Get all your questions about the future answered with the innovative Toyota Mirai

Oct 24, 2018

What is a fuel cell vehicle?
The fuel cell vehicle features hydrogen fuel tanks (the hydrogen is a compressed gas, similar to natural gas in a natural gas vehicle), an electric motor, a battery and a power control unit. The hydrogen gas is fed into the fuel cell stack where it is combined with oxygen from the ambient air. Together, the hydrogen and oxygen create an electrochemical reaction, producing electricity that is used to power the vehicle with a byproduct of water. Just as with the gasoline engine and battery in the Toyota Prius, the power control unit in the fuel cell decides when the vehicle should be powered by fuel cell stack and when the battery should assist for maximum efficiency. The fuel cell utilizes similar hybrid technology logic developed for our hybrid synergy drive systems with the gasoline engine replaced by a fuel cell stack.

What are the features?
Toyota’s small, lightweight FC stack and hydrogen tanks are located under the floor of the vehicle, ensuring sufficient cabin space for four people. The vehicle’s exterior design evokes two key characteristics of a hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle: the transformation of air into water as the system produces electricity, and the powerful acceleration enabled by the electric drive motor. The bold front view features pronounced air intakes, while the sleek side view conveys the air-to-water transformation with its flowing-liquid door profile and wave-motif fuel cap. The theme carries to the rear view, which conveys a catamaran’s stern and the flow of water behind. Mirai’s design is meant to convey uncluttered, open and seamless space, soft-touch and contrasting textures and surprising refinements.

Features include:
• Extremely quiet interior with acoustic noise-reducing glass for the windshield, driver-side and front-passenger-side windows
• 8-way power-heated Softex front seats with power lumbar; heated rear seats
• Heated power tilt and telescoping steering wheel with multifunction controls
• Intelligent Touch controls for climate and audio
• Premium audio system with integrated navigation, JBL and Entune App Suite
• Luxurious and comfortable interior

What are the emissions?
The hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle produces only water as the by-product out of the tailpipe. It has been certified as a Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) by the California Air Resources Board.

What is the range of the vehicle?
Mirai has an EPA-estimated driving range of 312 miles and an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 67 MPGe.

The EPA ratings are estimates, range and mileage will vary. Many factors can affect fuel economy (FE), including but not limited to load condition, weather, A/C, driving behavior, vehicle and road conditions, and percent state of charge (SOC) at fill-up.

To improve FE, consider the following:
1. Smoothness. Avoid sudden acceleration and braking. Brake gently over a long distance.
2. Engage Eco-drive Mode. Press eco-drive button to optimize FE.
3. Limit High Power Driving. As for all cars, fuel cell vehicles use more fuel at high speed or in steep uphill trips.
4. Follow Dashboard FC indicator. Maintain the fuel cell indicator in “ECO” area on display.
5. Manage Air Conditioning. Use A/C only when needed and select air recirculation mode, or switch Fast-Eco A/C, keep windows closed.
6. Check Tire Pressure. Low tire pressure can impact fuel economy.
7. Remove Unnecessary Luggage. Avoid excess weight and cargo.

What is the city/hwy/combined EPA estimated fuel economy?
Mirai boasts an EPA estimated miles per gasoline equivalent (MPGe) of 67 MPGe city, 67 MPGe hwy, and 67 MPGe combined. Of course, the mileage any driver will get will depend on their driving habits, among other factors.