Toyota Debut Mirai at Japan Auto Show

Oct 19, 2015

Toyota Mirai

Toyota recently unveiled its latest engineering feat, and just like the Prius a decade ago, the Toyota Mirai is right on the cutting-edge of innovation. The sedan’s name “Mirai” means “future” in Japanese, and it’s a clear indication that Toyota recognizes the importance of alternative fuel vehicles heading forward.

The Mirai is an engineering feat. The Mirai is a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle; one of the first to make it to market. The Mirai delivers ultra-efficiency. The vehicle has a range of 300 miles, and takes just 5 minutes to refuel at hydrogen fueling stations. It will arrive in late 2015, exclusively in California, where hydrogen fueling infrastructure exists.

But as the hydrogen stations become more common throughout the U.S., the Mirai is bound to become as ubiquitous as the Prius. Here are a few things the Toyota of Knoxville team has learned about Toyota’s latest futuristic four-door:

Examining the All-New Toyota Mirai :
Specs Features and Technology

Toyota Mirai Technology

Toyota has spent more than two decades developing the fuel-cell Mirai, and they’re ahead of the competition. The Mirai will be the first fuel-cell vehicle available for sale in the U.S., with 200 vehicles being shipped to dealerships in California before the end of the year, and 2,800 vehicles over the next two years.

There are tons of incredible things to love about the Mirai. For starters, it’s powered by a refillable hydrogen fuel cell. Refueling takes just a short amount of time for the maximum range of 300 miles, but to date, hydrogen fueling stations are limited in their locations.

Here’s how the technology works: The 2016 Mirai has a massive front air intake system that brings air to the fuel cell stack. There the air meets hydrogen that’s been pumped from the fuel cells, creating electricity through a chemical process. The electricity then powers the motor, and only water is expelled from the exhaust. In other words, the Mirai is a zero-emissions vehicle.

Fortunately, the hydrogen-powered motor has some enough power behind it for responsive city and highway driving. The motor delivers 152 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque and can accelerate 0-60 mph in 9.4 seconds. Plus, the efficient motor is matched with a finely tuned suspension, creating a smooth driving experience. And the braking force is on-par with similar vehicles.

2016 Mirai: Interior and Exterior Styling

Toyota Mirai Interior

The exterior of the Mirai features a sedan body with influences from the best-selling Camry. It’s a mid-sized four door that features a roofline that slopes towards the squat rear fascia. Overall, it looks futuristic and hip; you can tell it’s a Toyota.

Inside, the cabin features a range of technology and an elegant finish. Interior tech includes: three LCD display screens, comfortable cloth bucket seats, and an all-digital gauge system. In many ways, it resembles the interior of a Prius with an eye toward the future.

When will the Mirai Become Available Throughout the U.S?

It’s clear that hydrogen fuel technology is in the early stages. Currently, there is a very limited hydrogen fueling infrastructure throughout the U.S., with just a handful of stations available in California.

More are on the way, but in the first few years after the release of the Mirai, only a limited number will become available. Clearly, Toyota is betting on the expansion of the hydrogen refueling station infrastructure. Even so a wider rollout may be years away, the Mirai is an intriguing vehicle with an eye to the future of alternative fuels.