Toyota has unveiled the 2021 Toyota Mirai fuel cell electric vehicle. The car is powered by hydrogen and has moved to a new rear-wheel-drive platform for 2021. The platform is shared with the Lexus LS.
Toyota says the new version of the green vehicle has a 30 percent increase in driving range at up to 402 miles for the XLE grade. The biggest news is that the starting MSRP for the vehicle is $49,500, which is over $9000 less expensive than the outgoing model. Despite the cheaper price tag, new safety tech, and longer driving range, Toyota still offers up to $15,000 of free hydrogen fuel with the purchase or lease of the Mirai.
Enhanced Safety Features
Both Mirai trims come standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ featuring full-speed dynamic radar cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. A blind spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert are also standard. Toyota uses standard LED lighting all around the vehicle, including the taillights and headlights. Inside, the car also gets a new digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch touchscreen multimedia display.
The Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ suite is a significant upgrade, providing drivers with enhanced safety and peace of mind. The full-speed dynamic radar cruise control allows for smoother and more efficient driving on highways, automatically adjusting the vehicle’s speed to maintain a safe distance from the car ahead. The automatic emergency braking system can detect potential collisions and apply the brakes if necessary, reducing the risk of accidents. Lane-keep assist helps drivers stay within their lane, preventing unintentional lane departures.
Advanced Technology and Comfort
The 2021 Toyota Mirai is not just about safety; it also offers a range of advanced technology and comfort features. The new digital instrument cluster provides drivers with essential information at a glance, while the 12.3-inch touchscreen multimedia display offers an intuitive interface for accessing navigation, entertainment, and vehicle settings. The multimedia system supports Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa, ensuring seamless connectivity with smartphones and other devices.
The interior of the Mirai is designed with comfort and luxury in mind. The seats are upholstered in high-quality materials, providing a comfortable and supportive ride. The cabin is spacious, with ample legroom and headroom for both front and rear passengers. The rear-wheel-drive platform enhances the vehicle’s handling and stability, making for a more enjoyable driving experience.
Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technology
The heart of the 2021 Toyota Mirai is its hydrogen fuel cell technology. Unlike traditional internal combustion engines, the Mirai’s fuel cell generates electricity through a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, producing only water vapor as a byproduct. This makes the Mirai an environmentally friendly alternative to gasoline-powered vehicles, with zero emissions and a reduced carbon footprint.
Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles like the Mirai offer several advantages over battery electric vehicles (BEVs). One of the main benefits is the shorter refueling time. While BEVs can take several hours to recharge, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles can be refueled in just a few minutes, similar to conventional gasoline vehicles. Additionally, the increased driving range of up to 402 miles makes the Mirai a practical choice for long-distance travel.
The 2021 Toyota Mirai represents a significant step forward in the development of hydrogen fuel cell technology. With its increased driving range, advanced safety features, and luxurious interior, the Mirai offers a compelling alternative to traditional gasoline and battery electric vehicles. The reduced starting price and the inclusion of up to $15,000 of free hydrogen fuel make it an attractive option for environmentally conscious consumers. As hydrogen refueling infrastructure continues to expand, the Mirai and other hydrogen fuel cell vehicles are poised to play a crucial role in the future of sustainable transportation.
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