The hydrogen propelled Toyota Mirai has set a record in its zero-emissions segment by being the first Fuel Cell Vehicle to cover a total distance of 502 km – a distance more than any other cars like it on the market, for now.
The feat is further substantiated with the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) fuel economy rating, stating and confirming that the Mirai is the only zero emissions electric vehicle on the market capable of exceeding 300 miles (approximately 482.8 km) on one fill while consuming the petrol equivalent of 3.5 litres per 100 km.
The Mirai was launched in mid December 2014 and is the world’s first mass-produced hydrogen fuel cell vehicle. It uses Toyota’s most advanced TFCS technology which comprises an FC Stack, FC Boost Converter and two highly pressurised hydrogen fuel tanks. Both tanks are made of carbon fibre reinforced plastic and holds up to 122.4 litres of hydrogen at 700 bars.
Electricity is generated through a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, which in turn powers the car. Its byproduct? Water vapour. It also comes with a large-capacity (60 kWh) power supply system that is capable of producing a maximum output of 9kW that could power your house in the event of a power outage.
CEO of Toyota North America, Jim Lentz said, “Toyota realised in the early 90s that electrification was key to the future of the automobile. Just as Prius introduced hybrid-electric vehicles to millions of customers nearly 20 years ago, Mirai is now poised to usher in a new era of efficient, hydrogen transportation.”
Toyota aims to sell about 400 units of this four-seater saloon by the end of this year, with plans to introduce it in limited numbers to the UK and several other selected European markets. It is sold in Japan for an estimated RM210k.
IMAGE GALLERY
