Nissan has unveiled a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC)-powered prototype vehicle that runs on bio-ethanol electric power.

The launch was held in Brazil, where the company says it will conduct field tests on public roads. Research and development of the vehicle was announced by Nissan in June.

Nissan will begin field tests of the e-Bio Fuel Cell prototype vehicle. Image credit: Nissan. SOFC is a fuel cell technology that uses the reaction of multiple fuels, such as ethanol and natural gas, with oxygen to produce electricity. The e-Bio Fuel Cell prototype vehicle runs on 100% ethanol to charge a 24kWh battery that enables a cruising range of more than 600km. Future iterations will operate on ethanol-blended water, Nissan says.

The e-Bio Fuel Cell generates electricity through the SOFC (power generator) using bio-ethanol stored in the vehicle. The e-Bio Fuel Cell utilizes hydrogen transformed from fuel via a reformer and atmospheric oxygen, with the subsequent electrochemical reaction producing electricity to power the vehicle.

Fuel cell systems use chemicals that react with oxygen, generating power without the release of harmful byproducts. Bio-ethanol fuels, including those from sugarcane and corn, are widely available in countries in North and South America, as well as Asia.

When power is generated in a fuel cell system, carbon dioxide is typically emitted. With the bio-ethanol system, Nissan says that these emissions are effectively "neutralized"as a result of the growing process of the sugarcane that comprises the feedstock of the ethanol.