Toyota has launched a new electric car called the 2024 Toyota Mirai. This car, known as a fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV), has an estimated range of 402 miles on the XLE grade. Unlike other electric cars, where you must plug them in to charge the battery, the Mirai doesn’t need that. Instead, the driver fills the tank with hydrogen. This hydrogen fuel is safer than gasoline and comes in compressed gas, not liquid.
The Toyota Mirai has set a new world record for the longest distance traveled by a fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) on a single hydrogen tank. It covered over 1300 kilometers in just two days.
Bob Carter, Executive Vice President of Toyota Motor North America, said, “Back in 2016, the Toyota Mirai became the first fuel cell electric vehicle you could buy in North America. Now, with the next generation Mirai, we’re breaking distance records. We’re proud to lead the way in this exciting technology, which is just one part of our growing collection of vehicles that produce zero emissions.”
According to Toyota, a fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) like the Mirai creates its electricity using hydrogen, and the only thing it releases is water.
Here’s how it works:
The fuel cell system combines hydrogen stored onboard with oxygen from the air, creating electricity through a chemical reaction.
The only byproduct is water through a hidden vent pipe underneath the car. This electricity is then stored in a lithium-ion battery.
When you press the accelerator, power flows from the battery or fuel cell to the rear-mounted electric motor, which drives the rear wheels.
Toyota also mentions that an electric air compressor pressurizes the intake air, and a water-cooled intercooler helps keep the compressed air cool before it enters the fuel cell stack.
A water-cooled oil cooler is also integrated with the air compressor to improve efficiency.
As a bonus, the 2024 Toyota Mirai will come with up to $15,000 worth of complimentary hydrogen with a purchase or lease.
Here are the specifications of Mirai hydrogen power FCEV:
Feature | Specification |
---|---|
Vehicle Type | Mid-motor, rear-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan |
Base Price | XLE: $50,455; Limited: $66,955 (USD) |
Powertrain | Hydrogen fuel cell with 1.24kWh lithium-ion battery pack |
Motor | Synchronous AC, 182 hp, 221 lb-ft |
Fuel Cell | Solid-polymer-electrolyte proton-exchange membrane, 172 hp |
Transmission | Direct drive |
Dimensions | Wheelbase: 114.9 in, Length: 195.8 in, Width: 74.2 in, Height: 57.9 in |
Passenger Volume | 93-94 ft³ |
Trunk Volume | 10 ft³ |
Performance | 0-60 mph: 9.1 sec, 1/4 mile: 17.0 sec, Top speed: 106 mph |
EPA Fuel Economy | Combined/city/highway: 65-74 / 67-76 / 64-71 MPGe |
Range | 357-402 miles |
Infotainment and Connectivity | 12.3-inch touchscreen, Wi-Fi hotspot, 14-speaker JBL audio system, SiriusXM satellite radio, in-dash navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto |
Safety Features | Latest Toyota Safety Sense system with Proactive Driving Assistance, pre-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane tracing assist, parking support brake, plus support brake, lane change assist, adaptive high-beam, road sign detection, blind-spot monitoring |
Warranty | 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty, 8-year/100,000-mile hydrogen fuel cell warranty |