The weather was clear for the X-TRAIL FCV 2005’s November 15 visit to Kobayashi Junior High School in Tochigi Prefecture.

In conjunction with science classes planned by the city of Nikko, the X-TRAIL visited five Nikko schools to give test rides and help students understand the environmental contribution of the Nissan FCV.

This is a report from the first day of the visit. Nikko is a city with bountiful nature and a long history, and one that is also committed to environmental activities.

During the first half of the class, students received a lecture on hydrogen and fuel cells planned by representatives from other companies. The students had the opportunity to turn on a light bulb by breathing into a fuel cell stack and make a vinyl bag full of hydrogen float in the air. After which the FCV made its long-awaited appearance.

Before they could go for a ride, the students had to learn about vehicles. Mr. Yamanashi of the FCV Engineering Department and Mr. Uno of the Environmental and Safety Engineering Department took the role of the teachers. The students were surprised by how the FCV produces steam instead of the exhaust gases emitted by gasoline-powered cars, as well as by how quietly it runs. After boarding the car and listening to an explanation of the meters and displays, the students rode in the X-TRAIL during a test drive on public roads. The 24 third-grade junior high students split into three teams and rode once around the school. Watching the X-TRAIL FCV smoothly glide past the reddening trees was a truly beautiful sight. After the drive, you could tell by the students’ surprised looks that they felt as though they had caught a glimpse of the future.

The students who rode in the X-TRAIL FCV each received FCV mouse pad and magnet from Mr. Yamanashi and Mr. Uno. Finally, everyone assembled in the gymnasium to give the two a big thank you. When the class was finished the teachers also got a chance to go for a ride. It was a big day for the X-TRAIL FCV.