Could ethanol power the future for electric cars?

The automotive industry is rushing to produce electric vehicles (EVs) as the world tries to move away from polluting hydrocarbons to greener, cleaner fuels.

But EVs still only account for 1% of the total market.

Some companies are betting that hydrogen fuel cells will be the power source of the future, but Nissan believes bio-ethanol produced from sugar cane or corn could also produce zero-emission electric energy.

Nissan recently unveiled its prototype solid-oxide fuel cell vehicle in Brazil, where ethanol is readily available in all gas stations - in marked contrast to hydrogen pumps.

But Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn says the success of the concept will largely depend on political support.

Video journalist: Daniel Gallas