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Nissan's fuel cell vehicle is real

Introduction

If you can remember the brief introduction you were given to fuel cells in your school going days you'll be doing well, but Nissan isn't alone in believing that the cars of the future could be powered by this technology. To emphasise how serious it is about its development, it has let us loose in its X-Trail FCV prototype.

What is it?

Nissan's latest roadworthy technology demonstrator housing a fully-functioning fuel cell powertrain. In case you've forgotten your early teachings, fuel cells essentially extract electricity from the chemical reaction that combines hydrogen and oxygen to create water. In the latest Nissan FCV, the hydrogen is stored, compressed to a high pressure, in a specially designed tank.

The electricity produced from the fuel cell is used to charge Nissan's own advanced laminated lithium-ion battery pack, which in turn powers an electric motor mounted between the front wheels. This particular car is not four-wheel drive, though its large SUV body shell was useful for fitting all the new components in.

At present, a few companies in Japan lease the X-Trail FCV from Nissan, but really they are helping out with the research and development, as you can't walk into your local Nissan dealership and request to be part of the programme.

How does it drive?

The X-Trail FCV is not as unconventional to drive as you may think. Nissan's engineers have managed to retain most of the original car's controls, so there's an 'ignition' key and what looks like an automatic gearbox shifter. Put it into drive though and there's no clunk from the drivetrain, as the car patiently awaits your right foot. Press the throttle and there's surprising urge.

An appealing characteristic of electric motors is their provision of maximum torque instantaneously, and given that this version has 207lb.ft at its disposal, it's no wonder it feels quick off the mark. Sadly, the acceleration doesn't continue to impress beyond 30mph, though Nissan claims that the FCV will top out at 90mph, which is perfectly adequate.

The demonstration vehicle itself requires a significant amount of development before it would be an acceptable customer car, but that's hardly the point. In essence, the propulsion system works well, especially at urban speeds or at a cruise.

Planet hugger or planet mugger?

You'd think that this is a no-brainer, seeing as the only substance emitted is water, but the story is more complicated than that. At present you'll need to travel quite far to fill up with hydrogen and the production process needs refining too. Eventually though, this form of propulsion could take over from the internal combustion engine and it should prove to be better for the environment overall.

Verdict

We're impressed not only with the X-Trail FCV's drivability and pace, but that Nissan has allowed members of the motoring media loose in their precious technology demonstrator in the first place - especially when you take into account the unlikely productionising of the technology for another ten years or so. Unfortunately, before that can happen we need an established hydrogen distribution network, and that's still some time away.

Shane O' Donoghue

Thursday June 5

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