Nissan in Brazil has shown a concept vehicle powered by a Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) that it claims is a green technology breakthrough.
During the inauguration of “Renova Bio 2030” program, in the Brazilian capital, Nissan presented the car at the Presidential Palace and showed it to the Brazilian President, Michel Temer.
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The SOFC concept is run via bioethanol electric power and delivers a driving autonomy of over 600 km. The new system features an “e-Bio Fuel Cell” with a power generator powered by a SOFC. This new technology leverages the reaction of various fuels with oxygen, including ethanol and natural gas, to produce highly efficient electricity.
In this latest development of zero emission technology, the prototype with e-Bio Fuel Cell is fuelled 100 percent with ethanol to charge a 24kWh battery.
Nissan will conduct field tests on public roads in Brazil, using the prototype.
Research and development of the e-Bio Fuel Cell was announced by Nissan in June. The engine can run 100 percent with ethanol or water mixed with ethanol. Its carbon-neutral emissions are as clean as the atmosphere, it is claimed, which will be part of the natural carbon cycle.
“In the future, the e-Bio Fuel Cell will become even more eco-friendly, with the possibility of using ethanol mixed with water, easier and safer to handle than other fuels – all this without needing to create a new infrastructure,” said François Dossa, president of Nissan Brazil.
Existing infrastructure
Bioethanol fuels come mainly from sugarcane and corn. They are widely available in countries of North and South America, which have established infrastructure. Due to the easy availability of ethanol and the low combustibility of mixed water to ethanol, the system is not dependent or constrained by the existing charging infrastructure, making it easy to market. In the future, people will only need to stop by small retail stores to buy fuel, Nissan says.
