The Toyota Mirai, also known as MIRAI in Japan and Toyota Mirai in Hepburn, is a mid-size hydrogen fuel cell vehicle (FCV) made by Toyota. It was one of the first FCV vehicles to be mass-produced and offered for sale on a wide scale. [4] [5] At the Los Angeles Auto Show in November 2014, the Mirai was presented. [6] Global sales reached 17,940 units as of December 2021 [update]; the top-selling markets were the United States with 9,274 units, Japan with 6,618 units, and the rest of the globe with 2,048 units. [7]
The 2016 model year Mirai has a total range of 502 km (312 mi) according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) cycle on a full tank. The Mirai was the most fuel-efficient hydrogen fuel cell vehicle at the time and had the greatest range thanks to its MPG-equivalent combined city/highway fuel economy rating of 66 mpgUS (3.6 L/100 km; 79 mpgimp). [8] The second-generation Mirai broke the previous record in August 2021 by going 1,360 kilometres (845 mi) with a full tank of 5.65 kg hydrogen. [9]
Sales in Japan started on December 15th at Toyota Store and Toyopet Store locations for 6.7 million (about US$57,400). The Japanese government intends to provide a 2 million yen (about $19,600 USD) subsidy to aid in the commercialization of fuel-cell automobiles. [10] Before any government subsidies, retail sales in the United States started in August 2015 at a cost of US$57,500. In California, deliveries to retail consumers started in October 2015. [11] In the first half of 2016, Toyota planned to introduce the Mirai in the Northeastern States. [12] The Mirai was offered for retail purchase in the UK, Denmark, Germany, Belgium, and Norway as of June 2016[update]. [13] Prices in Germany began at 60,000 (about US$75,140) + VAT (78,540). [14]
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Is it possible to buy a Toyota Mirai?
The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (also known as MSRP) of $50,525 is cheaper than the cost of the 2022 Toyota Mirai XLE 4dr Sedan (electric (fuel cell) CVT). A new 2022 Toyota Mirai XLE 4dr Sedan with an electric (fuel cell) CVT is typically purchased for $435 less than the MSRP.
How much does a Toyota Mirai cost to purchase?
Toyota only offers the Mirai in two trim levels, the first of which is the Mirai XLE. It has a lot to offer and starts at $49,500. Both Mirais have motors with 182 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque. It is coupled with RWD and a single-speed transmission. The projected range difference between the XLE and the Limited is 402 miles.
Keyless entry and Toyota Smart Key, which enables remote car starting, are features of the Toyota Mirai XLE. Standard features include heated side mirrors, auto-leveling LED headlights, and 19-inch alloy wheels. The first row of the Toyota Mirai’s five synthetic leather seats includes basic heating.
There includes a 12.3-inch touchscreen that works with Apple, Android, and Amazon Alexa gadgets. The three USB charging connections are available to passengers, or they can wirelessly charge their iPhones. There are fourteen speakers in a high-end JBL audio system as standard.
Additionally, the Toyota Mirai XLE offers a Wi-Fi hotspot and navigation system. Forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitors, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assistance are all part of the standard safety package.
With so many amenities already included, it makes sense that the Toyota Mirai doesn’t offer many extras. The Toyota Mirai Limited, which has a suggested retail price of $66,000, comes with one optional package as standard.
Is the Toyota Mirai sold in America?
In the US, Toyota has released pricing for the 2022 Mirai, which is anticipated to hit dealerships in December. The starting price for a fuel cell electric vehicle is $48,500, without including a $1,025 “Dealer Processing and Handling Fee.”
The most recent model year of Toyota’s well-liked FCEV has seen improvements in a variety of technological aspects, including higher safety ratings due to the “Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+” system, which includes a full range of safety features from Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection to Road Sign Assistance.
The rear-wheel-drive GA-L chassis serves as the foundation for the Mirai’s new powerplant. The second-generation Mirai’s more potent fuel cell system, according to the manufacturer, “provides a more exciting driving experience than its pioneering predecessor.” Additionally, compared to the front-wheel-drive Mirai of the first generation, the RWD design enables greater hydrogen storage. This enables the XLE grade version to have a range of 402 miles according to the EPA estimate.
A more expensive variation called “Limited Grade” with a starting price of $66,000 exists. The Limited Grade has more software options, but the biggest distinctions between the two cars are their appearances. Both vehicles will also come with up to $15,000 worth of free hydrogen fuel when purchased.
In contrast, the Mirai’s second generation, which debuted for the 2021 model year, really had a range of 650 kilometers. However, Toyota reported this number, and the EPA is often stricter when assigning ratings.
What is the price of filling Mirai?
Some automobiles are pricey to buy, while others are pricey to own. The average price of hydrogen fuel is $16 per kilogram, thus filling up a Toyota Mirai might be rather expensive. Since the Mirai typically holds 5 pounds, your cost would be about $80.
It should be mentioned, nevertheless, that hydrogen fuel is significantly more effective than gasoline. On the interstate, a Mirai can do 71 miles per kilo, and 76 in the city.
How long is the Mirai battery good for?
How frequently should a 2022 Toyota Mirai battery be changed? Every 3 to 5 years, however, you should have your battery checked regularly for sharp voltage drops to ensure it’s performing at a reliable level. Unless you have a high-performance battery, car batteries typically carry 12 to 13 volts.
Is hydrogen fuel less expensive than regular fuel?
Although hydrogen fuel is four times more expensive than gasoline and about $16 per gallon, it is far more efficient than gasoline.
Pros
Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles are categorized as “ultra low emission vehicles” (ULEVs), just like electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles, and thus are eligible for the same tax breaks as other ULEVs.
Owners won’t be required to pay any car excise charge because they release no CO2 (VED, commonly known as road tax). A 310 annual supplement for vehicles exceeding 40,000 for the first five years is also included. 3
Additionally, they won’t be subject to the London Congestion Charge or other clean air zones like those in Leeds and Birmingham.
In addition to the financial advantages, drivers of hydrogen-powered vehicles will be helping the environment because there are no hazardous exhaust emissions.
Although the majority of hydrogen is currently created using fossil fuels, burning hydrogen often emits less hazardous gases than burning gasoline or diesel, and hydrogen may be produced using electrolysis with renewable electricity.
While it may be difficult to find a filling station today, most hydrogen cars can travel 300 miles on a single tank and won’t experience the same “range anxiety” that many drivers of electric cars do.
Cons
There are currently not many hydrogen filling stations open, making it challenging to find hydrogen.
It might not always be an issue because more are planned and the government has established a 23 million fund to encourage the use of hydrogen vehicles and enhance the infrastructure that supports them.
With current pricing of 10 to 15 cents per kilogram, filling the 6.33kg tank of a Hyundai Nexo will cost you between 63 and 95 cents.
The Nexo will cost about $11.40 to travel 100 kilometers (62 miles) at a consumption rate of 0.95 kg (62 miles). For the same trip, an equal diesel will cost about $6.72. At 15.5p per kWh, an electric vehicle like the Hyundai Kona will cost about $3.
A hydrogen vehicle will cost far more to purchase outright than a comparable petrol or diesel vehicle; for instance, the Hyundai Nexo will cost you $66,000.
Finally, because fuel tanks must be exceedingly sturdy because hydrogen must be compressed to fit inside them, this adds weight and costs money.
It is extremely combustible, but so is gasoline, and most of us don’t worry about driving around with a tank full of fuel below our car that is arguably less well secured.
Vehicles propelled by combustible gas are not permitted to travel through the EuroTunnel between the UK and France.
Toyota asserts that the hydrogen tank in the Mirai can absorb five times as much crash energy as steel.
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How far can a Toyota Mirai travel?
The astounding EPA-estimated driving range of the new 2022 Toyota Mirai is achieved by fusing hydrogen with oxygen from ambient air. The hydrogen fuel tank that interacts with the air entering through the grille is at the center of the new Toyota Mirai 2022. From here, it flows to the fuel cell stack, where oxygen from the intake and hydrogen undergo a chemical reaction to produce electricity. This produces the power required to move the new Toyota Mirai in 2022. The new 2022 Toyota Mirai XLE and 2022 Toyota Mirai Limited both feature EPA-estimated driving ranges of up to 402 miles and 357 miles, respectively. Just consider how far you could go with a full tank. How far will you travel and where will you go?
Why can I only buy a Mirai in California?
Toyota today produces a variety of electrical vehicles, from hybrids and plug-in hybrids to pure battery electrics and the hydrogen fuel cell Mirai, 23 years after the Prius hit the market. All of the company’s automobiles will be available in electric form by the year 2025. The automaker hopes the new Mirai will aid in achieving its goal of 25% of U.S. sales coming from EVs, which it has set for itself over a five-year period.
The chicken and egg issue with hydrogen fuel cell vehicles is similar to that with battery electric vehicles. Although there aren’t many hydrogen refueling stations, without them automakers have been slow to create hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.
Hydrogen stations are still few and far between when compared to petrol stations, but that is beginning to change. California presently has the most public hydrogen stations of any state with 43. By the summer of 2022, another 21 are anticipated to be operational, including seven stations from the fuel supplier Iwatani in Southern California that will start to operate this summer.
The 2021 Mirai will only be offered in Los Angeles and San Francisco when it goes on sale this month due to the relative quantity of hydrogen stations in California. However, Toyota is offering 21 days of free rental automobiles for journeys that may depart from regions with easy access to hydrogen fuel. Additionally, the business will give out three years’ worth of hydrogen fuel.
Why would someone pick a hydrogen fuel cell car over a battery-powered one? The upfront cost of hydrogen fuel cell EVs is more in line with a comparable gas-powered vehicle because to the free fuel, a $4,500 rebate from the California Clean Vehicle Rebate Project, and a $8,000 federal tax credit.
Eight percent of Americans live in apartments, where they would not have access to EV chargers. They can instead refill at a public hydrogen station, which takes five minutes to fill up like a petrol station.
Moreover, wildfires. Hydrogen is still available because to its independence from the grid, even though California experiences a perpetual wildfire season that occasionally forces utilities to take preventative measures like shutting down.
Any new technology must outperform the one it aims to replace in order to be successful. Toyota makes a strong argument for hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles with the 2021 Mirai that just might rescue the company from obscurity.