Nov 30 2009
Nissan North America leased an X-TRAIL Fuel Cell Vehicle (FCV), its first commercial zero emission FCV, to the Sacramento Coca-Cola Bottling Co. The fuel cell vehicle technology was developed in 1996 and since then, Nissan has supplied FCVs to Japan’s demonstration fleets and through the California Fuel Cell Partnership (CaFCP), to California.
The one-year FCV to Sacramento Coca-Cola comes with the option to renew the lease for another two years. Sacramento Coca-Cola will use the X-TRAIL FCV for public events and sales calls to promote its Coca-Cola Zero soft drink in the Sacramento region. According to Executive Vice President, Sacramento Coca-Cola, Bob Brown, the lease is a big step in boosting the company’s commitment to work towards achieving environmental sustainability.
Commenting on the common green philosophy between the two companies, Vice President, Corporate Planning, NNA, Eric Noziere, said that Sacramento Coca-Cola’s liaison with FCV has allowed the company to use low emission cars and that both companies share a love for achieving “zero.”
Under the Nissan Green Program 2010, Nissan is focused on the development of technologies that reduce carbon emissions, provision of clean and green energy as well as recycling of resources. The fuel cell research and development program forms a part of Nissan’s green energy drive towards developing eco-friendly electric vehicles, FCVs, and hybrid and low emission combustion engines.
Based on the on the X-TRAIL SUV, available in Japan, Europe, and Mexico, the Nissan X-TRAIL FCV features a compact fuel cell stack, high-pressure hydrogen storage cylinder and compact Lithium-ion battery to deliver the equivalent performance of a vehicle fitted with an internal combustion engine. Versions of the Nissan X-TRAIL FCV are capable of cruising up to 300 miles at a speed of over 95 miles per hour.
In ongoing internal tests, X-TRAIL FCVs have delivered nearly 300,000 miles and one vehicle is very close to achieving the 100,000-mile mark. In early 2009, Nissan revealed tests for a fuel cell stack 25% smaller in size compared to the existing model, which will also have lower building cost.
Other initiatives include the roll out of a new Fuel Cell Laboratory at the Farmington Hills facility, which will support other research centers and work on fuel cell projects with universities and suppliers as well. In 2010, Nissan plans to launch the new Nissan LEAF electric vehicle.
Source: www.NissanUSA.com