The Toyota Mirai is the first hydrogen fuel cell car to be publicly sold, not leased. Its technology and styling is divisive, but what does its name mean?
Mirai or 未来 is Japanese for future, and reflects Toyota’s view that hydrogen fuel cells will one day come to replace the internal combustion engine.
The fuel cell stack combines hydrogen stored in its on-board tanks with oxygen taken from the atmosphere to create water exhaust and electricity, which powers the electric motor and replenishes a small nickel-metal hydride battery pack.
The fuel cell can generate 114kW (153hp), while the electric motor is rated at 113kW (152hp) and 335Nm (247 lb-ft). It can go from 0 to 100km/h in a leisurely 9.6 seconds.
