Toyota has showcased the second-gen Mirai hydrogen Fuel-Cell Vehicle (FCEV) at the ongoing Auto Expo 2023. However, this is not the first time it has been brought to India. The carmaker had started a pilot project to evaluate the model for India back in March 2022.
Toyota Mirai FCEV: what is it?
The model showcased here is the second-generation Mirai, which was globally unveiled in 2020 – six years after the original model. The Mirai is based on the GA-L rear-wheel-drive platform, which has allowed Toyota to repackage fuel-cell stack and drivetrain components. Plus, it also accommodates as many as three hydrogen tanks, helping it increase its total range.
The Mirai makes 174hp from the hydrogen fuel cell stack and is said to have a driving range of around 640km.
Toyota says that the Mirai cleans the air as you drive, thanks to a catalyst type filter that’s fitted into the air intake. As air is drawn into the vehicle to supply the fuel cell, an electric charge on the non-woven fabric filter captures microscopic particles of pollutants, including sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitrous oxides (NOx) and PM 2.5 particulates.
The new Mirai adopts a completely different design to its predecessor with slick styling, low slung stance and a coupe-like rear.
The interior, too, is completely redesigned with the large, horizontal 12.3-inch touchscreen taking centre stage. Higher-spec variants of the Mirai come with three-zone climate control, heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated seats, head-up display and a host of ADAS tech.
Toyota evaluating the FCEVs for India
In March 2022, Toyota signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the International Centre for Automotive Technology (iCAT) to evaluate a business case for Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles in India. And, for this study, Toyota brought in the second-generation Mirai.
