We are now moving from fuel cell vehicles to using hydrogen to make them. At its heart, Toyota Mirai remains a breakthrough fuel-cell electric vehicle where the driver fills the tank with compressed hydrogen gas rather than liquid gasoline. It was derived from the Lexus LS 400 platform (rear-wheel drive – RWD- GA-L). An FCEV, of course, generates its own electricity onboard from hydrogen, with water as the only emission. A fuel cell system combines stored hydrogen with oxygen from the air, and a chemical reaction that produces electric current, and water, which drops out of a vent pipe beneath the Mirai.

Electricity generated by the Mirai’s fuel cell and the regenerative braking system is stored in a lithium-ion battery. Pressing the accelerator pedal sends electric power from the fuel cell and/or battery to the rear-mounted AC synchronous electric motor, which drives the rear wheels. An electric air compressor pressurizes the intake air, and a water-cooled intercooler reduces the temperature of the compressed air before it enters the fuel cell stack. A water-cooled oil cooler integrated with the air compressor helps maximize efficiency.

The intake system is designed to mitigate noise, which is in AutoInformed’s experience is mostly unnoticeable inside the cabin. The intake air for the fuel cell must be purified with an electrostatic air cleaner element capturing ultra-fine particles (Particulate Matter 2.5); a charcoal filter removes chemical substances. As always, the Toyota Mirai will include up to $15,000 of complimentary hydrogen with a purchase or lease.