Toyota’s latest endeavor takes them further into the depths of experimental fuel sources.
Hydrogen-powered sedans are a little subsection within the larger category of electric vehicles, and the new 2021 Toyota Mirai is now the most fashionable. The Mirai, like its competitors the Honda Clarity and the Hyundai Nexo, is powered by a fuel cell; that generates energy for its onboard electric motor through a chemical process that strips hydrogen of its electrons. The Mirai’s exhaust, rather than the usual carbon monoxide, emits only water vapor. Unlike a plug-in electric car, the Mirai can be charged with a tank of hydrogen in only a few minutes. Between fueling stops, the Mirai provides a premium experience with plenty of elegance and a comfortable ride.
The new 2021 Mirai is the second generation of the car to be produced. The Mirai originally came out in 2014. Shedding its ungainly dimensions, the new Mirai is longer, lower, and broader than its predecessor, now resembling the Toyota Camry.
The current popularity of SUVs highlights Toyota’s conundrum about whether or not to redesign the Mirai as a crossover for its second generation. The new Mirai, however, has remained a sedan. Toyota claims that the sedan body is ideal for the Mirai’s intent of “high-performance, long-range” driving. In actuality, Toyota will sell many more Mirais in markets where sedans are desired.
The 2021 Mirai also has a stylish interior to match its swoopy looks. Several curved features on the dashboard and door panels are highlighted by copper-colored trim pieces and almost all-digital instruments with gauges that dominate the upper section of the dashboard. It has a modern and elegant style that is fitting for a car with a starting price of $50,000. The Limited Trim model adds even more features to the basic XLE, including a sunroof, heated and ventilated front and back seats, and three-zone automatic temperature control.
The styling makeover isn’t the only change. The Mirai also gains a more powerful fuel-cell powertrain and shifts from front- to rear-wheel drive. In addition to the increased power, the Mirai also has a greater range and can go up to 402 miles on a single tank of hydrogen.
The ultimate aim of Toyota was to make the public want the Mirai as a car, not simply a hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle. Although the Mirai feels much more like a regular automobile than it did previously, it exposes market challenges, such as America’s inadequate hydrogen fuel infrastructure. There’s no doubt, however, that the Mirai has been substantially improved and it puts Toyota one step closer to the alternate fuel future they envision.
Toyota is still experimenting with renewable energy technology and one day may even replace conventional fossil fuels in their vehicles. Senior Ethan Walz is excited to see the future in the automotive industry saying, “This will be the future of eco-friendly cars.”
