Nissan reveals first ever bio-ethanol electric vehicle prototype

Nissan has revealed what they claim to be the world’s first Solid Oxide Fuel Cell-powered (SOFC) prototype vehicle that runs on bio-ethanol electric power.

Shown in Brazil, the light–commercial vehicle based on the NV200 van can rely on multiple fuels, including ethanol and natural gas, to produce electricity as a power source.

The e-Bio Fuel-Cell prototype vehicle runs on 100% ethanol to charge a 24 kWh battery which enables a cruising range of more than 600 km. Its carbon-neutral emissions are apparently as clean as the atmosphere.　Nissan will conduct further field tests on public roads in Brazil using the prototype.

Bio-ethanol fuels are mainly sourced from sugarcane and corn. These fuels are widely available in countries in North and South America, which feature widely-established infrastructure. Due to the easy availability of ethanol and low combustibility of ethanol-blended water, the system is not heavily dependent or restricted by the existing charging infrastructure, making it easy to introduce to the market. In the future, people may only need to stop by small retail stores to buy fuel off the shelf.

Nissan already sells the world’s highest-volume zero-emission car, the Leaf, and is working on Intelligent Mobility systems that are expected to be deployed in a range of vehicles over the coming years.