Toyota Mirai

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Toyota Mirai (series JPD10)
Toyota Mirai in Warsaw, Poland Nov 2015 IMG 0130.JPG
Toyota Mirai
Overview
Manufacturer Toyota
Production 2015-present
Assembly Japan: Toyota, Aichi (Motomachi plant)[1]
Body and chassis
Class Mid-size
Body style 4-door sedan
Layout Front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout
Related Toyota FCV concept
Powertrain
Electric motor Fuel cell-powered 113 kW (152 hp) 335 N·m (247 lbf·ft)[2]
Transmission 1-speed
Battery 1.6 kWh Nickel-metal hydride[3][4]
Range 502 km (312 mi) (EPA)[5]
Dimensions
Wheelbase 2,780 mm (109.4 in)[2]
Length 4,890 mm (192.5 in)[2]
Width 1,815 mm (71.5 in)[2]
Height 1,535 mm (60.4 in)[2]
Curb weight 1,850 kg (4,078.6 lb)[2]

The Toyota Mirai (From mirai (未来?), Japanese for "future") is a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle, one of the first such vehicles to be sold commercially.[6][7] The Mirai was unveiled at the November 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show.[8] Toyota planned to build 700 vehicles for global sales during 2015.[9]

Under the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) cycle, the 2016 model year Mirai has a total range of 502 km (312 mi) on a full tank, with a combined city/highway fuel economy rating of 66 mpg-US (3.6 L/100 km; 79 mpg-imp) equivalent (MPG-equivalent), making the Mirai the most fuel efficient hydrogen fuel cell vehicle rated by the EPA, and the one with the largest range.[5]

Sales in Japan began on 15 December 2014 at a price of ¥6.7 million (~US$57,400) at Toyota Store and Toyopet Store locations. The Japanese government plans to support the commercialization of fuel-cell vehicles with a subsidy of ¥2 million (~US$19,600).[10] Retail sales in the U.S. began in August 2015 at a price of US$57,500 before any government incentives. Deliveries to retail customers began in California in October 2015.[11] Toyota scheduled to release the Mirai in the Northeastern States in the first half of 2016.[9] The market release in Europe was slated for September 2015, and initially will be available only in the UK, Germany and Denmark, followed by other countries in 2017.[12] Pricing in Germany starts at €60,000 (~US$75,140) plus VAT (€78,540) .[12]

History

FCV concept

The Mirai is based on the Toyota FCV (Fuel Cell Vehicle) concept car, which was unveiled at the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show.[13] The unveiled FCV concept was a bright blue sedan shaped like a drop of water "to emphasize that water is the only substance that hydrogen-powered cars emit from their tailpipes." The FCV has a large grille and other openings to allow cooling air and oxygen intake for use by the fuel cell. According to Toyota, the FCV concept is close in appearance to the expected production version of the car.[14] The FCV size is similar to the Toyota Camry.[15] The FCV range is expected to be approximately 700 km (430 mi) under Japan's JC08 test cycle.[16]

Toyota FCV concept car

According to Toyota, the FCV features a fuel cell system with an output power density of 3.0 kW/L, which is twice as high as that of its previous fuel cell concept, the Toyota FCHV-adv, delivering an output power of more than 100 kW, despite significant unit downsizing. The FCV uses Toyota's proprietary, small, light-weight fuel cell stack and two 70 MPa high-pressure hydrogen tanks placed beneath the specially designed body. The Toyota FCV concept can accommodate up to four occupants. For the full-scale market launch in 2015, the cost of the fuel cell system is expected to be 95% lower than that of the 2008 Toyota FCHV-adv.[17]

The FCV concept also uses the Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive technology including the electric motor, power control unit and other parts and components from its hybrid vehicles to improve reliability and minimize cost.[17] The hybrid technology is also used to work together with the fuel cell. At low speeds such as city driving, the FCV runs just like any all-electric car by using the energy stored in its battery, which is charged through regenerative braking. At higher speeds, the hydrogen fuel cell alone powers the electric motor. When more power is needed, for example during sudden acceleration, the battery supports the fuel cell system as both work together to provide propulsion.[18]

In June 2014 Toyota showcased an FCV with an exterior design close to production, and announced details about pricing in Japan and set a domestic market launch before April 2015 with initial sales limited to regions where hydrogen refueling infrastructure is being developed.[19]

Timeline

Toyota FCHV-adv SUV in 2010
  • 1992: Toyota starts development of FCV technology.[16]
  • 1996: The EVS13, an FCV with a metal hydride hydrogen tank, takes part in a parade in Osaka.[16]
  • 2001: Toyota shows the FCHV-4, FCHV-5, and Daihatsu MOVE FCV-K-II fuel-cell cars at the Tokyo Motor Show.[20]
  • 2002: The Highlander-based FCHV is available for limited sales in the U.S. and Japan. The fuel-cell stack outputs 90 kW. The cruising range is 300 km (185 miles). Two FCHVs are delivered to the Irvine and Davis campuses of University of California, four go to government departments in Japan.[21]
  • 2003: Toyota and Daihatsu begin road testing of the MOVE FCV-K-II, a fuel-cell Kei car.[22]
  • 2005: FCHV receives type certification in Japan.[16]
  • 2008: The FCHV-adv has increased range of 830 km (515 miles) for the 10-15 test cycle and better cold start capabilities.[16]
  • 2009: U.S. government drops funding for hydrogen fuel-cell cars.[23][24]
  • 2010: A Toyota/Hino FCHV Bus services daily commercial routes between Tokyo’s Haneda Airport and the city center.[25][26]
  • 2011: Satoshi Ogiso, deputy chief officer Product Planning Group, declares all technical problems as solved, says “the only remaining real issue that stands in the way of fuel-cell electric vehicles is mass production cost.”[27]
  • 2011: Toyota shows an FCV concept vehicle, dubbed "FCV-R," at the Tokyo Motor Show.[28][29]
  • 2012: Toyota Chairman Takeshi Uchiyamada says: “The current capabilities of electric vehicles do not meet society’s needs, whether it may be the distance the cars can run, or the costs, or how it takes a long time to charge.”[30]
  • 2013: Reporters drive test mules of the fuel cell vehicle. Toyota demonstrates that fueling takes less than three minutes.[31]
    Toyota fuel cell test mule fueling hydrogen in Tokyo.
  • 2013: Toyota shows FCV sedan at Tokyo Motor Show.[13][32]
  • June 2014: Toyota shows close-to-production FCV to the press. Announces early 2015 availability in Japan at around ¥7 million.[33]
  • November 2014: Toyota launches a press release and photos detailing the production version of the fuel cell vehicle. Also announced is the official model name of Mirai which means 'future'.[34]
  • April 2015: The Mirai was the first hydrogen fuel cell vehicle to pace a NASCAR race at the Toyota Owners 400 at Richmond, US.[citation needed]
  • June 2015: The Mirai was the pace car at the Toyota/Save Mart 350 at Sonoma, US.
  • October 21, 2015: Start sale and deliver in California, the same day the film Back to the Future Part II predicted 30 years future.[35]

Testing

Toyota began fuel cell development in Japan in the early 1990s and has developed a series of fuel cell vehicles, subjecting them to more than Lua error in Module:Convert at line 1851: attempt to index local 'en_value' (a nil value). of road testing. Since 2012, fuel cell test vehicles have logged thousands of miles on North American roads. This includes hot testing in Death Valley, cold testing in Yellowknife, Canada, steep grade hill climbs in San Francisco and high altitude trips in Colorado. The Toyota-designed carbon fiber hydrogen tanks have also undergone extreme testing to ensure their strength and durability in a crash.[36] Between September 2015 and February 2016, one Mirai was driven Lua error in Module:Convert at line 1851: attempt to index local 'en_value' (a nil value). in 107 days on different roads in Hamburg, using just over one tonne of hydrogen.[37]

Specifications

Mirai cutaway showing the electric traction motor and power control unit in the front, the fuel cell stack in the middle, and the nickel-metal hydride traction rechargeable battery above the hydrogen storage tanks in the rear.

The Mirai uses the Toyota Fuel Cell System (TFCS), which features both fuel cell technology and hybrid technology, and includes proprietary Toyota-developed components including the fuel cell (FC) stack, FC boost converter, and high-pressure hydrogen tanks. The TFCS is more energy-efficient than internal combustion engines[clarification needed] and emits no CO2 at the point of operation or substances of concern (SOCs) when driven. The system accelerates Mirai from 0 to 97 km/h (0 to 60 mph) in 9.0 seconds and delivers a passing time of 3 seconds from 40 to 64 km/h (25 to 40 mph). The Mirai refueling takes between 3 and 5 minutes, and Toyota expected a total range of 480 kilometres (300 mi) miles on a full tank.[36] The Mirai has a button labeled  H2O that opens a gate at the rear, dumping the water vapor that forms from the hydrogen-oxygen reaction in the fuel cell.[3] The exhaust  H2O or water volume is 240 mL per 4 km running.[38]

Fuel economy and range

Under the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) cycle, the 2016 model year Mirai has a range of 502 km (312 mi) on a full tank, with a combined city/highway fuel economy rating of 66 mpg-US (3.6 L/100 km; 79 mpg-imp) equivalent (MPG-equivalent).[5] The following table compares the Mirai with other FCVs available for leasing in California as of August 2015.[5]

Comparison of fuel economy expressed in MPGe for hydrogen fuel cell vehicles
available for leasing in California and rated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as of August 2015[5]
Vehicle Model year Combined
fuel economy		 City
fuel economy		 Highway
fuel economy		 Range Annual
fuel cost
Toyota Mirai 2016 66 mpg-e 66 mpg-e 66 mpg-e 312 mi (502 km) US$1,250
Honda FCX Clarity 2014 59 mpg-e 58 mpg-e 60 mpg-e 231 mi (372 km) NA
Hyundai Tucson Fuel Cell 2016 50 mpg-e 49 mpg-e 51 mpg-e 265 mi (426 km) US$1,700
Notes: One kg of hydrogen is roughly equivalent to one U.S. gallon of gasoline.

Fuel cell stack

The new Toyota FC Stack achieves a maximum output of 114 kW (153 hp). Electricity generation efficiency has been enhanced through the use of 3D fine mesh flow channels. These channels—a world first, according to Toyota—are arranged in a fine three-dimensional lattice structure and enhance the dispersion of air (oxygen), thereby enabling uniform generation of electricity on cell surfaces. This, in turn, provides a compact size and a high level of performance, including the stack’s world-leading power output density of 3.1 kW/L (2.2 times higher than that of the previous Toyota FCHV-adv limited-lease model), or 2.0 kW/kg. Each stack comprises 370 (single-line stacking) cells, with a cell thickness of 1.34 mm and weight of 102 g. The compact Mirai FC stack generates about 160 times more power than the residential fuel cells on sale in Japan.[36] The Mirai has a new compact (13-liter), high-efficiency, high-capacity converter developed to boost voltage generated in the Toyota FC Stack to 650 volts.[36]

High-pressure hydrogen tanks

The FCV concept used high pressure Type IV hydrogen tanks.

The Mirai has two hydrogen tanks with a three-layer structure made of carbon fiber-reinforced plastic consisting of nylon 6 from Ube Industries[39] and other materials. The tanks store hydrogen at 70 MPa (10,000 psi). The tanks have a combined weight 87.5 kg (193 lb).[2][36]

Electric traction motor and battery

Toyota's latest generation hybrid components were used extensively in the fuel cell powertrain, including the electric motor, power control and main battery. The electric traction motor delivers 113 kilowatts (152 hp) and 335 N·m (247 lbf·ft) of torque. The Mirai has a 245V (1.6 kWh) sealed nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) traction rechargeable battery pack, similar to the one used in the Toyota Camry hybrid.[3][4][36]

Safety

At Toyota’s Higashi-Fuji Technical Center, the Mirai has been subjected to extensive crash testing to evaluate a design specifically intended to address frontal, side and rear impacts and to provide excellent protection of vehicle occupants. A high level of collision safety has also been achieved to help protect the fuel cell stack and high-pressure tanks against body deformation. The high pressure hydrogen tanks have excellent hydrogen permeation prevention performance, strength, and durability. Hydrogen sensors provide warnings and can shut off tank main stop valves. The hydrogen tanks and other hydrogen-related parts are located outside the cabin to ensure that if hydrogen leaks, it will dissipate easily. The vehicle structure is enhanced with carbon-fiber-reinforced polymers from Toray[40] and designed to disperse and absorb impact energy across multiple parts to ensure a high-impact safety performance that protects the Toyota FC Stack and high-pressure hydrogen tanks during frontal, side or rear impacts.[36]

Infrastructure

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Main articles: Hydrogen highway and hydrogen station

As of January 2013, Japan had ten demonstration hydrogen fueling stations.[41] Toyota operates three of these stations.[42] To support commercialization of hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles by Toyota and other manufacturers, the Japanese government has announced a goal to build approximately 100 hydrogen fueling stations by March 2016 in Japanese cities where the vehicles are planned to be launched initially.[43] California also has ten hydrogen fueling stations, and the government provided about $47 million for 28 additional stations there.[15]

Production

Production of the fuel cell parts began in the Toyota Boshoku factory in November 2014.[44]

Markets and sales

The Toyota Mirai was unveiled at the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show
Toyota Mirai which runs as a car for the umpire in Nagoya Women's Marathon 2015.

In January 2015 it was announced that production of the Mirai fuel cell vehicle would increase from 700 units in 2015 to approximately 2,000 in 2016 and 3,000 in 2017.[45]

Japan

Sales in Japan began on December 15, 2014.[46] Pricing starts at ¥6.7 million (~US$57,400) before taxes and a government incentive of ¥2 million (~US$19,600).[10] Initially sales are limited to government and corporate customers. As of December 2014, domestic orders had already reached over 400 Mirais, surpassing Japan's first-year sales target, and as a result, there is a waiting list of more than a year.[46] The dimensions of the Mirai place it in a higher tax bracket outlined in the Japanese Governments dimension regulations, and the weight of the vehicle is also taxed annually during the annual road tax obligation.

The Japanese government also provides a subsidy of 50% of the installation costs, with ¥7.2 billion (~US$61.7 million) allocated for fiscal year 2014.[47] A hydrogen station in Japan costs ¥280 million (~US$2.4 million) which is about ¥150 million (~US$1.29 million) more than in Europe which allows more generic materials.[citation needed]

Toyota delivered the first market placed Mirai to the Prime Minister's Official Residence and announced it got 1,500 orders in Japan in one month after sales began on December 15, 2014 against a sales target of 400 for 12 months.[48][49]

United States

Deliveries to retail customers began in California in October 2015. A total of 57 units were delivered between October and November 2015.[11] Toyota scheduled to release the Mirai in the five Northeastern States in the first half of 2016 as hydrogen fueling infrastructure is built in the Boston and New York regions. Toyota will provide free hydrogen fueling for the first three years to initial buyers of the Mirai, just as Hyundai does for lessees of its Hyundai Tucson-ix35 Fuel Cell in California.[9][50] Toyota expects cumulative sales of 3,000 Mirais in the U.S. by the end of 2017.[9]

In the American market the 2016 model year Toyota Mirai will start at US$57,500 before any government incentives, and a leasing option for 36 months will be available with a US$3,649 down payment and a lease rate of US$499 per month. [9][50][51] Several states have established incentives and tax exemptions for fuel cell vehicles. As a zero-emission vehicle (ZEV), the Mirai will be eligible for a purchase rebate in California of US$5,000 through the Clean Vehicle Rebate Project.[52] The existing federal tax credit for fuel cell vehicles originally expired on 31 December 2014,[50][53] but was retroactively extended through 31 December 2016.[53]

Europe

The market launch in Europe is slated for September 2015.[9] The UK, Germany and Denmark are the first European countries where the Mirai will be released, followed by additional markets in 2017.[12] In Germany, pricing starts at €60,000 (~US$75,140) plus VAT.[12] Former European Parliament President Pat Cox estimates that Toyota will initially lose between €50,000 to €100,000 (US$60,000 to US$133,000) on each Mirai sold in 2015.[54]

Recognition

The Toyota Mirai won the 2016 World Green Car of the Year Award, announced at the 2016 New York International Auto Show.[55]

Marketing

In 2015, Toyota released a series of video commercials for the Mirai entitled Fueled By..., showing how hydrogen to power fuel cells like the ones that Mirais use could come from various unexpected sources.[56] The last one, entitled Fueled by the Future, featured Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd and YouTube science personality Go Tech Yourself, doubled as a tribute to the Back to the Future franchise and illustrated how the idea of converting trash into fuel (which had been introduced with the "Mr. Fusion" reactor that Dr. Emmett Brown (Lloyd) had brought back from the future at the end of the first film) had become reality. The commercial was released on October 21 - the same date in 2015 that Marty McFly (Fox), Jennifer Parker (Claudia Wells/Elizabeth Shue) and Brown traveled to in Back to the Future Part II.

Gallery

Toyota FCV concept car
Frontal view 
3/4 front 
Rear view 
3/4 rear 
Fuel cell badge 
Hydrogen fuel filler 
Toyota Mirai
2016 Toyota Mirai 
Frontal view 
Rear view 
Mirai instrument panel 

See also

References

  1. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found. The Mirai has a 245-volt nickel-metal hydride battery pack, similar to that in the Camry Hybrid.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found. The Toyota Camry Hybrid uses a 1.6 kWh NiMH battery.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found. One kg of hydrogen is roughly equivalent to one U.S. gallon of gasoline.
  6. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  7. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  8. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 9.3 9.4 9.5 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 12.2 12.3 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  14. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 16.2 16.3 16.4 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  18. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  19. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  20. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  21. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  22. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
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  32. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  33. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  34. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  35. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  36. ↑ 36.0 36.1 36.2 36.3 36.4 36.5 36.6 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
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  38. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
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  41. ↑ "JX Energy Planning 40 Hydrogen Refuelling Stations in Japan by 2015", FuelCellToday.com, January 14, 2013, accessed June 27, 2014
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  43. ↑ "Japan Bets Big on Making Fuel-Cell Cars a Near-Future Reality", Reuters, NDTV.com, June 25, 2014
  44. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  45. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  46. ↑ 46.0 46.1 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  47. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  48. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  49. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  50. ↑ 50.0 50.1 50.2 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  51. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  52. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  53. ↑ 53.0 53.1 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  54. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  55. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  56. ↑ Toyota Mirai "Fueled By" Commercials Toyota

External links

Video
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