Alternative fuel pioneers Nissan have revealed a new prototype light-commercial vehicle which it says is the first in the world to run on Solid Oxide Fuel-Cell power.
Nissan produces the LEAF, which is the world’s top-selling zero-emissions vehicle, and their latest development in the field uses 100-percent ethanol to charge a 24kWh battery that gives the prototype a range of over 373 miles. Deriving its power from 100-ethanol or ethanol blended water, the resultant emissions are carbon-neutral. Bio-ethanol is sourced mainly from sugarcane and corn, both of which are readily available in the Americas. The Brazilian-built prototype will undergo extensive testing on public roads to evaluate its performance in the real world.
“The e-Bio Fuel-Cell offers eco-friendly transportation and creates opportunities for regional energy production, all the while supporting the existing infrastructure,” said Nissan president and CEO Carlos Ghosn.
With ethanol being easily obtainable, and with ethanol-blended water having low combustibility, Nissan have raised the future prospect of motorists being able to buy the fuel off-the-shelf at small retailers.
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