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Japan's Nissan develops bio-ethanol powered system for vehicles

Xinhua, June 14, 2016 Adjust font size:

Japan's major automaker Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. announced on Tuesday that it is developing a fuel cell system for vehicles to run on bio-ethanol electric power, the first time for the fuel to be used in motor vehicles.

The company's "e-Bio Fuel-Cell" generates electricity through the solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) power generator using bio-ethanol stored in the vehicle, said Nissan in a release. Hydrogen is produced from 100 percent ethanol or ethanol-blended water in the fuel tank of vehicle, then mixed with oxygen in atmosphere to produce electricity.

"Bio-ethanol fuels, including those sourced from sugarcane and corn, are widely available in countries in North and South America, and Asia," said the Japanese multinational automobile manufacturer.

"The e-Bio Fuel-Cell, using bio-ethanol, can offer eco-friendly transportation and create opportunities in regional energy production, while supporting existing infrastructure."

As for the carbon dioxide emitted in the course of power generation, Nissan said the emissions will be neutralized as bio-fuel, such as sugarcane, absorbs carbon dioxide in their growing process. A "Carbon-Neutral Cycle" is formed with nearly no carbon dioxide increase, said the automaker.

Unlike conventional systems, "e-Bio Fuel-Cell" can afford greater power efficiency to give the vehicle cruising ranges similar to gasoline-powered cars at more than 600 km.

"Ethanol-blended water is easier and safer to handle than most other fuels. As this will remove limits on creating a totally new infrastructure, it has great potential for market growth," said Nissan.

Under the new system, running costs will be "remarkably low" on par with today's electric vehicles, said the company.

The "e-Bio Fuel-Cell" is "an ideal fit for wider customer needs because of the short refueling time and ample power supply that can support a range of services such as refrigerated delivery," it said.

Aiming to commercialize the new technology by 2020 when Tokyo hosts the Olympics and Paralympics, Nissan is expected to launch a prototype vehicle soon, probably this summer, a Nissan official was quoted as saying by local media. Endit