The future is here, and it features the 2016 Toyota Mirai
Hydrogen Fuel-Cell Sedan.
Much like the Prius, which ushered in the first wave of
hybrid cars in 1997, the Mirai represents the next great leap of green
technology. It doesn’t use any gasoline at all, making it a much more
sustainable and eco-friendly vehicle than anything else on the market.
But how does it drive? Is it actually a car worth buying?
Consider this your detailed look at the 2016 Toyota Mirai.
Specs
According to Digital Trends, the Mirai offers 153 horsepower
and can go from 0-60mph in nine seconds. These aren’t the fastest times in the
world, but it’s worth remembering that the Mirai isn’t supposed to be a race
car. It outperforms both the Prius (10 seconds) and the Honda Civic Hybrid (12
seconds), so it’s one of the best in its class if nothing else.
In terms of hydrogen, the Mirai can hold up to 5kg at a
time. This translates to roughly 300 miles on the road before you’ll need to
stop and “refuel.” Refilling the hydrogen will take around five minutes at the
pump.
If you know your way around green technology, you’ll be impressed
to learn that the Mirai has an output density of 2.0kW per kilogram; as Toyota
boasts on their website, that’s one of the best figures for fuel cell energy in
the world.
At a glance:
Horsepower: 153hp
Torque: 247 lb.-ft.
Top speed: 111mph
Total weight: 4000lbs
Operations
Though you’ll pull up to a hydrogen pump the same way you
currently do with a gas pump, the process under the hood will go a bit
differently.
For starters, it won’t take place under the hood at all: The
Mirai’s composite tanks are located under the rear seats. They’re attached via
pump to the car’s electric motor; you won’t even know they’re there.
As far as power is concerned, oxygen will be sucked into the
tanks through your front-facing vents as you drive. When you add gaseous
hydrogen from the pump, the chemical reaction that takes place is what will
give energy to your electric motor.
It’s clean, it’s green and it’s infinitely sustainable. If
you’re looking for a car that will reduce your carbon footprint in a big way,
the Mirai is the way to go.
Cost
The Mirai will start at $57,000 when it’s released in 2016,
but there are several things to keep in mind when you see this price:
– Almost every state offers some kind of incentive for
buying an eco-friendly vehicle. In California, where the Mirai will debut, this
will result in a reduction of almost $13,000 from the listed price.
– Certain leasing options from Toyota will include things
like roadside assistance and vehicle maintenance, so you’ll save when it comes
to total cost of ownership (TCO).
– You don’t need to buy gas, and according to Car and
Driver, Toyota will provide complimentary hydrogen for “up to” three years.
Additional Features
Perhaps most exciting about the Mirai is its DC outlet that
allows the car’s fuel cell energy to be converted into household energy. With
the right adapter and two full tanks of hydrogen, you can enjoy up to 60 kWh
from a stationary vehicle, perfect if your neighborhood has an unexpected
blackout.
On the dashboard, the Mirai contains Toyota’s standard
infotainment system. You’ll be able to enjoy everything from JBL sound to
seat-heating controls. The car also comes with a special function for locating
nearby hydrogen stations.
Overall
At the end of the day, the Mirai is an impressive piece of
green technology, and drivers will have to decide for themselves if it suits
their budget and lifestyle. Mirai means “future” in Japanese, so ask yourself
if you’re ready to be on the edge of tomorrow while still in today.
References:
http://www.comparehybridcars.net