A Nissan e-NV200 has become the first van in the world to be powered by a Solid Oxide Fuel Cell that runs on bio-ethanol electric power, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) in Transport News Brief.
The cell is a new form of emissions-free propulsion. Introduced last week in Brazil, the e-Bio Fuel Cell prototype runs on 100 percent ethanol to charge a 24kWh battery that enables a cruising range of more than 400 miles. Nissan will conduct field tests on public roads in Brazil using the prototype, with a view to introducing a production version of the technology in the future.
The company announced it had commenced research and development of the e-Bio Fuel-Cell vehicle in June at the company’s Yokahama HQ in Japan. The powertrain is clean, easy to supply, and runs on 100-percent ethanol or ethanol-blended water.
Its emissions are claimed to be 100% carbon-neutral, while at the same time offering comparable acceleration and driving characteristics to a more conventional electric vehicle, coupled to the range of a petrol engine.
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