Since the announcement of the first hydrogen-fueled production electric car, Toyota has been on a frenzy to provide infrastructure for their innovative vehicle. Scheduled for release next year, the 2017 Toyota Mirai will be sold instead of on a short term lease. This strategy sets up an interesting dynamic for the all new hydrogen vehicle. Priced around $58,000 dollars the all new Toyota is more expensive than it’s plug-in hybrid cousin the Prius hybrid.
The 2017 Toyota Mirai will be produced in limited numbers from the get go. It’s powered by an interesting twist on the Toyota hybrid system. Driven by a single electric motor that’s rated at 152 horsepower, it’s basically the same unit found in the Lexus 450h. It powers just the front wheels and taps into the fuel cell, however that’s not what makes the 2017 Toyota Mirai so innovative.
Toyota’s fuel cell stack is at the heart of the Toyota Mirai, which translates to “the future.” Combining the hydrogen that’s stored in the Toyota with oxygen captured from the intake, this stack creates electricity that will power the electric motor.
There’s two hydrogen tanks made from carbon fiber stored behind the front seat and the reat seats. They combine to store over 120 liters of hydrogen, which push the range of the Mirai over 400 miles before needing to refuel. Toyota claims that refueling the 2017 Toyota Mirai can complete in just under three minutes.
2017 Toyota Mirai Driving Impressions
The Mirai is easy to drive and comfortable under most conditions. Put to the test by Car and Driver, the new hydrogen hybrid is remarkably easy to drive. Despite the hefty curb weight of over 4000 lbs, the 2017 Toyota Mirai seems to accelerate at a brisk rate. With a claimed testing time of 9.6 seconds from 0-60, the Mirai also tops out at 111 MPH.
The ride quality is superb and the 2017 Toyota Mirai features better body roll and control over the Prius.
There’s quite a bit of Toyota technology in place to keep road noise at a minimum, and keeps the 2017 Toyota Mirai a quiet ride that’s relaxing and easy to enjoy.
2017 Toyota Mirai Interior
Combining a bit of the old with the new, the 2017 Toyota Mirai utilizes dual TFT displays. The primary unit is mounted under the windshield and is used as the functional instrument cluster. Displaying speedometer and power level display functions, this TFT screen sits atop of the center console.
There’s plenty of legroom and space in the 2017 Toyota Mirai that’s quite an upgrade over the current third-generation Prius. Because of the front fuel cell stack under the front seats, it places the driver and passenger quite high in the Mirai. This increases visibility and driveability, and because of the relatively long wheelbase there’s plenty of leg room.
Trunk space is rather diminished, especially over the Prius. There’s still plenty of space for groceries but owners upgrading from the Prius to the 2017 Toyota Mirai will notice the downgrade right away.
While the 2017 Toyota Mirai has a lot of value, there are many perspective buyers who are more than willing to wait it out. Although the Mirai is sure to affect how manufacturers are approaching the electric car future, it remains to be seen how popular hydrogen will be. Want to learn more about the 2017 Toyota Mirai? Head over to Toyota or subscribe to My Pro Street to learn more.