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This past Tuesday was a special day for many reasons. October 8th. Let’s refer to this day as 10-08. Ironically this number is also the atomic weight for hydrogen (1.008). How fitting this day, 10-08, was chosen to reveal Toyota’s 2nd generation hydrogen fuel-cell electric vehicle – the 2021 Toyota Mirai.
Happy National Hydrogen Day everyone!
What is new with the 2021 Toyota Mirai?
As opposed to traditional internal combustion engines, or even Hybrid technology, the Toyota Mirai is a hydrogen fuel-cell electric vehicle (FCEV). I will get to that next. I promise. But first, can we just talk about the incredible exterior styling?
As soon as the drape covering this new redesign was pulled off to reveal this electric blue beauty, everyone in the room knew this was something special. A complete redesign. Sleek, flowing and aerodynamic lines form the incredible profile for the 2021 Mirai.
Mirai team Senior Engineer Jackie Birdsall drew comparisons from the newest generation 2021 Mirai to its current model. “This is shorter, wider, longer and more aerodynamic. And it’s available with 20-inch rims, so a beautiful aesthetic.”
This latest entry is based on a premium rear-wheel drive platform, which is a polar opposite from the 1st generation’s front-wheel drive offering. This should provide a more personal, engaging and fun-to-drive spirit to Mirai.
The benefits of driving a Toyota Mirai
I think it is important to get a feel for what it means to be a hydrogen fuel-cell electric vehicle. Let’s ask Jackie Birdsall. “This is an all-electric vehicle. But instead of plugging it in and recharging it you refill it with hydrogen. It takes about five minutes to fill.”
Drivers of the new 2021 Mirai will be drawn to the appeal of a short refilling time and long driving range.
Current Toyota Mirai driving range is listed at 312 miles, but Birdsall predicts a healthy increase to this statistic. “Because of increases in the efficiency of the fuel-cell system and in the hydrogen storage capacity, we’re talking about a 30% increase in range.”
The other benefit for Mirai drivers is this is a vehicle that has absolutely zero emissions. Hydrogen and oxygen supply Mirai’s power and the only tailpipe emission is water.
Mirai’s next-gen coupe-inspired sedan will be more powerful and quieter than ever as well.
Next steps for Toyota Mirai
The next and biggest challenge will be building and ensuring there are adequate hydrogen filling stations to support a wide-scale distribution of Mirai. Currently hydrogen fueling stations for Mirai are located in California and Hawaii, with plans for new stations in the northeast and other parts of the country in the works.
Pricing for this latest entry is not yet available. Current 2019 Mirai factory MSRP is $58,500. The 2021 Mirai has a planned release date of late 2020.
Time for your thoughts on Toyota Mirai
We all know by now about Toyota Hybrid vehicles such as Prius Prime, Camry Hybrid, RAV4 Hybrid and Highlander Hybrid, but what about the Mirai? In the near future hydrogen fuel-cell technology may be as prevalent and popular as traditional Toyota Hybrids.
I was surprised initially and still today at how sleek and beautiful this new Mirai looks. This is a car I would be proud to purchase and own. It passed my looks test, and now I cannot wait to see how it drives. Why is it not 2020 yet?
Now that you have seen pictures of the 2021 Mirai, what do you think of its new exterior styling? Is it an improvement from the 1st generation? What are your thoughts on alternative fuel vehicles?
Also, I am forming a piece about consumer alternative fuel vehicles. What are some questions you have about Hybrids and other alternative fuel vehicles?
Thanks for reading everyone. See you next story.
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Comments
Well I will give Toyota
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Well I will give Toyota credit for improving the Mirai's looks, but considering that the current model is awkwardly styled, that was not a difficult task. As mentioned in the article the biggest hurdles to overcome with hydrogen/fuel cell cars (FCEVs) are providing hydrogen refueling stations, and lowering the cost of hydrogen. Where I live in California is one of the few spots in the U.S. where there actually are a few hydrogen fuel stations built, and for most FCEVs the automakers are providing free hydrogen (within limits) for people who lease their FC vehicles. And yet, even with this being a sweet spot in the world for FCEVs, and me really liking the idea of hydrogen powered cars, it is a tough sell to justify one of these cars when compared to a regular BEV. For the price of a Toyota Mirai or Hyundai Nexo you could get a Tesla Model 3 Performance. Sure, the FCEVs are rarer, and are a great conversation starter being able to state that you drive a car that runs off of hydrogen. Both have slightly more EV range than the top Model 3, but none of the FCEVs out now can charge up at home for pennies per mile. And none of them come anywhere near the performance capability of even the entry Model 3s (or Bolt or Leaf). Since all FCEVs all need a buffer battery to power their electric motors it would be so easy to add a larger battery (like the 8.8kWh battery from the Prius Prime) and give the car a 25+ mile range off of just the batteries. Then you could extend the range and usefulness of the FCEV greatly, and charge up at home, or potentially have a fast charge option to top it off on the road in 2 minutes. Mercedes offers their GLC F-Cell which is a plug in FCEV with 32EV miles, but it is only sold in Europe so far.