Biotech Updates

Nissan to Develop First Ethanol-Powered Electric Car Motor

June 15, 2016
http://biofuels-news.com/display_news/10617/nissan_to_develop_world_first_ethanolpowered_electric_car_motor/

Japanese car giant Nissan Motor Co. will be developing a solid oxide fuel-cell (SOFC)-powered system that runs on bioethanol electric power. Fuel-cell systems use chemicals that react with oxygen, generating power without release of harmful byproducts. This new system can offer eco-friendly transportation and create opportunities in regional energy production.

The new system, called e-Bio Fuel Cell, will generate electricity through the SOFC using bioethanol stored in the vehicle. It uses hydrogen transformed from fuel via a reformer and atmospheric oxygen, with the subsequent electrochemical reaction producing electricity to power the vehicle. Bioethanol fuels are widely available in countries in North and South America and Asia.

In the future, the company aims to make the e-Bio Fuel-Cell even more user-friendly by making use of ethanol-blended water, which is easier and safer to handle than most other fuels.