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TOYOTA will launch its new hydrogen fuel cell vehicle (FCV) called Mirai - which means ‘future’ in Japanese - across the globe later this year.
It was only introduced to the world with its December launch in Japan and uses hydrogen as fuel to generate electricity. The Toyota Mirai competes with traditional internal combustion engines – but it uses no gasoline and emits nothing but water vapour. The groundbreaking fuel cell electric vehicle re-fuels in about five minutes, and travels up to 450 kilometres on a full tank.
The Mirai uses the Toyota Fuel Cell System, which features both fuel cell technology and hybrid technology, and includes the marque’s new proprietary FC Stack and high-pressure hydrogen tanks.
The company says the Mirai delivers everything expected of a next-generation car: an immediately recognisable design, driving exhilaration stemming from superior handling stability achieved by a low centre of gravity and quiet but powerful acceleration provided by the electric motor.
Takayuki Yoshitsugu, Toyota’s chief representative covering the Middle East and North Africa, said: “The Mirai represents a pivotal moment in automotive history with Toyota unveiling a new, environmentally-friendly car that is a pleasure to drive and has zero emissions. Based on Toyota’s steadfast commitment to environmental sustainability, the Mirai was conceived to establish a future filled with vehicles that would diminish our dependence on conventional fuels and reduce harm to the environment.
“With the Mirai, Toyota is taking the opportunity to really make a difference for future generations with this bold and inspiring vehicle.”
Hydrogen can be generated using a wide range of natural resources and man-made byproducts such as sewage sludge. It can also be created from water using natural renewable energy sources like solar and wind power. When compressed, it has a higher energy density than batteries, and is relatively easy to store and transport, therefore it also carries expectations for potential future use in power generation and a wide range of other applications.
FCVs are able to generate their own electricity from hydrogen, meaning they can help make a future hydrogen-based society a reality, and are therefore expected to further contribute to accelerating energy diversification.
Prices for the vehicle have still to be announced.
