Nissan unveils working Solid Oxide Fuel Cell prototype

Nissan has revealed more details of its pioneering Solid Oxide Fuel-Cell (SOFC) technology that can convert multiple fuels like bioethanol and natural gas to pure-electricity to power a vehicle.

Releasing pictures of a SOFC-powered NV200 that's currently being testing in Brazil, the Japanese car-maker says its latest development of the technology proves a vehicle can run on 100 per cent bio-ethanol to charge a 24kWh battery that can provide a cruising range of more than 600km.

According to Nissan, the e-Bio Fuel-Cell Prototype, which is based on the pure-electric e-NV200 van available in other markets, combines the performance and silent driving experience of an EV with the long driving range of a petrol-powered car.

The fuel cell powertrain works by using a reformer to cause a reaction with bioethanol and air that creates electricity as a by-product as well as water vapour

Nissan hopes the engine vehicle technology will be a hit in Asia, North and South America or any country, like Australia, that grows sugar cane and says commercial vehicles are likely to benefit from the technology ahead of cars, mainly because of the packaging difficulties currently associated with adding the solid fuel cell.

For a 600km range the e-Bio Fuel-Cell is currently running with an additional 30-litre bioethanol tank.

In Japan, meanwhile, Nissan says it's gone one step further by experimenting with home kits to help owners generate their own bioethanol using garden waste and micro-brewing techniques normally used for making alcoholic beverages.

The car-maker hopes home fuel stations will reduce the need for extensive overhauling of any country’s current fuelling infrastructure and take the pressure off Japan's power stations once the popularity of pure-electric vehicles rises dramatically.

Heralding the early prototype's development as a success, Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn said: "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.”