TOYOTA

Mirai-sexy first, fuel cell EV 

Toyota has announced that the second generation of Mirai, electric hydrogen fuel cell (FC), will be introduced commercially in the course of this year. The launch is scheduled for the end of 2020, first in Japan, followed by North America and Europe.
The Mirai, whose first generation was launched in 2014, has always excelled in its ability to move with zero emissions, offering, on the other hand, greater autonomy than most battery-powered trams in the market, by producing electricity on board. It turns out that the price was not one of its assets – it is sold for about€ 60,000 in Germany – design was not one of its strengths either and its market penetration depends on the existence (or otherwise) of a supply network. On this latter constraint, Toyota has been making efforts to support the development of hydrogen fuel infrastructure in the world's major markets. At the same time, the brand focused on the development of fuel cells technology and tried to give the model an aesthetic more in line with European standards. The result of this work will reach dealers before the end of the year for a value that has not yet been disclosed, but that is expected to be more competitive, as the new generation fuel cell will cost about 50% less than that currently used by Toyota.



The first generation of Mirai, of which only 10,000 units were sold, announced 500 km of autonomy. The new generation promises to go further, with an increase in reach of up to 30%. In other words, somewhere in the 650 km range, to be able to stand up to competitors that have emerged in the meantime, such as Hyundai Nexus, a South Korean proposal with 163 hp and 395 Nm of maximum torque that approves an autonomy of 666 km in the WLTP cycle, for which it uses hydrogen stored in three tanks (of 52,2 L each), which take minutes to attest.
The increase in the range of the new Mirai is due, according to the brand, to improvements in the fuel cell system and the use of larger hydrogen deposits, allowing the increase of fuel capacity by about one kilogram of hydrogen compared to the model it replaces. It is recalled that the Mirai currently on sale consumes an average of 0.76 kg of hydrogen per 100 km.



Another new feature of the new Mirai is the architecture. Construction based on the Toyota modular platform TNGA (rear-wheel drive) not only allowed the model to offer five seats instead of the previous four, but also gave designers greater creative freedom. Aesthetics are more attractive, but there are also benefits in performance. In addition to greater body rigidity, the centre of gravity has fallen, which should result in greater agility and efficiency.



Inside, there's also news. In addition to offering room for one more occupant, The New Mirai bets on a more modern atmosphere, with emphasis on the 12.3 inch central screen and the dashboard to involve the driver.
Although it now confirms the commercial launch of its FCEV, Toyota still has nothing to reveal about the power of the electric motor, the energy density of the fuel cell or the capacity of the small lithium ion battery that feeds the Mirai in phases where the hydrogen cell is not yet in operation.

Autonews