Many drivers are still unfamiliar with e-mobility, mainly because of the insufficient range and the often very long charging times. There is, however, an electrical alternative that does not have such problems.
Despite the network of quick charging stations and ever greater ranges, battery-electric e-cars are still not a real alternative to combustion engines on long trips. Unless you switch to Toyota's new Mirai, which shows the Teslas and E-Trons how to travel emission-free electrically and at the same time as relaxing as a diesel. The magic word is fuel cell.
Second edition meanwhile
Toyota is one of the few manufacturers that continues to be loyal to this future-oriented technology in the passenger car sector. Since 2014 it has been supplying the Mirai electric series with electricity, which is produced locally only when chemically pure water is released into the environment. The second edition has been launched in Germany since spring 2021. In addition to a much more pleasing look, according to Toyota, the fuel cell electric vehicle, which is mass-produced, also offers more power and range. The 650 kilometers proclaimed by the manufacturer are perhaps a bit exaggerated, but 500 are practically definitely possible, as was shown on a 700-kilometer return journey between Cologne and Bremen.
With the second generation of Mirai, Toyota has made the design more objective, among other things. Instead of futuristic, the new edition looks like a modern prestige sedan, which could also have a V8 in its long front. Ferris wheels and the almost 5 meter long body promise upper-class level, which you don't get inside despite leather seats, giant displays, networking and induction charging cradle. In terms of space, too, the Mirai falls short of externally aroused expectations. The free space in the front is good, but the rear and trunk are tight. The latter is already below the compact class level thanks to the hydrogen tanks. That’s enough for everyday car use.
Doesn't get to 200 km / h
This also applies to the electric rear-wheel drive, which you even experience as powerful and lively. Incidentally, without rumbling or rumbling, but far quieter and smoother than with any other car. The approximately 9 seconds for the standard sprint are pleasant, but the end is already 175 km / h. In practice, however, nothing more is needed, especially since the Mirai is already leaving the comfort zone a little acoustically due to the significantly increasing wind noise.
On the other hand, even at high speeds, it lies full and confidence-inspiring on the road, smoothly removes bumps and can still be pleasantly swiftly shooed around corners. Here, too, the fuel cell can show its advantages: A battery-electric car with a comparable range would weigh significantly more than the 1,9 tons of the Mirai and, with its sheer mass, would spoil the driving pleasure. However, the Toyota feels a bit bulky due to its sheer size and a large turning circle in city traffic.
Range is enough for refueling
In his profession, the Japanese is on a long drive on the autobahn. In view of the few filling points for hydrogen, we played it safe and set the cruise control to number 120 km / h. More than 500 kilometers were there, which puts the still somewhat thin network of petrol stations into perspective. Along the A1 there are even several options for refueling with hydrogen at this radius. Refueling itself is pleasantly easy, by the way. The almost 2 filling systems operated by the H100-Mobility consortium in Germany work in a similar way to natural gas pumps. However, to use it, you have to apply for the H2 mobility card, which is used to pay at the same time. There is no billing with the petrol station operator.
No range drops
The "fuel" is sold at moderate prices, because the energy costs for 100 kilometers were just under 10 euros, which is the same as diesel. After a good 400 kilometers, we refueled 3,7 kilograms of hydrogen for around 35 euros for the first time. The on-board computer then showed a remaining range of 125 kilometers. This was probably calculated conservatively, because the tanks hold 5,6 kilograms. Range drops and long loading times - Mirai drivers don't have to worry about such problems.
In view of this, the purchase price of 56.000 instead of 64.000 euros, thanks to the innovation bonus, doesn't seem like much. The only thing I have to say is that hydrogen as an energy source is not yet really sustainable or climate-neutral. What is not, can still be. Driving the clean future of the car is already practically possible with at least one pump close to your home. You can also travel, even abroad. Refueling with hydrogen is now also possible in neighboring countries such as Denmark, Holland, Switzerland and Austria.
Technical data
Five-seater, four-door luxury class sedan, length / width / height / wheelbase: 4,98 meters / 1,86 meters, 1,47 meters, 2,92 meters. Boot space: 321 liters, empty weight: 1.900 kg
PSM electric motor, rear-wheel drive, single gearbox, 134 kW / 182 PS, max.torque 300 Nm, range: approx. 650 km, H2 tank: 142,2 l / 5,6 kg, fuel cell output: 128 kW / 174 PS, lithium-ion battery: 4 Ah, 310,8 V, zero to 100 km / h in 9,2 seconds, Vmax: 175 km / h, price: 63.900 euros.
In brief
Why: Electric drive with a long range
Why not: few hydrogen filling stations, hydrogen currently not climate-neutral
What else: Tesla Model S