Nissan began development on fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) 13 years ago with the intent of revolutionizing the passenger vehicle market. The automaker’s X-Trail FCV has been tested in California over the past few years with 300,000 miles of test driving including a unit approaching 100,000 miles. Nissan is taking the next step toward selling the X-Trail FCV in North America thanks to Sacramento Coca-Cola Bottling Co. The company recently signed a one-year lease for an X-Trail FCV with an optional two-year extension, which is Nissan’s first lease for this fuel cell model.
Sacramento Coca-Cola Bottling Co. will tie the X-Trail FCV to the Coke Zero brand by connecting zero emissions with the zero-calorie drink. The X-Trail FCV will be used for select sales calls throughout the Sacramento area. The majority of mileage on this leased X-Trail FCV will be for promotional events and public demonstrations. Performance in day-to-day operation and public response at promotional events should dictate whether other companies will follow Sacramento Coca-Cola’s lead in leasing the X-Trail FCV.
The X-Trail FCV uses a frame unfamiliar to Americans as the traditional gas model is sold in Mexico, Japan and the European Union. The heart of the X-Trail FCV is a hydrogen fuel cell stack capable of producing 90 kW at full power. Nissan combined this compact fuel cell stack with a lithium-ion battery to extend range for long-term commutes. The X-Trail FCV is capable of traveling up to 300 miles before refueling is required. The automaker satisfies the traditional driver with a maximum speed of 95 miles per hour and comfortable seating.
This lease is a sign that Nissan is penetrating deeper into the alternative fuel vehicles market in North America. The automaker recently opened a new laboratory in Farmington Hills, Michigan to refine its fuel cell technology. The Farmington Hills research team is focused specifically on a next-generation fuel cell stack with a 25% smaller frame capable of producing 130 kW. The X-Trail FCV and other alt-fuel vehicles form the core component of the Nissan Green Program 2010. Nissan intends to become what it refers to as a “sincere eco-innovator” by reducing vehicle emissions through fuel cell, plug-ins, hybrids and vehicle conversions. In order to accomplish emissions savings, however, Nissan needs to have a successful relationship with Sacramento Coca-Cola Bottling Co. If the leased X-Trail FCV fails to perform to the company’s standards, Nissan could experience a setback in the critical California market due to poor word of mouth.
