Lewis Shaw
Toyota has released new details showing the European launch of its Mirai fuel cell hydrogen car.
Described by Toyota as “the most up-to-date, high-value eco-car in the world today”, the Mirai has a driving range comparable to that of gasoline vehicles with with a refueling time of about 3-5 minutes.
The fuel cell stack generates electricity from a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen and uses the electricity to run the motor and produce driving power for the vehicle.
The Toyota Fuel Cell System (TFCS) features both fuel cell technology and hybrid technology, and includes Toyota’s new proprietary FC stack and high-pressure hydrogen tanks.
Just like on an electric car, the maximum torque is provided immediately at the first press of the accelerator, resulting in a 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) sprint of 9.6 seconds and a top speed of 178 km/h (110 mph).
Toyota says the Mirai has a low center of gravity, as the fuel cell stack, hydrogen tanks and other power unit components are placed under the vehicle floor. From this results a “superior handling stability,” the automaker says. Furthermore, front-rear weight distribution produces a midship feel.
The Mirai offers two selectable drive modes. The ECO mode favors low fuel consumption, while POWER mode facilitates a sharper response to accelerator pedal input from the powertrain.
On a more practical note, the Toyota Mirai offers a trunk storage space of 361 liters (12.7 cu-ft), as well as a series of storage spaces throughout the cabin.
