The 2024 Toyota Mirai is a hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) that offers a sleek design, a luxurious interior, and an impressive driving range. The Mirai, which means “future” in Japanese, is Toyota’s flagship model for its Beyond Zero initiative, which aims to achieve carbon neutrality and create a more sustainable society. In this article, we will review the features, performance, and benefits of the 2024 Toyota Mirai and compare it with its competitors in the hydrogen segment.
What is a Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle?
A hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle is a type of electric vehicle that uses hydrogen gas as its energy source. Unlike a battery electric vehicle, which stores electricity in a large battery pack, a hydrogen FCEV generates electricity on board by combining hydrogen and oxygen in a fuel cell stack. The only byproduct of this process is water vapor, which is emitted from the tailpipe.
A hydrogen FCEV has several advantages over a battery electric vehicle, such as:
- A longer driving range: The 2024 Toyota Mirai can travel up to 402 miles on a single tank of hydrogen, which is comparable to a conventional gasoline car and much longer than most battery electric vehicles.
- A faster refueling time: It takes only about five minutes to fill up a hydrogen tank, whereas a battery electric vehicle may take hours to recharge, depending on the charging station and the battery capacity.
- A lighter weight: A hydrogen tank is much lighter than a battery pack, which reduces the vehicle’s overall weight and improves its handling and efficiency.
However, a hydrogen FCEV also faces some challenges, such as:
- A limited availability of hydrogen stations: Currently, there are only about 48 public hydrogen stations in the United States, most of which are located in California. This limits the accessibility and convenience of driving a hydrogen FCEV, especially for long-distance trips or cross-country travel.
- A higher cost of hydrogen fuel: According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the average retail price of hydrogen fuel in 2023 was $16.51 per kilogram, which is equivalent to about $5.50 per gallon of gasoline. This makes hydrogen fuel more expensive than gasoline or electricity, although some automakers, such as Toyota, offer free hydrogen for their customers for a limited period of time.
- A lower efficiency of hydrogen production: Most of the hydrogen used for transportation today is produced from natural gas, which involves a process called steam methane reforming. This process emits carbon dioxide and consumes a lot of energy, reducing hydrogen FCEVs' environmental benefits. However, there are alternative ways to produce hydrogen from renewable sources, such as solar, wind, or hydropower, which are more sustainable and efficient.
What are the Features of the 2024 Toyota Mirai?
The new Toyota Mirai is the second-generation model of Toyota’s hydrogen FCEV, which was first launched in 2015. The new Mirai has undergone a major redesign, featuring a more stylish and aerodynamic exterior, a more spacious and comfortable interior, and a more powerful and efficient fuel cell system.
The 2024 Toyota Mirai is available in two trim levels: the XLE and the Limited. The XLE starts at $51,215, while the Limited starts at $68,180. Both trims come with a comprehensive package of standard features, such as:
- A 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and wireless charging
- A 14-speaker JBL premium sound system with SiriusXM and HD Radio
- A 10.3-inch digital instrument cluster with a head-up display
- A dual-zone automatic climate control with a humidity sensor and a nanoe air purifier
- A heated leather steering wheel with paddle shifters and audio controls
- A power tilt-and-telescopic steering column with a memory function
- A heated and ventilated power front seats with memory function
- A heated rear seats with a center armrest and cup holders
- A power moonroof with a sliding sunshade
- A power trunk lid with a hands-free function
- A smart key system with push-button start and remote illuminated entry
- A dynamic radar cruise control with a full-speed range
- A pre-collision system with pedestrian detection and low-light support
- A lane departure alert with steering assist and road edge detection
- A lane tracing assist with curve speed reduction
- A road sign assist
- An automatic high-beam
- A blind spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert
- A rearview camera with dynamic gridlines
- A front and rear parking assist with automatic braking
- A 19-inch alloy wheels with all-season tires
The Limited trim adds some extra features, such as:
- A 12.3-inch digital rearview mirror with a homelink universal transceiver
- A panoramic view monitor with a perimeter scan
- A bird’s eye view camera with a curb view
- A rear cross-traffic braking
- A front and rear clearance sonar
- A heated and ventilated power rear seats with a power reclining function
- A rear seat entertainment system with a 9-inch display, wireless headphones, and HDMI input
- A rear seat climate control with a touch panel
- A rear window sunshade
- A 20-inch alloy wheels with all-season tires
The 2024 Toyota Mirai also offers some optional features, such as:
- A premium paint color (Elemental Silver) for an additional $425
- A hydrogen tank protection package for an additional $699, which includes a steel plate under the vehicle to protect the hydrogen tanks from road debris and a warning sticker on the trunk lid to alert emergency responders
- A protection package for an additional $699, which includes carpet floor mats, a carpet trunk mat, a rear bumper applique, and door edge guards
How Does the 2024 Toyota Mirai Perform?
The 2024 Toyota Mirai is powered by a fuel cell system that consists of three main components: a fuel cell stack, a hydrogen tank, and a battery. The fuel cell stack is located under the hood, where it converts hydrogen and oxygen into electricity and water. The hydrogen tank is under the rear seat, storing up to 5.6 kilograms of compressed hydrogen gas at 10,000 psi. The battery is under the trunk, storing excess electricity from the fuel cell stack and providing additional power when needed.
The fuel cell system delivers 182 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels via a single-speed transmission. The 2024 Toyota Mirai can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 9.1 seconds and reach a top speed of 108 mph. The 2024 Toyota Mirai has an EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of 76 MPGe for the XLE trim and 67 MPGe for the Limited trim. The 2024 Toyota Mirai has an EPA-estimated driving range of 402 miles for the XLE trim and 357 miles for the Limited trim.
The 2024 Toyota Mirai also features a dynamic driving mode selector, which allows the driver to choose between three modes: Eco, Normal, and Sport. The Eco mode optimizes the fuel cell system for maximum efficiency and range, while the Sport mode enhances the throttle response and steering feel for a more spirited driving experience. The Normal mode provides a balanced performance for everyday driving.
The 2024 Toyota Mirai also boasts a high-strength body structure, a four-wheel independent suspension, and a four-wheel disc brake system with regenerative braking. The high-strength body structure enhances the safety and rigidity of the vehicle, while the four-wheel independent suspension improves the ride comfort and handling stability. The four-wheel disc brake system provides reliable stopping power, while the regenerative braking recovers kinetic energy and converts it into electricity, which reduces the brake wear and increases the driving range.
What are the Benefits of the 2024 Toyota Mirai?
The 2024 Toyota Mirai offers several benefits for its customers, such as:
- A zero-emission driving: The 2024 Toyota Mirai emits only water vapor from its tailpipe, which means it does not contribute to air pollution or greenhouse gas emissions. The 2024 Toyota Mirai also has a carbon-neutral lifecycle, which means it does not generate any net carbon dioxide emissions from its production, operation, and disposal.
- A free hydrogen for up to six years: Toyota provides its Mirai customers with a $15,000 credit for hydrogen fuel, which is valid for up to six years or until the credit is depleted, whichever comes first. This credit can be used at any participating hydrogen station in the United States, which are operated by companies such as Air Liquide, Shell, and First Element Fuel. The credit covers the cost of hydrogen fuel, taxes, and fees and is not transferable or redeemable for cash.
- A 360-degree support from Toyota: Toyota offers its Mirai customers a comprehensive package of support services, such as:
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- A 24/7 customer call center, which provides assistance for any questions or issues related to the Mirai or hydrogen fueling
- A 24/7 roadside assistance, which provides towing, flat tire change, lockout service, battery jump-start, and emergency fuel delivery for up to six years or unlimited miles.
- A ToyotaCare service plan, which covers the routine maintenance of the Mirai for up to three years or 35,000 miles, whichever comes first.
- A ToyotaCare Plus service plan covers the Mirai's major maintenance for up to five years or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first. This plan includes services such as fuel cell air filter replacement, hydrogen sensor inspection, and fuel cell stack humidifier drain valve replacement.
- A complimentary rental car for up to 21 days per year for the first three years when the Mirai is in for service or repair. This rental car can be either a Toyota hybrid or another Toyota model of the customer’s choice, subject to availability.
- An 8-year/100,000-mile warranty on the fuel cell components, which covers the fuel cell stack, the hydrogen tanks, the boost converter, the fuel cell ECU, the hydrogen fueling ECU, and the hybrid battery ECU.
- A Toyota Safety Connect subscription for up to 10 years, which provides emergency assistance, stolen vehicle locator, roadside assistance, and automatic collision notification.