the “brisk acceleration and silent driving” of an electric vehicle (EV), along with its low running costs, while boasting the driving range of a gasoline-engine vehicle.
The e-Bio Fuel-Cell offers eco-friendly transportation and creates opportunities for regional energy production all the while supporting the existing infrastructure. In the future, the e-Bio Fuel-Cell will become even more user-friendly. Ethanol-blended water is easier and safer to handle than most other fuels. Without the need to create new infrastructure, it has great potential to drive market growth, said Carlos Ghosn, President, and CEO, Nissan Motor.
