The Toyota Mirai is the first zero-emission vehicle to exceed the 300-mile mark, which is an impressive achievement for a hydrogen-fueled vehicle.
The Tesla Model S is widely considered one of the best and most advanced electric vehicles currently available, but the Toyota Mirai now achieves a longer range of zero emissions.
According to Toyota, the 2016 Mirai breaks a new record with the equivalent of 67 miles per gallon on combined city and highway roads, on a 312-mile range. Considering that the Toyota Mirai is a hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle, this achievement is quite remarkable.
As the auto maker itself touts, the Toyota Mirai is currently the only zero-emission electric vehicle that soars past the 300-mile range mark.
"Toyota realized in the early 90s that electrification was key to the future of the automobile," stated Jim Lentz, CEO of Toyota North America.
The CEO further notes how Prius revolutionized the market by bringing hybrid-electric cars to customers nearly two decades ago, and Toyota now plans to kickstart a new era of efficient transportation that uses hydrogen.
Not only is the Toyota Mirai the first to go past the 300-mile range mark, but it's also the first hydrogen fuel electric vehicle to go into mass production. Its performance can compete with standard engines that rely on internal combustion, although it doesn't use any gasoline. Instead, the four-door sedan uses hydrogen, oxygen and a fuel cell to create electricity on demand, emitting only water vapor.
The Toyota Mirai is set to hit dealerships in California sometime this fall, aiming to provide a high-end experience on all fronts. Drivers who purchase this fuel-efficient car will also get an impressive range of services, including complimentary fuel for three years, as well as complimentary Safety Connect and Entune (which includes an app to find hydrogen stations) for three years. Moreover, Mirai owners will also benefit from three years of non-stop, 24/7 customer call support.
Other perks include a Mirai Complimentary Rental Experience for seven days a year over three years. The auto maker is also throwing in its Toyota Care, which offers no-cost service for three years, or 35,000 miles (whichever comes first) and free roadside assistance for three years. Lastly, the Toyota Mirai will also come with an 8-year, 100,000-mile warranty on core fuel cell components.
Interested customers in California will be able to request a Toyota Mirai starting this summer. Toyota is also encouraging customers to sign up on its Mirai website to receive more information.
