The Toyota Mirai is not your typical electric car. It does not have a battery pack, a charging port, or a plug. Instead, it has a hydrogen fuel cell that converts hydrogen gas into electricity and water. The only thing that comes out of its tailpipe is water vapor.
The Toyota Mirai is one of the few hydrogen-powered vehicles on the market, along with the Hyundai Nexo and the Honda Clarity Fuel Cell. But unlike its rivals, the Mirai has a sleek and elegant design, a luxurious and spacious interior, and a long driving range of up to 402 miles on a single tank of hydrogen.
The new Toyota Mirai is also one of the most affordable electric cars to offer such a long range, with a starting price of around $51,000. And that’s not counting the generous incentives that Toyota offers to Mirai buyers, such as:
- A $15,000 fuel credit over three to six years, depending on whether you lease or purchase the car.
- 21 days of complimentary vehicle rentals for when you need to travel outside of areas with hydrogen refueling stations.
- A $7,500 federal tax credit and a $4,500 California rebate, if you qualify.
- A free eight-year/100,000-mile warranty on the fuel cell components.
How the Mirai Works
The Toyota Mirai is powered by a fuel cell stack that consists of hundreds of thin metal plates sandwiched together. Each plate has a polymer membrane coated with platinum catalysts. Hydrogen gas flows through channels on one side of the plate, while oxygen from the air flows through channels on the other side. The platinum catalysts split the hydrogen molecules into protons and electrons. The protons pass through the membrane, while the electrons flow through an external circuit, creating an electric current. The protons and electrons then recombine with the oxygen molecules on the other side of the plate, forming water.
The fuel cell stack generates enough electricity to power the Mirai’s electric motor, which drives the front wheels. The Mirai also has a small nickel-metal hydride battery that stores excess electricity from the fuel cell and regenerative braking. The battery provides extra power when needed, such as during acceleration or uphill driving.
The Mirai has a hydrogen storage system that consists of three carbon-fiber reinforced tanks that can hold up to 11 pounds of hydrogen gas at a pressure of 10,000 psi. The tanks are located under the rear seats and the trunk, and are protected by multiple safety features, such as sensors, valves, and vents. The tanks can be refilled in about five minutes at a hydrogen station, using a nozzle that locks onto the car’s fuel receptacle.
What the Mirai Offers
The Mirai is not just a technological marvel, but also a practical and comfortable car. It offers a smooth and quiet ride, thanks to its electric powertrain and sound-insulating materials. It also handles well, thanks to its low center of gravity and balanced weight distribution. The Mirai has a 182-horsepower electric motor that delivers instant torque and a zero-to-60-mph time of 9.2 seconds. It has a top speed of 111 mph and a combined EPA rating of 66 MPGe.
The Mirai has a spacious and luxurious cabin that can accommodate five passengers. It has a 12.3-inch touchscreen that controls the infotainment system, which includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and a 14-speaker JBL sound system. It also has a 7-inch digital instrument cluster that displays the speed, range, fuel level, and other information. The Mirai has heated and power-adjustable seats, keyless entry and ignition, faux-leather upholstery, and a wireless charging pad. The Limited trim adds a head-up display, a panoramic sunroof, a surround-view camera, and ventilated seats.
The Mirai also comes with a suite of advanced safety and driver-assist features, such as:
- Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection and Bicyclist Detection, which can warn the driver of a potential collision and apply the brakes if necessary.
- Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, which can alert the driver if the car drifts out of its lane and gently steer it back.
- Lane Tracing Assist, which can keep the car centered in its lane on highways and in traffic jams.
- Road Sign Assist, which can recognize and display speed limits and other road signs on the instrument cluster.
- Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, which can maintain a set speed and distance from the vehicle ahead, and slow down or stop the car if needed.
- Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, which can warn the driver of vehicles in the blind spots or approaching from behind when reversing.
- Parking Assist with Automatic Braking, which can help the driver park the car and prevent collisions with obstacles.
Why the Mirai Matters
The Toyota Mirai is more than just a car. It is a vision of the future of mobility, where cars run on clean and renewable energy, and emit nothing but water. Hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe, and can be produced from various sources, such as water, natural gas, biomass, and solar power. Hydrogen can also be stored and transported easily, and can be used to power not only cars, but also homes, businesses, and industries.
The Mirai is part of Toyota’s Beyond Zero initiative, which aims to create cars that are not only zero-emission, but also have a positive impact on the environment and society. Toyota is committed to developing and promoting hydrogen fuel cell technology, and has invested in building and supporting hydrogen infrastructure around the world. Toyota has also shared its fuel cell patents with other automakers, and has partnered with various companies and organizations to advance the hydrogen economy.
The Mirai is a car that challenges the status quo, and offers a glimpse of what’s possible. It is a car that combines innovation, performance, and luxury, and delivers an electrifying ride. It is a car that is advanced to the core, and beyond.
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