Toyota has made great strides in hydrogen technology with the new generation of its Mirai car. The Mirai is one of Toyota's flagship models in the hydrogen fuel cell powered car sector. This new version promises significant improvements in both range and performance, pushing the boundaries of what hydrogen cars can offer even further.
With the new generation, Toyota is also focusing on increasing green hydrogen production capacity and expanding refueling infrastructure, which are crucial to the long-term success of hydrogen mobility. Furthermore, the company is constantly working on improving the sustainability of its fuel cell manufacturing processes, aiming to further reduce the environmental impact of its cars.
The Toyota Mirai is one of the most advanced models in the segment of cars powered by hydrogen fuel cells. Here's a summary of the Mirai's technology and fuel economy:
Fuel Cell Technology
The Mirai uses a hydrogen fuel cell that combines hydrogen with oxygen from the air to produce electricity. This process emits only water vapor as a byproduct, making the Mirai a zero-emission vehicle. The fuel cell was designed to be efficient, durable and high-performance even at low temperatures.
Electric Motor and Battery
The electricity generated by the fuel cell powers an electric motor, which is responsible for driving the vehicle. The Mirai also includes a small lithium-ion battery that stores electrical energy recovered during regenerative braking, thus improving the vehicle's overall efficiency.
Autonomy and Consumption
The second-generation Mirai saw a significant improvement in hydrogen tank capacity, resulting in increased range. The most recent versions can achieve a range of more than 650 kilometers on a full tank, depending on driving conditions. Hydrogen consumption is very efficient, with the Mirai estimated to consume around 0,79 kilograms of hydrogen per 100 kilometres. This makes it comparable, in terms of energy efficiency, to battery electric cars.
Infrastructure and Supply
A critical aspect for the use of hydrogen cars like the Mirai is the refueling infrastructure, which is still under development in many parts of the world. Hydrogen refueling can be completed in approximately 3-5 minutes, very similar to the time it takes to refuel a petrol car.
Cost of the car
The cost of the Toyota Mirai may vary depending on the market and available configurations. However, to offer a general idea, the second-generation Mirai, launched around 2020, has a starting price of around $60.000 in the United States. This price may vary slightly depending on taxes, available incentives and the specific options chosen.
In some markets, such as Europe or Japan, prices may differ due to variations in import costs, taxes and other local government incentives dedicated to zero-emission vehicles. For example, in Europe, the price may be slightly higher due to additional taxes and charges.
