Toyota Introduces 2-Gen Mirai Hydrogen Fuel Cell Car

Toyota Motor Corp. on Wednesday unveiled its second-generation Mirai hydrogen fuel cell vehicle, with its improved fuel efficiency and longer range compared to the world’s first mass-produced FCV original model.

The five-seater Mirai has three tanks to hold hydrogen fuel, which is used to power its electric motor, which gives a range of 850 km, which is 30 per cent more than the first-generation, four-seater sedan, which can travel 650 km in two tanks. Toyota introduced the Mira in 2014.

Japan’s leading automaker on Wednesday accelerated its upgrade of FCVs with the introduction of the new Mira, raising its production capacity to 30,000 units a year.

Toyota Motor Corp.’s second generation Mirai hydrogen fuel cell vehicle, filmed on December 4, 2020. (Kyoto)

The recommended base model retail price is set at 7.1 million yen (, 000 68,000), but automaker Mirai said buyers will receive subsidies and tax breaks of about 1.4 million yen. The original model was priced at 7.4 million yen.

“The new Mirai is a car that will be the starting point for the full use of hydrogen,” said Masahiko Maida, Toyota’s chief technology officer.

“We will develop and supply a wide range of products (products) from hybrids and plug hybrids to electric and fuel cell vehicles,” he said.

FCVs are powered by electricity generated by a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen and do not emit carbon dioxide.

They are said to be a green alternative to conventional petrol cars, but still face obstacles due to the limited range of vehicle choices and relatively small hydrogen refueling stations. Toyota’s Japanese rival Honda Motor has introduced its own hydrogen – powered vehicle, the Clarity fuel cell car.

According to Toyota, it takes three minutes to refuel with compressed hydrogen. Eco-friendly car, Mirai has an air purification system that filters the air used to produce electricity for driving.

The company says the sedan is also designed to provide power in the event of a natural disaster.

Low-emission-intensive Japan speeds are likely to gain traction by promising to achieve carbon neutrality or reducing carbon emissions to zero by 2050, as demanded by the European Union and Britain. US President-elect Joe Biden has also expressed his desire to curb carbon emissions.

Toydova’s MIDA said companies need to work together to create a community where hydrogen is widely used and reduce costs.

Nearly 90 companies, including Toyota, launched an association earlier this week to promote the widespread use of hydrogen.

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