The second-generation 2021 Toyota Mirai is going to hit the showrooms before the end of this year at a starting of $50,455 (including destination), which is around $9,000 below the starting cost of the previous-generation model. The fuel cell-electric sedan has received plenty of changes both inside and outside.
For the new model, Toyota is offering $15,000 worth of complimentary hydrogen, same as before. However, living in America, it might not be easy for you to find a hydrogen fueling station, as they are available in only two states. California gets forty-three and Hawaii has one only. However, Toyota is committed to expanding its fueling station network in the Northeast and other regions of the US.
If the lack of fueling stations isn’t something that deters you, the 2021 Toyota Mirai has an abundance of features you would like. It is more stylish, sleeker, and bigger. The length measures 195.8 inches against the 2020 model’s 192.5 inches. The wheelbase has also been extended.
The 2021 Toyota Mirai is underpinned on a Lexus chassis, which is firmer. The drive is now rear-wheel, thus would give a sportier feel. Adding to the athletic feel is more power. The fuel-cell vehicle has got a single electric motor mounted at the rear axle that generates 181 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque.
The motor receives power either from a fuel cell stack placed under the hood, or a little lithium-ion battery. This battery recharges itself as the driver brakes. The automaker says, the Mirai offers 421 miles of range on a single tank of hydrogen, which is 30% more than the ongoing sedan.
So, how the energy is produced? The fuel cell stacks are designed to mix hydrogen with oxygen and develop electricity. In the process, water is produced which is released into the air as vapors. Toyota is using three 10,000-psi carbon-fiber-reinforced high-pressure tanks to store hydrogen, which can contain 11 pounds of hydrogen and take around five minutes to top up.
The interior has also got various updates. We do not see many buttons on the dash thanks to a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen display, which contains most controls. The instrument cluster is an 8.0-inch screen while there is also a digital rearview mirror.
The salient features you would find in the 2021 Toyota Mirai comprise heated seats, a color head-up display, three-zone climate control, a rear touchscreen for climate and audio control, a surround-view camera, and a 14-speaker JBL audio system. The electronic driver-assist facilities encompass park assist, collision warning with pedestrian detection and automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control.
While the world is moving fast toward all-electric vehicles for zero-emission, Toyota believes hydrogen is a viable and better option in this regard. This is why they are not entirely shifting to all-electric vehicles and instead are focusing on electrified variants of combustion engine vehicles. The company is also working to create some fuel cell-electric semi-trailer trucks in association with Kenworth.
We didn’t hear from Toyota UAE about the 2021 Mirai’s availability here yet.
Source and Images: Motor Authority