While Honda is teasing us with its FCV concept, Toyota’s new hydrogen-powered car has been presented in its production form with the brand confirming its name as the Mirai, which means “future” in Japanese.
The Mirai will open for orders in Japan tomorrow prior to its domestic market launch in April of 2015, with the car to go on sale in Europe and the U.S. in the following year. In Japan, prices will start from around 7 million yen or about $60,200 / €48,200 at today’s exchange rates not including consumption tax.
Toyota’s fuel-cell model combines hydrogen and oxygen from the air to generate electricity that can power the car’s electric motor for approximately 300 miles (483 km) on a single fill-up emitting nothing more than vapor. The hydrogen tanks can be refueled in less than five minutes, according to Toyota.
“Our fuel cell vehicle runs on hydrogen that can be made from virtually anything, even garbage!” said Toyota boss Akio Toyoda during the car’s Japanese market presentation. “It has a fuel cell that creates enough electricity to power a house for about a week. This is a car that lets you have it all with no compromises.”
Toyoda added that the Mirai will be enjoyable behind the wheel as well. “As a test driver, I knew this new fuel cell vehicle had to be truly fun to drive – and believe me, it is. It has a low center of gravity, which gives it very dynamic handling.”
In the U.S. and besides California, Toyota said it plans to build a dozen hydrogen re-fuelling stations in five northeastern states, including New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island
“Toyota’s vision of a hydrogen society is not just about building a great car, but ensuring accessible, reliable and convenient refueling for our customers,” said Toyota North America CEO, Jim Lentz. “I am happy to announce that this vision will expand beyond the borders of California and give customers the opportunity to join the fuel cell movement.”
More details about the fuel stations and U.S. pricing will be released at a later date.