Japanese carmaker Nissan Motor Co Ltd (TYO:7201) on Tuesday said it is developing the world's first vehicle system that runs on bioethanol electricity.

The company is working on a system that features an e-bio fuel-cell with a Solid Oxide Fuel-Cell (SOFC) power generator. Using bioethanol stored in the vehicle, it generates electricity to power the vehicle.

The SOFC provides for greater power efficiency compared to conventional systems and gives the vehicle cruising ranges similar to gasoline-powered cars, or more than 600 km (373 miles), according to the announcement. Running costs will be similar to today's electric vehicles, Nissan said.

In addition to offering eco-friendly transportation, the innovation can create opportunities in regional energy production, while supporting existing infrastructure, the company said.

While fuel cell systems usually emit carbon dioxide (CO2) when generating electricity, with the bioethanol system emissions are offset by the sugarcane production for the biofuel, according to the announcement.

Source: http://renewables.seenews.com/news/nissan-developing-car-that-runs-on-bioethanol-power-528885

Featured image by Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. (http://www.nissan-global.com)