The world’ largest auto brand as well as the pioneer of the hybrid cars has done it again with the launch of the first mass produced hydrogen fuel cell vehicle, the Mirai. The Mirai fuel cell vehicle is hoped to become as famous and loved as the Toyota Prius, the first mass produced Prius.
2016 Toyota Mirai
With the Mirai, Toyota offers itself the opportunity to be ahead in the race in the budding fuel cell vehicle segment. The hydrogen powered fuel cell vehicle is considered to the ultimate green car that can fully change the future mobility system in the world.
Several automotive giants including General Motors, BMW, Hyundai and Honda have been also engaged in the development of the fuel cell vehicles, and Hyundai has even launched its Hydrogen fueled Tucson earlier this year as a lease only vehicle. However, despite all the hindrances, Toyota Motor has been increasingly committed to its fuel-cell project.
The Toyota Mirai which means the future in Japanese is a truly futuristic hydrogen powered vehicle both in terms technology and design. The cool looking sedan is powered by compressed hydrogen that is used to produce electricity to propel it when combined with the naturally found oxygen.
The Toyota Mirai also has unlimited range unlike the electric vehicles and can be refueled in few minutes just like a conventional fuel vehicle. The car can travel up to 300 miles on a full tank of hydrogen, and offers great silent, convenient drive experience with absolutely zero harmful emissions. As it relies on the chemical reaction of hydrogen and oxygen, the Murai releases only water vapor and heat through its exhaust pipe.
The Toyota Mirai essentially drives like an electric vehicle, which is quite and practically vibration free. It just has very few noises as a result of the fuel cell system’s working process. Thus, the car offers a great drive experience as well. It also offers the convenience of quick acceleration and good power figures unlike the typical plug-in electric vehicle.
Another remarkable advantage of the fuel cell vehicles over the battery operated electric vehicles is the reduced weight which also increases the performance level. As battery packs are very heavy they offer less power and performance as compared to the fuel cell system which are lighter and as a result offer better performance, mileage as well as drive dynamics. The Toyota Mirai weighs 1,850kg which is not very light, compared against the conventional battery powered electric vehicles is significantly lighter.
The Mirai can also reach 0 to 60mph in just 9 seconds, and offers the top speed of 178 km per hour. The Mirai’s system produces a max power of 151hp and 247 lb-ft of peak torque.
And all these great things are offered in a compact package of a stylish family sedan that offers all the convenience and safety of the patent Toyota cars. The Mirai went on sale in the car market of Japan at a price of 6.7 million yen, and the vehicle can also be leased for 36 months at $499 per month.
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I am into the auto blogs field for quite a long time. Living my passion of reviewing cars.
Tagged: Toyota Mirai
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