Nissan Working on Bio-Ethanol Fuel Cell System

Nissan Motor Co. is currently researching and developing a Solid Oxide Fuel-Cell (SOFC)-powered system that runs on bio-ethanol electric power. The SOFC fuel cells produce electricity to charge a battery from the reaction of fuels such as ethanol and natural gas with oxygen.

by Staff

June 15, 2016

1 min to read

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

The e-Bio Fuel-Cell system uses SOFC as its source of power, affording greater power efficiency to give the vehicle cruising ranges of more than 372 miles. The e-Bio Fuel-Cell car’s distinct electric-drive will offer features similar to an EV, including silent drive, linear start-up and brisk acceleration.

Fuel-cell systems use chemicals that react with oxygen, generating power without release of harmful byproducts. When power is generated in a fuel-cell system, carbon dioxide is usually emitted., With the bio-ethanol system, carbon emissions are neutralized from the growing process of sugarcane making up the bio-fuel, allowing it to have a “Carbon-Neutral Cycle,” with nearly no carbon dioxide increase.

The e-Bio Fuel-Cell will become even more user-friendly in the future, according to Nissan.

Topics:Biofuels Fuel Cell Alternative Fuels Ethanol Emissions Reduction Nissan Green Fleet

More Green Fleet

Rendering of electric vehicles charging beneath a solar-panel canopy, illustrating Inspiration Mobility Group’s acquisition of Electrada assets to expand commercial fleet electrification services.

Green Fleet•by News/Media Release•June 17, 2026

Inspiration Mobility Acquires Key Electrada Assets

Inspiration Mobility Group has acquired select assets of Electrada, adding the fleet electrification provider's team, technology, and charging infrastructure development capabilities to its energy management business.

Turning Connected Vehicle Data Into Decisions That Matter

Fleet leaders have more data than ever, but turning that data into clear, actionable decisions remains a challenge. This white paper shows how leading organizations are using connected vehicle data to improve safety, reduce costs, and optimize fleet performance. Learn how to turn insight into action across your fleet.

Are You Tracking Your Fleet's True Total Cost of Ownership?

Bobit Business Media surveyed 190 fleet professionals and found that while most fleets are tracking costs, fragmented systems and data gaps are keeping true TCO visibility out of reach. With rising pressure to control spend in an increasingly volatile environment, the gap between what fleets think they know and what the data actually shows is wider than you might expect. See how your peers are managing costs today and where the industry still has room to improve.

Hybrids: Electrification Without the Challenges

For fleet managers, fuel is one of the biggest line items in the budget — and it's one hybrids can shrink without changing how your people work. Download the eBook to see the numbers, understand the technology, and get a step-by-step guide to making the switch.