Nissan Motor Co. revealed a solid oxide fuel cell powered prototype vehicle in Brazil that runs on bio-ethanol electric power.

The e-Bio Fuel-Cell prototype vehicle runs on 100% ethanol or ethanol-blended water to charge a 24kWh battery that enables a cruising range of more than 600km. Nissan said it will conduct further 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 in Yokohama. Its carbon-neutral emissions are as clean as the atmosphere and will be the part of natural carbon cycle. The e-Bio Fuel-Cell offers the brisk acceleration and silent driving of an EV, along with its low-running costs, while boasting the driving range of a gasoline-engine vehicle, according to the company.

Bio-ethanol fuels are mainly sourced from sugarcane and corn. These fuels are widely available in countries in North and South America, which feature established infrastructure. Due to the easy availability of ethanol and low combustibility of ethanol-blended water, the system is not heavily dependent on or restricted by the existing charging infrastructure, making it easy to introduce to the market, according to the automaker.