New Fuel Cell Vehicle Toyota's "MIRAI" Hits the Road!

Toyota Motor Corporation held a press conference at the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation in Koto Ward, Tokyo, on November 18, ahead of the launch of its new sedan-type fuel cell vehicle (FCV), the "MIRAI. " FCVs generate electricity by reacting hydrogen and oxygen, making them the "ultimate eco-car" that emits only water during operation.

Attention was high for the world's first commercially available FCV, drawing a large press corps to the venue.

 

At the outset, President Akio Toyoda appeared via video message, stating: "The history of the automobile is about to undergo a major change. I believe the Mirai will become a better car that leads society to a better future. It is not just a new model, but the first step toward transformation." Executive Vice President Hisamitsu Kato stated, "Mirai truly means 'future'. No other name came to mind." Touching on the company's history of FCV development, he added, "The Mirai marks the beginning of innovation for both mobility and the hydrogen society."

 

Yoshikazu Tanaka, Chief Engineer of the Product Planning Division and head of development, presented the vehicle's features: "Compact yet high-performance Toyota FC system," "Pursuit of packaging and fun-to-drive," "Design embodying wisdom," and "FCV-specific functions." The Mirai can be refueled with hydrogen in approximately three minutes and has a range of about 650 kilometers. It also features an external power supply function, enabling its use as an emergency power source during disasters.

Executive Vice President Masaki Maekawa announced sales would begin on December 15, 2014, with a manufacturer's suggested retail price of ¥7,236,000 (including tax ). The domestic sales target is 400 units by the end of 2015.

During the stage presentation, hologram technology drew attention with its effect of making text and images appear to float in mid-air. The presentation, much like the vehicle's name, gave a sense of the future.

Below, you can view the video shown at the venue.

"MIRAI ~ Automobile Turning Point Edition ~"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GrLZjcZ9_MY
"HOPE ~ The Hydrogen Society and the Future of Energy ~"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7IRlUVkXA5I

Official Website:
http://toyota.jp/sp/fcv/