Nissan has finally plunged into the fuel cell technology through the X-Trail FCV developing its own fuel cell stack to power this SUV.

The 2003 model of the Nissan X-Trail FCV contained a polymer electrolyte type fuel cell stack manufactured by UTC Fuel Cells. The new model, on the other hand, contains Nissan’s newest fuel cell combined with a state-of-the-art high-pressure hydrogen storage system (10,000 psi).

The new fuel cell stack is 60 percent lighter in volume than the old one. Its upgraded electrodes also double the service life of the stack and expanded operational temperature range.

Developed by Dynetek industries of Calgary, Canada, the new hydrogen storage cylinder has an increased storage capacity by 30 percent without any change to the storage device’s dimensions. The H2 storage cylinder is made from an outer layer of carbon fiber wrapped around an inner aluminum liner.

The X-Trail has a top speed of approximately 90 mph with a range of over 311 miles using a high power electric motor that comes in 90 kw (or 1.7 times that of its 2002 predecessor). The motor receives its power from a Compact Lithium-ion Battery, featuring a thin, laminated cell, which has half the weight and volume of a conventional battery, yet 1.5 times the output.

Nissan has come a long way since developing their very own fuel cell stack used in the new X-Trail FCV. All in all, they provided a model that has an improved performance and better driving range.