2016 Toyota Mirai Has Longer Zero-Emissions Driving Range

Jul 3, 2015

Our Toyota dealership near Gurnee has been keeping close tabs on the 2016 Toyota Mirai. While the vehicle is so far only available to purchase in California, the vehicle’s hydrogen fuel cell technology could be the zero emissions solution the auto industry has been waiting for.

Similar to an electric car, the 2016 Toyota Mirai has an electric motor producing 151 hp and a big 247 lb-ft of torque that is fed power from a nickel-metal hydride battery. The difference is that it’s a bit moreof a hybrid like the 2015 Toyota Prius. Power is generated by a fuel cell system instead of from plugging into an outlet. The only byproduct of driving the 2016 Toyota Mirai is water.

The EPA has estimated the 2016 Toyota Mirai can go 312 miles before needing to refuel, which is higher than any other zero-emissions vehicle currently on the market. The 2016 Toyota Mirai carries five kilograms of pressurized hydrogen in its fuel cell. With 1 kilogram equaling about the same as a gallon of gasoline, the 2016 Toyota Mirai gets the equivalent of 62.4 mpg.

While the 2016 Toyota Mirai has come out swinging, there are still some obstacles to ensuring its success and hydrogen fuel cell technology. Currently there are only 12 hydrogen refueling stations in the country with 10 of those in California. To help along early adopters, Toyota will provide three years of free refueling and plans to build 46 more charging stations in California.

If the 2016 Toyota Mirai takes off in California, we will likely see Toyota begin to work with other states to develop a hydrogen infrastructure. There may also be a solution in the form of investing in home charging station technology and the vehicle may also become popular with fleets who tend to have their own refueling stations.

In the meantime, Classic Toyota recommends the 2015 Toyota Prius for drivers looking to ease their environmental footprint while getting great fuel economy. The current Toyota hybrid hatchback gets an impressive 51 mpg city and 48 mpg highway.