TOYOTA Motor Corp. at the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show that’s set to open on October 24 will display the next generation of its zero-emission Mirai fuel cell electric vehicle, or FCEV. The carmaker said the totally redesigned Mirai is a “major step forward for FCEVs and the potential of a hydrogen society” as the car has a significantly greater range, improved driving performance and a design with increased passenger room and comfort.
FCEVs are fueled by hydrogen, which is converted into electricity then emitted as water.
“We have worked to make a car that customers will want to drive all the time, a car that has an emotional and attractive design and the kind of dynamic and responsive performance that can bring a smile to the driver’s face,” said Yoshikazu Tanaka, chief engineer of the Mirai. “I want customers to say ‘I chose the Mirai because I simply wanted this car, and it just happens to be an FCEV.’ We will continue our development work focusing on that feeling, and we hope that with the new Mirai we will be a leader in helping to realize a hydrogen energy society.”
Launched in 2014, the original Mirai proved the global potential of hydrogen to power clean and sustainable mobility, combining a driving range with refueling time equivalent to conventional vehicles and emissions of nothing but water. Since then, approximately 10,000 Mirai have been sold globally, Toyota said the model helped “pave the way towards a hydrogen society that will reduce emissions, diversify energy sources, and generate global economic growth.”
The carmaker said it targets to launch the new-generation Mirai in late 2020, first in Japan, North America and Europe. It also aims to extend the car’s range by 30%.
Toyota said the upcoming Mirai uses the brand’s latest TNGA platform and rolls on 20-inch wheels. Some of its features include a 12.3-inch wide screen on the center console and instrument panel, and seating for five instead of the current model’s four-passenger layout.
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