The 2021 Toyota Mirai is all about luxury and comfort. The four-door, rear-wheel-drive vehicle is longer and wider than other models. It can comfortably seat five people, making it an excellent option for families.
Driving in comfort is a major perk but not the only one you can expect with this car. The Mirai is a Guinness World Record holder and that's not its only claim to fame. The car also won an award from Hispanic Motor Press for its tech-focused design.
Wayne Gerdes, the founder of the online forum CleanMPG, and his co-pilot Bob Winger drove 1360 kilometres in a 2021 Toyota Mirai. What's so special about that? He did it without refuelling.
That's right, the 2021 Toyota Mirai went 1360 kilometres on only one tank. Earning it a world record for the longest distance driven by a hydrogen fuel cell electric car.
That's an impressive feat, so let's dive into how the car could accomplish it.
The 2021 Toyota Mirai, and other vehicles like it, produce electricity by using a hydrogen fuel cell. This differs from most electric cars, which only draw electricity from a battery. How much energy a hydrogen car produces depends on the size of the hydrogen tank that's installed.
Toyota knew this, and so, they put three hydrogen tanks in the 2021 Mirai. Those extra tanks played a huge part in the record-breaking drive, but they aren't the only factor.
The car also features a polymer electrolyte fuel cell. That cell produces 128 kilowatts of power. Add that to the three hydrogen tanks, the 310.8V lithium-ion battery, and it's clear why this car is so exceptional.
This hydrogen vehicle is providing an alternative to traditional electric cars (EVs). This comes at the perfect time, as many automakers have committed to going green in the coming years. Now that manufacturers have seen the possibilities, hydrogen could play a big role.
There is one drawback to hydrogen cars, fueling them. Hydrogen stations are far less common than electric charging stations. That can present a problem depending on where a driver lives.
That's a situation that must change for hydrogen cars to be successful. The Mirai may very well have paved the road to that change with its mention in the Guinness World Records. The win shows that hydrogen can outpace EVs, which is sure to increase demand.
The Toyota Mirai's eco-friendliness is far from its only selling point. Here are a few of the car's key features, for those wondering what else it has to offer.
· The car goes from 0km to 60km in less than 8 seconds.
As this list can attest, the Toyota Mirai is far from a one-trick pony. None of the safety or convenience features were sacrificed to achieve sustainability.
You now have a good idea of why the vehicle is popular, but we're not done yet. Here are a few common questions you may have if you're considering the 2021 Mirai.
A complaint about the previous model was that it made odd clicking noises. The 2021 model is quieter and makes little noise apart from the start-up and shut-off sounds.
It's no louder than a standard electric vehicle, so there's no need to worry about excess noise.
Toyota promotes this car as an RWD option, and it lives up to that claim. Drivers report that the car performs well on curvy roads and in less than ideal conditions. Slipping doesn't seem to be an issue, so have no fears if you live in a snowy region.
The only drawback is that the vehicle may burn through more hydrogen in those conditions. Keep an eye on your fuel supply and make sure you know where the fueling stations are in the winter months.
When buying a car, you always want to know if you're getting a good deal. You don't want to spend all that time and money and then realize you've gone wrong. With this in mind, let's discuss whether the 2021 model is a good deal.
First off, we should note that Toyota offers to pay for $15,000, or 6 years, worth of fuel, whichever comes first. That deal applies to cars you buy outright, but they also offer the same deal over a 3-year period for leases. Those are both excellent options, that can help keep your overall costs low
In addition to the fuel savings, Toyota will also pay for up to 21 days of rental car coverage within the first 3 years. This is handy if you plan to go to an area that lacks hydrogen fueling stations, or if an emergency arises.
Besides the money-saving features that Toyota offers, many areas offer rebate incentives. These incentives will provide you with a monetary reward for driving an eco-car. Hydrogen cars fall into that category, so you should investigate the requirements in your area.
This car is good for both the environment and your wallet. It's a wonderful option for those in the market for a more sustainable car. You won't have to sacrifice your comfort or entertainment, and you can rely on the vehicle for years to come.