While most carmakers see the future of the automotive industry in battery-powered electric cars, Toyota thinks outside the box. As it ensures that it’s not left behind in the EV parade, it energetically pursues another (some would say the only true zero-emissions) technology – hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.
The Toyota Mirai is one of the world’s first mass-production fuel cell EVs, but it's far more than just a technology demonstrator. This well-designed vehicle comes as a four-door sedan, offering high-level luxury, comfort and performance. It's been in production since 2015, and Toyota has already introduced the second generation.
The First Generation of Toyota Mirai (2015-2020)
The development of fuel-cell cars started decades ago. Toyota engineers began working on their technology as early as 1992, finally presenting a concept car in 2011. Two years later, the first test mules of the production version were already spotted; a couple years more and they were ready for the official launch.
The production version arrived in 2015. The new model was named Mirai, which means future in Japanese. It came as a four-door sedan and remained in production until 2020.
Design
The Toyota Mirai was one of the world's first mass-produced FCEV, an honour it shares with Hyundai ix35 and Honda FCX.
The Japanese automaker adopted a pretty futuristic design that accentuated the Mirai's unique nature, yet the overall layout still came out pretty standard. It's a typical four-door sedan with typical proportions and, despite its new technology, occupied a lot of interior room.
The new model sits on Toyota's familiar MC platform, borrowing many parts from hybrid cars like Prius and Camry. The overall size was pretty typical for a mid-size sedan. In numbers, this model features 2,780 mm in wheelbase and 4,890 mm in total length.
Toyota Mirai Dimensions
- Wheelbase: 2,780 mm
- Length: 4,890 mm
- Width: 1,815 mm
- Height: 1,535 mm
- Curb weight: 1,850 kg
Fuel Cell Technology and Drivetrain
The Japanese carmaker has developed its unique fuel cell technology, called Toyota Fuel Cell System (TFCS). It combines fuel cell and hybrid technologies, and such a design approach allows the use of components from other hybrid models. For example, the first-generation Mirai uses the same battery as the Camry hybrid. The system's key components are fuel cell (FC) stack, FC boost converter, and high-pressure hydrogen tanks.
The fuel cell stack is probably the most critical part of the vehicle because it is responsible for converting hydrogen into electricity. In this stack, hydrogen and oxygen react to generate electricity, which goes through an FC boost converter that steps up the voltage. Electricity is then ready to power the electric motor, which features a max output of 113kW and 335Nm max torque.
Between the fuel stack and the converter sits a sealed 1.6-kWh nickel-metal battery, which captures the energy while braking or slowing down. In other words – this car doesn't waste fuel at all.
The electric motor is mounted on the front axle. It features a max output of 113kW and 335Nm of max torque, which is enough to hit 100km/h in about 9 seconds. The hydrogen fuel is stored in two tanks, with a combined capacity of 122 litres, enough to cover a max range of 502 km. Per US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) data, the combined fuel economy goes around 66 mpg-e. Converted to L/100km, that would be equivalent to 3.6L/100km.
More importantly, this is a zero-emission car, which runs on alternative or green fuel. The only thing that comes out of its tailpipe pipe is water.
Specifications
- Power Source: Fuel-cell-powered electric motor
- Max Output: 113kW
- Max Torque: 335Nm
- Layout: Front-wheel drive
- Transmission: 1-speed
- Battery: 1.6-kWh nickel-metal
- Hydrogen Tank Capacity: 122L
- Acceleration (0-100km/h): 9.0s
- Fuel Economy (EPA): 3.6L/100km
- Max Range (EPA): 502km
The First Generation of Toyota Mirai in Australia
The Toyota Mirai Australia debuted in 2016. However, it wasn't available for sale. Instead, Toyota Australia imported ten cars, with the idea to travel around the country and demonstrate new technology. The main reason for such a move was the lack of hydrogen stations. At the time, there were no public stations in Australia, and the only available station was private and owned by Hyundai. So, the solution was a mobile refuelling truck, with the goal of convincing Australians of the merits of hydrogen cars.
In some other parts of the world, Toyota Mirai fuel-cell car was sold regularly. The main markets were North America, Europe and Japan – where hydrogen fuel stations have existed since 2015. By the end of 2019, Toyota sold more than 10,000 units around the world.
The Second Generation of Toyota Mirai (2020-present)
The second generation was introduced in October 2019, but sales didn't start before December 2020. Compared to the original model, the Toyota Mirai 2021 has brought numerous improvements, not just regarding technology but also in other aspects.
One of the first changes you may notice is the exterior design. Not only that the second generation looks more mature, but it is also bigger. It features a 2,920-mm wheelbase and 4,975-mm total length. Another thing worth mentioning is that the new Mirai rides on Toyota’s new TNGA platform, which brings benefits like the lower centre of gravity and more engaging handling.
Finally, the second generation features a rear-wheel-drive layout, which completely changes the character of the car, making it way sportier.
Toyota Mirai Dimensions
- Wheelbase: 2,920 mm
- Length: 4,975 mm
- Width: 1,885 mm
- Height: 1,470 mm
- Curb weight: 1,920–1,950 kg
Interior
If you look at the first-generation model, there were many things to complain about, starting from the build quality to the interior space. With the second generation, the Toyota Mirai interior is an entirely different story. First of all, the cabin looks decidedly more upscale, thanks to much finer materials. The dashboard looks way more mature, while the long list of tech features gives an even more premium feel to the overall cabin design.
Besides more luxurious design, the new Mirai also offers more space. Thanks to the much longer wheelbase, the second row now accommodates adult passengers with ease, which wasn’t the case with the original.
Drivetrain
Despite all the improvements regarding style, comfort and luxury, this is still the most exciting aspect of Mirai. The second generation comes with a more powerful electric motor, bigger tanks, and better autonomy. The new electric motor features a max output of 136kW and 300Nm of max torque. Instead of two, the new model comes with three hydrogen fuel tanks with a combined capacity of 141 litres, while there is also a new 1.2-kWh lithium-ion battery. The max range goes up to 647 kilometres, while fuel economy ratings are yet to be announced.
Specifications
- Power Source: Fuel cell-powered electric motor
- Max Output: 136kW
- Max Torque: 300Nm
- Layout: Rear-wheel drive
- Transmission: 1-speed
- Battery: 1.2-kWh lithium-ion
- Hydrogen Tank Capacity: 141l
- Acceleration (0-100km/h): 9.0s
- Fuel Economy (EPA): TBA
- Max Range (EPA): 647km
The Second Generation of Toyota Mirai in Australia
For this year, Toyota Australia decided to import 20 units of the second-generation Mirai. At this point, the Japanese carmaker has targeted organisations and businesses, so the only way to get the car is to lease it.
The new model comes for $1,750 per month for three years. This leads us to the Toyota Mirai price of $63,000. Keep in mind, however, that this sum also includes refuelling for the leasing period, making for a good value proposition. On the other hand, servicing will be a $2,693 additional cost over three years.
Regarding hydrogen fuel stations, things are much different than in 2016. At this point, there are two refuelling stations in Australia – in Victoria and Canberra. Several more refuelling stations are planned for the near future – in Perth, Brisbane, Western Sydney and Port Kembla. With such infrastructure, it’s only a matter of time before the Japanese carmaker starts offering Toyota Mirai for sale in Australia.
What fuel does the Toyota Mirai use?
Toyota Mirai uses hydrogen as fuel. The hydrogen is contained in high-pressure fuel tanks, and the key advantage over electric cars is that you fill your tanks in the same way you fill gasoline. In other words, refuelling takes just a couple of minutes. On the other hand, the fastest way to charge an electric car is via a fast charger, and even in that way, you need around 30 minutes. Without a fast charger, this process takes hours.
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By Nebojsa Grmusa