Toyota’s ground-breaking Mirai, the world’s first production hydrogen fuel cell sedan, enjoys a series of technology upgrades for 2024 with new and extended features and functions for safety, security, convenience and on-board connectivity and entertainment.

The package of enhancements reinforces the second generation Mirai’s status as a flagship model for the brand and for Toyota’s multi-path technology strategy for reducing and ultimately eliminating carbon emissions. The hydrogen fuel cell electric powertrain (FCEV) provides smooth, powerful and near silent performance, with no exhaust emissions other than pure water.

European sales of the 2024 Toyota Mirai will commence February. This summer Toyota will supply 500 zero-emission Mirai to support Paris 2024 as part of a fully electrified fleet of more than 2,650 passenger vehicles it is providing in its role as the worldwide mobility partner of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the International Paralympic Committee (IPC). After the Games these Mirai will remain in service with Paris’ hydrogen taxi fleet.

TOYOTA TEAMMATE SAFETY AND DRIVER ASSISTANCE

Mirai adopts the latest Toyota Teammate safety and driver assistance features to provide more sophisticated accident detection and avoidance and reduce the burden placed on the driver.

Where the car’s Toyota Safety Sense systems are concerned, updated camera and radar hardware takes accident risk detection to a higher level. For example, the Pre-Collision System (PCS) can now recognise potential head-on collisions and the scope of its Intersection Collision Avoidance has widened so that it can respond to approaching traffic across two lanes and cyclists and vehicles approaching from the side.

Similarly, the hazards recognised by the Emergency Steering Assist now include motorcyclists, in addition to pedestrians, cyclists and parked vehicles. With the benefit of new acceleration suppression, there is a safeguard against sudden, unintended use of the throttle when travelling at low speed.

The Full Range Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) has been tuned for faster and more natural-feeling response and its curve speed reduction function is activated earlier, for smooth driving through a bend.

New Overtake Prevention Support prevents unintentional overtaking on the wrong side of a vehicle and Preliminary Deceleration/Turn Signal Linked Control helps the driver safely rejoin the traffic lane at an appropriate speed and distance from other vehicles.

The Lane Trace Assist (LTA) also has a more natural feel, recognising when the driver has moved out of lane while trying to avoid an obstacle and temporarily cancelling the Lane Departure Warning.

When the ACC and LTA are operating, an Emergency Driving Stop system monitors the driver’s use of the steering wheel and brake and accelerator pedals. If there are no inputs over a set time, it sounds a warning; if there’s no response from the driver, it will bring the car to a gentle halt and trigger the hazard lights.

Mirai further gains Proactive Driving Assist (PDA) which provides a series of automatic aids for safer driving at low speeds. These include Obstacle Anticipation Assist which gives steering and braking support to help the driver avoid approaching too close to obstacles ahead (such as parked vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists). Deceleration Assist provides smooth deceleration when the driver comes off the accelerator to slow down for a slower vehicle ahead, or when entering a bend; Steering Assist detects a bend ahead and adjusts steering force to help the driver adopt an appropriate steering angle.

For 2024, Mirai’s advanced driver assistance systems have been made standard across the range – a Blind Spot Monitor and a Panoramic View Monitor which gives the driver a 360-degree view of the area immediately around the car for safer and more precise manoeuvring.

MULTIMEDIA AND DIGITAL INNOVATION

The 2024 Mirai adopts Toyota’s sophisticated Smart Connect+ multimedia package, accessed via a new-look 12.3-inch touchscreen.

It provides access to cloud-based navigation that is constantly updated with live traffic information for efficient journey planning. In areas where connection to the cloud isn’t available, an additional, embedded navigation system can be used.

As an alternative to the touchscreen, the driver and front passenger can use voice commands and the “Hey Toyota” on-board assistant. The new system recognises conversational speaking style and can be used without the audio having to be turned off.  The audio package itself is a 14-speaker JBL premium sound system.

Smartphones can be integrated with the car’s multimedia system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connection and all five USB ports in the cabin are now USB-C standard for device connection and charging.

REMOTE PARKING BY SMARTPHONE APP

Toyota is further exploring the convenience offered by smartphone apps with a new remote parking function. This allows the car to be smoothly and precisely positioned in tight parking spaces and can even be used by the driver when they are standing outside the vehicle.

DIGITAL KEY CONVENIENCE

During the second half of 2024, a digital key will be available for Mirai. Using a smartphone app, this can be used by up to five individuals to access and start the vehicle. It’s a completely convenient solution: the user only needs to have their smartphone on their person for the key to operate. As well as making it easier for family members or business associates to use the car without having to hand over a physical key, it can also be used when the vehicle needs to be accessed or collected for servicing or repair.

In its goal to achieve carbon neutrality, Toyota believes in a multi-path approach to mobility through a diverse range of battery electric vehicles, fuel cell electric vehicles, full hybrid vehicles and plug-in hybrid vehicles. In this way, customers across all regions can benefit by having access to a range of zero and low-emission vehicles which best meet their needs.

The Toyota Mirai is a prime example of the company's commitment to offering zero-emission vehicles. This hydrogen fuel cell powered sedan,  combines the advantages of electric mobility with unequalled comfort of use, autonomy, and rapid recharging, demonstrates Toyota’s determination to decarbonise.

The Toyota Mirai fleet will be refuelled with hydrogen from renewable sources provided by Air Liquide, Official Hydrogen Supporter of the Olympic and Paralympic Games Paris 2024.

* London 2012,  Rio 2016

The cars are available in a new KINTO mobility station located at the KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm, and as all other KINTO-cars, bookable via the KINTO-mobile app.

KINTO is part of Toyota’s global vision to provide all kinds of services related to the mobility of people, all around the world. KINTO Europe, established on 1st of April, was the latest step in the journey from mobility as a project to mobility as a business, with a view of truly delivering ‘Mobility for All’. In Europe, KINTO is already active in 10 countries: Germany, Italy, France, Spain, UK, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Poland, Portugal and is expanding quickly.

Toyota Mirai was first introduced in 2014 in Japan and has been available in Europe since 2016. The second generation Mirai was launched in Europe earlier this year and is equipped with Toyota’s latest fuel cell technology, making it lighter, more compact, more efficient and even cheaper than before. Johan Lundbland comments:

The 1003 zero-emission kilometres were driven on public roads, south of Paris and in the Loir-et-Cher and Indre-et-Loire areas, and the distance & consumption were certified by an independent authority.

Green hydrogen was used during the record attempt and the average fuel consumption was 0.55 kg/100km, with Mirai being able to store 5.6 kg of hydrogen.

The new Mirai demonstrated its efficiency and ease of driving

The new Mirai is the second-generation fuel cell electric vehicle from Toyota. It offers more performance, a sleeker and more dynamic design and new driving dynamics compared to the first-generation product.

In addition, the increased efficiency of the fuel cell system, together with higher hydrogen storage capacity and better aerodynamics, contribute to an increase of driving range to around 650 km under normal driving conditions, with less than 5 minutes refuelling time at a 700 bar refuelling station.

To achieve this 1003 km driving distance record, the drivers adopted an “eco-driving” style but no special techniques that could not be used by everyday drivers.

The Toyota Mirai and hydrogen at the heart of Beyond Zero

Beyond Zero highlights that zero emissions isn't Toyota’s destination.

It's simply a step in Toyota’s electrification journey to overcome barriers and build a better future for all: beyond emissions, beyond restrictions, beyond expectations and beyond barriers.

Mirai clearly demonstrates the ‘beyond emissions’ aspect by highlighting the advantages of zero emissions electric mobility whilst providing safety, comfort, extended range and ease of recharging.

Moreover, hydrogen, as a credible and abundant resource to transport and store energy, represents a strong opportunity for creating a better society.

Hydrogen can deliver zero-emission mobility, not only to road transport, but also to trains, boats and aircrafts, and to generate energy for industries, companies and households.

In that respect, Toyota supports many initiatives to democratise and diversify fuel cell applications: electric generators (EODev), boats (Hynova), taxis (Hype), buses (RATP and Caetano), trucks (Hino), the hydrogen city (Woven City) and other usages.

Record Achieved By 4 Drivers

The 4 drivers that completed the record attempt included Victorien Erussard, the founder and captain of Energy Observer.

Energy Observer, for which Toyota is a partner, is the first boat equipped with a Toyota fuel cell, is energy autonomous, zero emission and stands as a communication tool and as a research laboratory towards the energy transition. Energy Observer has now evolved into a company dealing with exploration and innovations. It recently presented its brand-new exhibition village dedicated to renewable energies and hydrogen in Paris.

During that event, the Eifel Tower was illuminated for the first time by green hydrogen, thanks to the GEH2® hydrogen generator developed by the EODev start-up organisation, of which Toyota is a shareholder.

James Olden, an engineer at Toyota Motor Europe, Maxime le Hir, Mirai product manager and Marie Gadd, PR manager of Toyota France were the other 3 drivers.

Statements

Frank Marotte, CEO of Toyota France

“It’s an amazing challenge that we achieved with the new Mirai. Internally, it is the mindset of Start your Impossible, going beyond our own limits, that drives us, and we proved it again today. I would like to thank the teams of Toyota France and Toyota Europe, as well as Victorien at Energy Observer, with whom we share the same vision and the same ambition. It is by strong partnerships that we will be able to contribute to a better and more environmentally-friendly society. With Toyota’s ambition to go ‘Beyond Zero’ in mind: take a seat for the future.”

Victorien Erussad, founder and captain of Energy Observer

“I am very happy to have taken this challenge of 1000 km beyond the wheel of the new Mirai. Toyota has always been at the forefront of hydrogen innovation and our collaboration gets stronger year by year. As a former open ocean racer, I need to take challenges and I warmly thank Frank Marotte and his teams to have taken me on this zero-emission adventure, showing that nothing is impossible and that hydrogen mobility is here today!”

Facts and figures

Distance travelled with one hydrogen fill: 1003 km

Average hydrogen consumption: 0.55 kg/100km

Range remaining (as indicated by on-board information system): 9 km

Link to Video

Link to Footage

On display alongside the three C-HRs is the RAV4. Initially launched in 1994 as the forerunner of the compact SUV segment, the latest RAV4 model is now available with a hybrid powertrain. This version accounts for most of the RAV4 sales in France.

Straight from winning the Monte Carlo e-Rally, the hydrogen Mirai is in Toyota’s brand store to illustrate how ‘Clean Technologies’ also work for long journeys. Producing electricity by combining hydrogen and air in its fuel cell and only emitting water, the Mirai achieves a driving range of over 500 km.

The compact battery-driven electric vehicles developed by Toyota for shorter urban journeys, i-ROAD and COMS, are regulars at Le Rendez-Vous Toyota. They have been one of the components of the public transport network around Grenoble since 2014, as part of Cité Lib by Ha:mo’s three-year experimental scheme.

‘Clean Technologies’ are also being put through their paces in competition, as shown by the TS030 Hybrid from the World Endurance Championships – now sporting Toyota Gazoo Racing’s new livery – and the EV P002 full electric racing car developed by Toyota Motorsport GmbH, which set a record on the Nürburgring Nordschleife in 2011.

Besides the Toyota C-HR’s JBL demonstration, Le Rendez-Vous Toyota allows plenty of room for activities such as children’s drawing competition Dream Car Art Contest* (now in its 11^th year), a reaction game to test your driving reaction times, and a photo booth to share memories of your visit.

Located in Paris at 79 Avenue des Champs-Élysées in Paris, Le Rendez-Vous Toyota is open from 11:00 am to 08:00 pm from Sunday to Wednesday, and from 11:00 am until 11:00 pm from Thursday to Saturday.

www.lerendezvoustoyota.com

facebook.com/lerendezvoustoyota

Hydrogen: offering new business opportunities

Hydrogen offers many advantages as a clean source of energy. Besides providing the fuel to drive the Toyota Mirai, it also has the capability to absorb peaks in the power network at times when there is for example a surplus of energy and demand is low. Stedin wants to further research the business opportunities that hydrogen has to offer. When receiving the keys of the Toyota Mirai, Frans van de Noort, Director of Operations Stedin, commented: "We want to make our company fleet more sustainable: by 2020 we want our company fleet to mainly consist of zero emissions cars. This is quite a challenge, because we have 1,700 vans, 900 passenger cars and 600 privately leased cars, representing one of the largest commercial fleets in the country. We do rely on full electric vehicles. However, we also realise that hydrogen is an interesting alternative. With these Mirai cars, we want to see for ourselves if this technology is working and if there is widespread support for this new type of vehicle within the company."

With support from Dutch Government

Sales of the Toyota Mirai in the Netherlands will start this month. With its fiscal policy, the Dutch Government has clearly marked their support towards the market launch of this new hydrogen technology. Customers can capitalize on many fiscal benefits, such as: exemption of luxury taxes and road tax up to and including 2020, and a benefit in kind tax of only 4% for private use of a company car, given the fact that the Toyota Mirai is a zero emission vehicle. 

Toyota Mirai contributor to ambitious 2050 Toyota Environmental Challenge

Toyota has made a clear commitment to reduce the CO₂ emissions of its new vehicles by 90% in 2050 (versus 2010 levels). We believe hydrogen fuel cell vehicles will be essential to achieve our ambitious targets. Toyota has been engaged in the research and development of automotive hydrogen fuel cell technology for over 20 years. The result of this hard work is the Toyota Mirai, a remarkable zero emission car with a driving range of up to 550 km that can be refueled in 3 to 5 minutes. Toyota started commercializing the Mirai in December 2014 and to date has delivered cars in Japan, the United States, Germany, UK, Denmark, Belgium and Norway with Sweden to follow later this year.

Responsibility for the road test was given to KJ Tech Services GmbH of Hamburg. Toyota specified the total distance the Mirai should cover, as well as the amount of time spent on different types of road: in the city, on rural roads, on motorways, and on German autobahns with no speed limit. To meet these specifications, KJ Tech Services carefully calculated a single route in and around Hamburg, and organised a team of eight drivers working in two shifts per day, six days a week. 

“The Mirai performed excellently with no mechanical breakdowns,” said KJ Tech Services Project Manager Patrick Hake. “The fuel cell operated with 100% reliability. This was also the case during a week in which the outside temperature dropped to minus 20 degrees Centigrade, when no problems with cold starts were reported.” 

Toyota also asked the eight drivers for their feedback on the Mirai driving experience. They reported that the interior of the Mirai was comfortable and attractive, and remarked on the luxurious leather seats and steering wheel. It was also spacious; even the tallest driver said there was plenty of legroom. It handled well on curves, was easy to manoeuvre, and the steering was responsive. Acceleration was smooth with no jerking, and the drivers were impressed by the car’s power, which they said was immediately available when necessary, for example to overtake or surge away from traffic lights. 

The drivers themselves were responsible for filling the Mirai’s tanks with hydrogen. They had all received a short explanation of how to do this, but as there is little difference between filling up a hydrogen car and a conventional diesel or gasoline car, training was minimal. The drivers found refuelling a very easy and safe process. They recognised a major advantage of the Mirai over other electric vehicles. Instead of having to recharge overnight – and therefore be out of action – the Mirai could be refuelled in just three minutes and was immediately ready to drive.

More refuelling stations

In Norway the launch comes at a time when on top of the 5 existing hydrogen stations in the east of the country, two local hydrogen providers (HyOP and Uno-x) have committed to add more than 20 hydrogen stations across the country by 2020. The hydrogen stations are also expected to be a priority in the 2018-2029 National Transport Plan that comes with additional funding. Toyota customers can enjoy the same benefits of electric vehicles, i.e. VAT and tax exemptions on purchase, access to bus lanes and free toll. 

Toyota Norway PR Manager Espen Olsen: “This is an important milestone for Toyota Norway. We believe this is the start of something big, and we believe that this technology will play a key role in cutting emissions from Norwegian road transport, thus helping the country to achieve its climate targets”. Ahead of the launch the Toyota Mirai has been extensively tested on Norwegian roads and the car has passed all tests with flying colours. The Toyota Mirai has proven to successfully cope with the typical winter cold in Norway. “The cabin warms up very fast thanks to the heat produced as a by-product by the fuel cells, with no impact on the range of the car”, adds Mr Olsen.

100% Green hydrogen

Similar to neighbouring Norway, Sweden already has a number of hydrogen stations in cities such as Stockholm, Gothenburg and Malmö, with more in the pipeline to open later this year (Mariestad and an additional station in the capital Stockholm). In Sweden hydrogen can easily be sourced as it is locally produced 100% based on renewable energy, just like in Denmark. Toyota Sweden PR Manager Bengt Dalström: “We see the introduction of the Toyota Mirai as a way to accelerate the development of hydrogen infrastructure in Sweden.”

Mirai playing key role

The number of Toyota Mirai cars sold in both countries will initially be relatively small to eventually increase significantly in the years leading up to 2020. Toyota estimates selling around 30,000 units a year globally in 2020 from 3,000 units by 2017. Since the car does not emit anything else but water vapour whilst driving, the Toyota Mirai is expected to contribute to reach the Toyota Environmental Challenge 2050 which, amongst others, aims at reducing CO2 emissions by 90% in 2050 compared to 2010 levels. 

Mirai is the world’s first hydrogen fuel cell sedan, benefiting from Toyota research and development of the fuel cell technology spanning for over two decades, and world-leading experience in hybrid vehicle power systems. Using hydrogen to generate electricity within a fuel cell stack, Mirai produces no tailpipe emissions other than water. In addition, a full-tank driving range of around 500 kilometres bears comparison with a petrol-powered car and the refuelling process only takes about three minutes to complete.

Mr Karl Schlicht, EVP Sales & Marketing at Toyota Motor Europe, commented 

“As recognized leaders in Hybrid technology, we are truly honoured to have received such an important award. This is a clear recognition of Toyota’s long term commitment to Fuel Cell, a convincing, safe and relevant mobility solution which is leading the way to the development of the ultimate ECO car.”

With a focus on the next 100 years of automobiles, Toyota has proceeded with the development of a vehicle that offers a new, unique value. Emitting nothing else than water vapour, the Mirai is a pioneering vehicle that will contribute to a Hydrogen Energy Society. In addition to its advanced fuel cell technology and environmental performance, the Mirai is fun to drive, has a futuristic design that clearly marks it as an FCV, and offers a quiet and comfortable ride. 

Launched in Europe in September 2015, the Toyota Mirai is already available for lease or purchase in the UK, Germany and Denmark. Its commercialisation is about to start in Belgium, Holland, Norway and Sweden, bringing the number of European countries where Mirai can be enjoyed to 7. Mirai is also sold in Japan and the United States.

"Fuel cell vehicles are the future: they are free of harmful exhausts and convenient for everyday use, providing ranges of 500 kilometres and more as opposed to pure electric cars. When Toyota introduced the Mirai, I did not think twice - this is the car of the future, "explains Mr Schües.

The longstanding chairman of the "Hamburg Hydrogen Society", Mr. Schües is an advocate for climate protection and clean energy through hydrogen.

Mr Schües has received the keys to his new car from Masahisa Nagata, Executive Vice of President Research and Development at Toyota Motor Europe. "Toyota is convinced that many partners are needed on the way towards a sustainable, hydrogen-based society. Mr. Schües is one of those long-term partners who have accompanied us on this common path for decades. For this reason, I am particularly pleased to be able to hand the first Mirai in Germany to Mr Schües in person. " said Mr Nagata at the handover ceremony at the Innovation Campus of Hamburg's Chamber of Commerce.

The ancient Hanseatic city on the Alster and Elbe is a pioneer in fuel cell technology: Hamburg, having the world's largest fuel cell bus fleet, has been driving the expansion of hydrogen infrastructure with various partners, now having four H2 fuelling stations and planned to build the fifth in Q1 of 2016.

Germany is the third market to deliver the Toyota Mirai to customers in Europe after the United Kingdom and Denmark.

Using solely hydrogen as fuel to generate electricity, Mirai achieves superior environment performance with no CO2 emissions or pollutants when driving, and the same level of convenience and autonomy as gasoline engine vehicles, with a generous cruising range and a hydrogen refuelling time of about three to five minutes.

This Award was received during a gala ceremony held yesterday in Vienna, where the Toyota Mirai was awarded in the category of "Current Innovative Environmental Technologies" . The jury consisted of ARBÖ automotive experts.

Gerald Killmann, Vice President RandD of Toyota Motor Europe, commented 

"We would like to express our thanks to ARBÖ for having awarded the Toyota Mirai with this prestigious prize. If we want to secure the future of the automobile as flexible, personal and clean transport for the next 100 years, we need to consider which energy can power our cars tomorrow. At Toyota, we believe that various technologies will co-exist, ranging from EVs to hybrids to the most innovative of all, the fuel cell car. Mirai is a core component of Toyota's vision for a sustainable mobility society, one that allows us all to move freely in comfort and safety in an environmentally friendly, sustainable manner." 

Dr. Friedrich Frey, CEO of Toyota Frey Austria completed: 

"We hope that in a couple of years, hydrogen stations will be available in Austria, so that we can start importing those cars."With a focus on the next 100 years of automobiles, Toyota has proceeded with the development of a vehicle that offers a new, unique value. The Mirai is a pioneering vehicle that will contribute to a hydrogen energy society. In addition to its superior fuel cell technology and environmental performance, the Mirai is fun to drive, has a futuristic design that clearly marks it as an FCV, and offers a quiet and comfortable ride.

Back in 1999, the first Toyota Prius was already awarded with the Environmental Award by ARBÖ for its pioneering hybrid technology, followed by the innovative Prius- Plug- in Hybrid in 2012.

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Notes to the editors: 

*ARBÖ (Auto-, Motor- und Radfahrerverbund Österreiche) is the second biggest mobility club in Austria with more than a half million members. It was founded in 1899 in Vienna and evolved into an extensive service organisation for its members. ARBÖ is a founding member of the EAC (European Automobile Clubs).

There are courtesy smiles, pretend smiles and normal happy smiles. Then there are the unique, genuine smiles, which say more than a thousand words. Such a smile filled the face of Jacob Krogsgaard when he received the keys to his brand new fuel cell vehicle Toyota Mirai, accompanied by his wife, Rikke, and their two children Johanne and Andrea, seven and three years old, as the first Mirai- customer in Denmark.

Jacob ordered the zero-emission fuel cell vehicle several months ago shortly after he learned that Toyota decided to introduce the Toyota Mirai in Denmark, as one of the first countries in the world. He has been looking forward to this day like a child looking forward to Christmas.

"In reality, this is much better than Christmas", Jacob Krogsgaard states with a big smile on his face casting another glance at his new white fuel cell vehicle. In the background his two daughters do not seem to completely agree with that.

Kristian Krapper, President of Toyota Denmark, handed-over the car keys to Mr. Krogsgaard and his family at the Toyota-dealer STS Biler in Herning in Denmark.

"I am very proud to be the first Mirai-customer in Denmark. It is without a doubt the car of the future, and I am looking forward to driving around together with my family knowing that the only emission from the car is water vapour", Jacob Krogsgaard says.

He is engineer and CEO at the hydrogen refuelling station manufacturer H2 Logic and therefore also very interested in the technology in general.

"It is a very special day. Not only for Toyota and for Jacob and his family. But in truth also for Denmark as a country. This is the first big step on a very exciting journey to the zero-emission vehicle fleet", Kristian Krapper from Toyota Denmark says.

After years of research and development towards the ultimate goal - the zero-emission vehicle that neither has an impact on the climate nor the environment - it is no coincidence that Toyota has chosen Denmark as one of the first countries in the world to introduce the innovative fuel cell vehicle.

Fuel cell vehicles are exempt from registration fees at least until 2019 in Denmark. In addition, as the only country in the world, Denmark has a nationwide network of hydrogen refuelling stations with a total of seven stations in operation across the country. With a range of more than 500 km on a full tank it is thus now possible to drive Mirai from one end of the country to another.

Mirai is the world's first hydrogen fuel cell sedan, benefiting from Toyota research and development of the fuel cell technology spanning for over two decades, and world-leading experience in hybrid vehicle power systems. Using hydrogen gas to generate electricity within a fuel cell stack, Mirai produces no tailpipe emissions other than water. Even the hydrogen, that is being used to refuel the car, is produced 100% in Denmark by wind turbines which are renewable green energy.

The Toyota Mirai is spacious, refined, comfortable and safe, it combines its advanced technology with superb practicality: a full-tank driving range of around 500 kilometres bears comparison with a petrol-powered car and the refuelling process only takes about three minutes to complete.

Denmark is among the first wave of markets in Europe for Mirai, together with the U.K., Germany and Belgium.

Notes to the editors:

H2 Logic:

H2 Logic A/S is a leading manufacturer of H2Station® hydrogen refueling stations that provides fuel cell electric vehicles with the same fast fueling and long range as conventional vehicles today. Since incorporation in 2003 H2 Logic has invested significantly in RandD that has brought H2Station® to a level where products are offered for the early market for roll-out of larger networks of hydrogen refuelling stations. Today H2 Logic is one among few global leaders on fast refueling for FCEVs. H2Station® technology is in operation in several European countries providing hydrogen fueling on daily basis for fuel cell electric vehicles from major car manufacturers. H2 Logic was one among the first to achieve fast fueling of hydrogen in compliance with the SAE J2601 standard that is required by the major car manufacturers. The standard ensures a fast and reliable fueling of hydrogen at 70MPa pressure, which provides long driving range. In Denmark H2 Logic has delivered H2Station® technology for the entire country network of hydrogen fueling stations that is operated in collaboration with leading oil, energy and gas companies. Besides providing fast fueling H2Station® technology also has a long proven track-record of reliable operation with more than 99% availability — one among the highest recorded in the world for a scattered network of 24 hour public available hydrogen fuelling stations.

http://h2logic.com/

Toyota marked the arrival of its Mirai fuel cell sedan on Britain's roads with the handover of vehicles to its first customers at a ceremony hosted today at Toyota (GB) PLC's Surrey headquarters.

Dr Johan van Zyl, President and CEO Toyota Motor Europe, joined Paul Van der Burgh, President and Managing Director Toyota (GB) PLC, to present the cars to Dr Graham Cooley and Professor Roger Puttnam, respectively CEO and Chairman of ITM power, and Julia Thomas, Managing Director of greentomatocars.

Mirai is the world's first hydrogen fuel cell sedan, benefiting from Toyota research and development of the fuel cell technology spanning for over two decades, and world-leading experience in hybrid vehicle power systems. Using hydrogen gas to generate electricity within a fuel cell stack, Mirai produces no tailpipe emissions other than water. Spacious, refined, comfortable and safe, it combines its advanced technology with superb practicality: a full-tank driving range of around 500 kilometres bears comparison with a petrol-powered car and the refuelling process only takes about three minutes to complete.

The UK is among the first wave of markets in Europe for Mirai, together with Germany, Denmark and Belgium. Toyota expects 12 to be on the road in the UK before the end of this year, including four vehicles announced by Transport for London last week.

Dr van Zyl said: "Mirai and our hydrogen fuel cell technology are important elements in our mission to help create a future zero emissions society. We are proud of the technology we have developed, but if our ambitions for sustainable mobility are to be achieved, our vision needs to be shared by our customers. That is what we are seeing today, with ITM Power and greentomatocars embracing Mirai and hydrogen power at the earliest opportunity. We thank them for their support and advocacy."

Paul Van der Burgh added: "This is a proud moment for Toyota in the UK, which fittingly comes in our 50th anniversary year of selling vehicles in this country. Toyota has made Britain one of the first markets in Europe for Mirai, thanks to the commitment of government and business here to put in place the infrastructure and resources needed to make hydrogen power a viable, practical and effective proposition. Our first customers for Mirai are true pioneers who recognise the valuable rewards hydrogen can deliver."

Dr Graham Cooley, Chief Executive Officer, ITM Power, said: "It is an honour for ITM Power to be one of the first customers in the UK to receive a Toyota Mirai. The Mirai fuel cell vehicle is, quite simply, the future of transport and we are delighted to be part of that future. We will be working closely with Toyota to ensure that Mirai drivers have the most rewarding driving experience possible." 

Julia Thomas, greentomatocars Managing Director, said: "We are a leading green private hire car company with a personal investment in the future of London and are always researching and exploring the latest technology to provide our quality service in the most environmentally advanced vehicles. The Toyota Mirai is groundbreaking in its development of a hydrogen fuel process resulting in no harmful emissions, providing us with a cost effective, environmentally forward thinking and sophisticated vehicle for the future."

This was the very first customer delivery of the Toyota Mirai on the European market, the event has signified the start of deliveries for the countries of the first wave — the second delivery event will take place in Denmark on October 22nd, Germany will follow in the beginning of November, and Belgium in Q1 2016.

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Notes to the editors:

About ITM Power plc:

ITM Power manufactures integrated hydrogen energy solutions which are rapid response and high pressure that meet the requirements for grid balancing and energy storage services, and for the production of clean fuel for transport, renewable heat and chemicals. ITM Power plc was admitted to the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange in 2004 and is a founder member of the Social Stock Exchange. The company received £4.9m as a strategic investment from JCB in March 2015. The company signed a forecourt siting agreement with Shell in September 2015. The Group currently has £10.62m of projects under contract and £0.30m of contracts in the final stages of negotiation.

www.itm-power.com

About greentomatocars:

Greentomatocars, established in 2006, is London's first green private car service. With a fleet numbering 600 vehicles (mostly Hybrid models) and two distinct product models, Greentomatocars Classic and the 'ASAP service' model, Greentomatocars Lite, this is the only private car company founded for Londoners, by Londoners, present in London and Paris. With free Wi-Fi on board, text messaging on arrival and a cross platform booking and tracking app, greentomatocars offers a high quality service at highly competitive rates wherever and whenever you need it.

Greentomatocars is part of the Transdev Group, the world's largest sustainable transport company.

The continuing growth of the world's population — estimated to reach 9.6 billion by 2050 — will certainly lead to a further increase in the global production of vehicles and a resulting massive consumption of fossil fuels. This will exacerbate problems such as climate change, global warming and air pollution.

Two strategies are being taken to address environmental problems caused by the mass consumption of fossil fuels.

One is to use less petroleum. Combining high thermal efficiency, low fuel consumption engines and a host of advanced technologies, hybrid vehicles are a textbook example of how to use less petroleum.

The second strategy is to diversify energy sources. Energy diversification is a broad field, and Toyota has been working for decades to diversify the use of automobile fuels and powertrains. Each alternative fuel has its characteristics, and Toyota is confident that hydrogen is one of the technologies that brings the promise of a cleaner future. Hydrogen is an environmentally friendly energy vector that can be produced from a variety of raw materials including solar and wind power, biofuel, and natural gas. The company is therefore investing heavily in Fuel Cell Vehicles powered by hydrogen.

How can a Fuel Cell Vehicle contribute to a better environment? 

A Fuel Cell Vehicle runs on hydrogen instead of gasoline or diesel. To be more specific, it runs on a motor powered by electricity generated by a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen in a fuel cell. The only by-product of a Fuel Cell Vehicle in operation is water vapour. It does not emit any harmful substances such as CO₂ (a major cause of global warming), or SO₂ and NOx (causes of atmospheric pollution). In addition to producing zero emissions when driven, Fuel Cell Vehicles are also highly practical. They have an ample cruising range and can be refuelled very quickly.

Because of their simultaneous achievement of zero emissions and high practicality, Toyota positions Fuel Cell Vehicles as the ideal eco-cars.

Popularising Fuel Cell Vehicles to pioneer a Hydrogen Energy Society

Fuel Cell Vehicles (FCVs) are highly energy efficient, have ample driving ranges with short refuelling times and only discharge water when driven. They are an environmental technology with great potential, truly worthy of being called the "ideal eco-car." 

Toyota has been working on the development of the FCV for three decades. While global attention is just beginning to turn towards the creation of a hydrogen-energy based society, Toyota's journey dates back to 1992 when it first started development of Fuel Cell (FC) technology. The core technologies (the FC stack and hydrogen tanks) were both independently developed, and over time these development and manufacturing technologies became strong points for Toyota. Now, after developing and fine-tuning the necessary technologies, Toyota is bringing its first FCV to market. It's called the Mirai, which is a Japanese word meaning "future".

Introducing Toyota's first Fuel Cell Vehicle: the Mirai

• Toyota is bringing innovation greater than that of the first-generation Prius to market

The Mirai is a core component of Toyota's dream for a sustainable mobility society. This is one that allows us all to move freely in comfort and safety in an environmentally friendly, sustainable manner.

With a focus on the next 100 years of automobiles, Toyota has proceeded with the development of a vehicle that offers a new, unique value. The Mirai is a pioneering vehicle that will contribute to a Hydrogen Energy Society. In addition to its superior fuel cell technology and environmental performance, the Mirai is fun to drive, has a futuristic design that clearly marks it as an FCV, and offers a quiet and comfor-table ride.

In order for green technology to contribute to the environment, the technology needs to become widespread. Toyota has already taken the initiative in popularising Hybrid Vehicles (HVs). With the Mirai, Toyota is bringing innovation greater than that of the first-generation Prius to market, and will do all it can to popularise the Mirai and the associated FCV technology.

As to who will buy the Mirai, it will be particularly attractive to business leaders aiming to personally start an "energy revolution" to change the world. In other words, pioneers who will create a revolution affecting the world for the next century. These could be individuals who place great importance on environmental performance and the necessity of FCVs high-income innovators who admire advanced technology and originality and of course automobile-fans.

Organisations interested in the Mirai could be public companies wanting to do their part for the environment, and public agencies/local governments keen to promote low-carbon technology.

Hydrogen under the microscope

• Environmentally friendly energy source
• Hydrogen station infrastructure is needed
• A safe automotive fuel
• Working towards a Hydrogen Society

Environmentally friendly energy carrier

The hydrogen that powers the Mirai can be generated using a wide range of natural resources and man-made by-products, such as sewage sludge. It can also be created from water using natural renewable energy sources like solar and wind power. When compressed, it has a higher energy density than batteries, and is relatively easy to store and transport. Consequently it also carries expectations for potential future use in power generation and a wide range of other applications. FCVs are able to generate their own electricity from hydrogen, meaning they can help make a future hydrogen-based society a reality, and are therefore expected to further contribute to accelerating energy diversification.

The need for a hydrogen station infrastructure 

Obviously, a hydrogen refuelling infrastructure is necessary, and this will be via hydrogen stations, which are purpose-built facilities for supplying hydrogen to FCVs. Hydrogen stations can be either stationary or mobile. Stationary hydrogen stations can be on-site or off-site. With the on-site type, raw material (kerosene, LPG, natural gas, bio-gas etc.) is reformed in the hydrogen station to produce hydrogen. The station can also use an electrolyser electrically fed by wind power or solar panels. With the off-site hydrogen station, hydrogen produced at a factory is transported to the station, as we do today with the fuel from refineries to retail.

A genuinely safe automotive fuel

Hydrogen is as safe as any other fuel used in a car. It's been used as an energy carrier for decades, and there is a vast amount of cumulative know-how and experience in Toyota and elsewhere to handle it safely. Safety aspects are discussed in detail further down.

Working towards a Hydrogen Society

The Hydrogen Society or Hydrogen Economy refers to the vision of using hydrogen as a decarbonized and efficient energy source that can replace conventional fossil fuels. Hydrogen is attractive because it can be stored, transported and transformed into energy (water and heat), with water as the only emission.

However, hydrogen is not found in pure form on Earth. It has to be produced from other compounds such as water, natural gas or biomass — processes which of course involve energy to convert these into pure hydrogen. For that reason, it's more accurate to describe hydrogen not as an energy source but an energy carrier or storage medium. The environmental impact of using hydrogen therefore depends on the carbon footprint of its production path.

One of the most potentially useful ways to use hydrogen is in electric cars or buses through a fuel cell which converts the hydrogen and air into electricity. Hydrogen may also be useful as a means of storing renewable energy from intermittent sources — for example, when the wind is blowing but there is not high demand for electricity. In this context, it's a great alternative to large-scale batteries or other storage systems, especially as intermittent sources are ramping up in EU grids. Currently, Hamburg is proving that Hydrogen-based storage of excess energy, also called power-to-gas, is a smart choice, through the example of ''Power to gas for Hamburg'' project*. Another possibility is to use hydrogen as a heating fuel in our homes and buildings, either blended with natural gas or by itself.

It is the flexibility that hydrogen offers that makes it so potentially useful within future low-carbon energy systems. It can be produced from a wide variety of resources and can be used in a wide range of applications. In addition, hydrogen is already used extensively in the chemical industry so industry is familiar with its production, handling and distribution on a large scale. For all these reasons, many experts see hydrogen as a key enabler of the lowest-cost low-carbon energy system.

HYDROGEN IN A FEW WORDS

• The lightest gas on earth. Colourless, odourless and non-poisonous
• During generation of electricity, hydrogen binds with oxygen to form water. Therefore, there are no CO₂ emissions
• In contrast to CO₂, hydrogen does not adsorb infrared radiation, which means it does not have any effect on global warming
• Is liquefied at approx. -253°C

The Mirai: The innovative eco-car that is convenient and easy to use

• An up-to-date, high-value eco-car
• A Fuel Cell Vehicle (FCV) that uses the Toyota Fuel Cell System (TFCS)
• More energy efficient than internal combustion engines
• Ample cruising range and short refuelling time
• Emits only water
• Innovative design
• Packed with comfort features

The Mirai is positioned as the most up-to-date, high-value eco-car in the world today. It is free from any sense of inconvenience. Its ease of use is comparable to any conventionally powered vehicle. A driving range comparable to that of gasoline vehicles is possible with a short refuelling time of about 3-5 minutes.

The Mirai offers the kind of exceptional value drivers would expect from a next-generation car: distinctive exterior design, excellent acceleration performance and unmatched quietness thanks to motor propulsion at all speeds, in addition to enhanced driving pleasure due to a low centre of gravity and outstanding handling stability.

The new Toyota Mirai signals the start of a new age of vehicles. It's a Fuel Cell Vehicle (FCV). An FCV is a vehicle that takes in hydrogen and oxygen into its Fuel Cell Stack (FC stack) to generate electricity that is used to run the motor and produce driving power for the vehicle. Using hydrogen — an important future energy source — as fuel to generate electricity, the Mirai achieves superior environmental performance with the convenience and driving pleasure expected of any car.

The Mirai uses the Toyota Fuel Cell System (TFCS), which features both fuel cell technology and hybrid technology, and includes Toyota's new proprietary FC stack and high-pressure hydrogen tanks.

The FC stack can be described as a small power generation station. It differs from a regular dry cell in that it generates the electricity by the chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen. It can continue to produce electricity without loss of power, as long as oxygen and the hydrogen fuel are continuously supplied. The FC stack performs the role of the engine in a hybrid vehicle. Both a hybrid vehicle engine and the FC stack of an FCV are devices that produce energy by the intake of ''fuel'', even if a Fuel Cell does not burn it. The efficiency of the conversion from fuel to energy is double that of gasoline vehicles.

The Mirai delivers everything expected of a next-generation car: a recognisable and highly innovative design driving exhilaration stemming from superior handling stability achieved by a low centre of gravity quiet but powerful acceleration provided by the electric motor and comes packed with comfort features. It is a quiet car, with few vibrations, and can reach a maximum speed of 178 km/h.

A closer look at the Mirai

Ultimate driving pleasure and comfort

• Powerful and smooth acceleration
• Unmatched quietness
• Outstanding stability, controllability and ride comfort

With the Mirai, there's absolutely no compromise when it comes to driving pleasure and comfort. An unprecedentedly smooth, gliding drive feel goes hand in hand with a high level of cornering performance on winding roads.

Powerful and smooth acceleration

High FC stack output and battery power assist is transformed into drive power by the motor. The maximum torque is provided imme-diately at the first press of the accelerator, and powerful and smooth acceleration achieves comfortable and steadily increasing driving performance. Superior acceleration offers standing start acceleration (from 0 to 100 km/h) of 9.6 seconds.

Unmatched quietness

Besides being free from engine vibration or noise, outstanding quietness is achieved by full sealing of all body parts and the use of sound-absorbing and sound-insulating materials, optimally placed around the cabin. Other measures for improving quietness include:

• Acoustic glass is used for the windshield glass and front and rear door windows.
• Foam type sound-insulating materials are optimally placed inside body frames.
• Sound-absorbing materials are used around the engine hood and fender.
• Optimally placed outer mirrors and optimally shaped front pillar help reduce wind noise.

Outstanding stability, controllability and ride comfort

The Mirai has a low centre of gravity. Its FC stack, hydrogen tanks and other power unit components are placed under the vehicle floor. The low centre of gravity ensures superior handling stability and produces a comfortable driving experience by reducing changes in vehicle position.

By locating the FC stack, hydrogen tank and other parts at the centre of the vehicle, front-rear weight distribution is ensured to produce a midship feel. As a result, agile cornering performance and appealing handling lets drivers enjoy driving the car as intended.

A number of features contribute to the Mirai's high-rigidity body. Enhanced rigidity around the suspension achieves outstanding stability and controllability. Both high rigidity and light weight are achieved by using aluminium and ultra-high strength sheet steel for the engine hood and body structural parts. This ensures rear wheel grip feel, steering wheel response and superior stability and controllability.

Aerodynamics is up there with the best. Since the vehicle does not emit heated gases, the floor was able to be fully covered. Air resistance is reduced to boost fuel efficiency. The design of the clearance lamps contributes to the aerodynamics, while aero stabilising fins are positioned on the side of the rear combination lamps.

MacPherson strut suspension is mounted at the front of the car while torsion beam suspension is mounted at the rear. Both the front and rear suspensions have been tuned to help achieve superb handling stability and smooth ride comfort.

But that's not all. Other details have been tailored to ensure driving pleasure and comfort. One of these is "Br mode", which is equivalent to engine braking on an ICE vehicle. In this mode, regenerative braking is most effective and slightly stronger deceleration can be obtained when the driver wishes to reduce speed, such as when negotiating long downhill sections of road.

FCVs of course do not have a conventionally sounding engine, so to further heighten driving pleasure, the operation sound of a tuned air compressor reinforces the feeling of acceleration. Likewise, a sense of security is instilled in the driver's mind thanks to a deceleration sound that is emitted so that the driver can sense the feeling of deceleration such as in engine braking.

Finally, the Mirai comes with two selectable drive modes. The ECO mode switches the powertrain to control the priority given to fuel consumption, while POWER mode changes the characteristics of the powertrain for a sharper response to accelerator pedal input.

An eco-car experience 

in a practical package

• Good visibility
• Optimum driving position
• Wide, easily accessible trunk storage space
• Functional, easy-to-use storage spaces

The Mirai is an eco-car experience in a practical package that is achieved by placing the FC stack and other power unit components under the vehicle floor.

A number of features contribute to good visibility. Thin wiper blades are used that do not obstruct the driver's view. Consideration is also given to wiper mounting positions. Excellent forward visibility is afforded by an optimised pillar shape and outer mirror attached to the door panel. By adopting a frameless automatic anti-glare inner mirror, the mirror unit has been made smaller while the mirror surface has been enlarged, ensuring rearward visibility.

Customer-fitted driving position is a key priority. Power tilt and telescopic steering, 8-way adjustable power seats and a motorised lumbar support function are used on both the driver's and passenger's seats. Also provided is a memory function that can store and reproduce the driving positions (steering, seat, outer mirror) for two people.

A power easy-access system on the driver's seat enhances driver's seat accessibility. When entering and exiting the vehicle, the driver's seat automatically slides back in unison with the steering wheel's auto tilt away and return function. The result is smooth entry/exit.

The cleverly designed battery layout achieves a wide, easily accessible trunk storage space of 361 litres (VDA standard).

The Mirai is packed with functional, easy-to-use storage spaces. These include a centre console box, which turns into an armrest (with slide function) when closed front door pockets capable of holding a 500 ml plastic bottle or A4-size documents horizontally an overhead console for storing small items seatback pockets on the back of the driver's and front passenger's seats a push-open sliding cup holder between the rear seats and a rear seat console box underneath the armrest. Other storage space includes a cup holder in the front, rear door pockets, and a glove box.

Advanced exterior design

• "Air to water" side profile
• Bold side grille design
• Innovative headlamps
• Aluminium wheels

The advanced exterior and interior design of the Mirai will capture early adopters. It comes with a next-generation exterior that leaves the impression of future mobility, while its sophisticated interior embodies a look of "immediately distinguishable new value" appropriate for such a leading edge vehicle.

The car's front view clearly expresses state-of-the-art technology. Its front face underscores the originality of FCVs, and a bold and clear three-dimensional structure brings out the grilles on the left and right to their maximum. These are also functional, as they have been designed to ensure maximum air intake.

The Mirai's stand-out "air to water" side profile expresses the uniqueness of FCVs by symbolising the flowing shape of a droplet of water. Its rear view achieves both a powerful stance and clean impression, thanks to a bold shape and wide bumper top. The result gives an agile and clean impression of air passing through and under the bumper.

The bold side grille design expresses the vehicle's technology of drawing in air and generating water. The side grilles are emphasised by metallic plating and side bars to create an original front view. The rear bumper shape leaves a strong impression of the rear view. An innovatively designed red inverted triangular fog lamp and fin-shaped spoiler combine to make the unique shape of the bumper stand out.

Toyota's RandD engineers have been busy in the structure and design of the Mirai's innovative headlamps. The front turn signal lamps and clearance lamps are separate from the headlamps, and are designed to merge with the side grilles. The headlamps exhibit high-tech and sophisticated luxury through a novel design that presents an ultra-thin profile with an inline arrangement of four LED lights plus visible heat sinks and other optical equipment.

The power retracted, remote controlled, coloured outer mirror is equipped with a high visibility LED side turn signal lamp and an effective rain clearing function. The auto-retract function is handy for parking.

The Mirai's 17-inch aluminium wheels have been made lighter by a Toyota-first engraving process. This manufacturing process (metal is shaved from the intersecting line between the disk and the rim) reduces the weight of each aluminium wheel by approximately 500 grams.

Sophisticated interior design

• Innovative interior design
• Solid quality feel and soft touch materials
• Centre combination meter cluster
• Multi-information display
• Capacitive air conditioning and seat heating control panel
• High-quality comfort
• "Form In Place Method"

As with the exterior, the interior design of the Mirai subtly shouts innovation and value, and will attract the attention of early technology adopters.

A feature of the Mirai's innovative interior design is its seamlessly flowing cabin space, created by the shape continuing from the combination meter hood to the front pillar and rear window. The structure that is enveloped by the slim centre panel from upper and lower parts makes the innovation of the overall interior stand out.

The contrast between the solid quality feel and soft touch materials has been accented by high-brightness silver ornamentations throughout the interior and the use of soft-to-the-touch pads in door trim, instrument panel, centre console, and other parts. A refined interior has been achieved through the sophisticated harmony between contrasting combinations. Glossy, geometric switch panels and pull handles with a firm grip contrast with the clean, solid jet-black of the centre console panel.

The cockpit is surrounded by advanced devices that allow the driver to feel future mobility. The centre combination meter cluster is designed to appear to be raised, expressing innovation. By locating the centre combination meter cluster at the top centre of the instrument panel, information can be read effortlessly without diverting the driver's gaze considerably from the road ahead.

A 4.2-inch high-definition TFT liquid crystal display is used for the speedometer and multi-information display. It features large, easy-to-understand indications of a wide range of information clearly visible on the colour screen. The information to display is selected from six tabs (drive information / navigation system link / audio link / driving system operation support / warning messages / settings).

The speedometer features a large, easy-to-view vehicle speed display. Two screen modes can be set: a split mode that displays a sub-screen, and a standard mode. Pressing the 4-direction switch on the steering wheel displays the FC system indicators in the split screen.

The capacitive air conditioning and seat heating control panel is reminiscent of tablet-like digital devices. Operations can be performed by lightly touching the screen. Also provided are capacitive temperature adjustment switches that allow the temperature to be easily set simply by sliding switches up and down with your fingertip. LED-lit lettering and switches are illuminated in white during the daytime and clear blue at night. The display indicates set temperature, air volume and other information in the centre of the air conditioning control panel.

Everyone riding in the vehicle can experience high-quality comfort. The refined cabin fuses premium with modern. Seats are designed in modern art-like shapes that embody the comfort and functionality of a luxury vehicle. Detailed attention has been paid to the level of ride comfort and sitting comfort to achieve body fit and hold that is less likely to cause fatigue, even on long drives.

Beautiful design, body fit and ride comfort is achieved by a "Form In Place Method". This refers to the process of injecting urethane raw materials into a seat cover, which is pre-loaded into a mould, and causing it to foam to take its final form. This is in contrast to conventional methods where moulded pads are covered. Form In Place allows seats to be formed faithfully to the design, and the ideal concave cross-sectional shape wraps the entire body to achieve a superior body fit and hold.

Eight-way adjustable power seats for achieving the optimal seat position and a motorised lumbar support function are installed as standard on the driver's and passenger's seats. Two-stage temperature adjustable seat heaters are provided as standard on all of the Mirai's seats. Soft materials have been added to pad surfaces or seat backs and cushions. A pleasant level of comfort while seated with a high degree of body fit is achieved by forming seat cushions to conform to the shape of the hip.

A high quality feel and aesthetic sense is pursued right down to the details. Soft pads on the meter hood, instrument panel, console, door trim and door armrest achieve a pleasant tactile sensation.

Outstanding cold start performance

• Improved power generating performance immediately after starting below freezing point
• Improved warming up performance

One of the drawbacks associated with cars powered by hydrogen is that maintaining good power generation from a fuel cell requires water — and in environments where the temperature regularly drops below freezing point, excess water freezes. This impedes the flow of air (oxygen) and hydrogen and causes a decrease in power generation performance.

Toyota has addressed this challenge by ensuring that it is possible to start the Mirai at -30°C and to achieve output at levels satisfactory for practical use immediately after starting. This was done in two ways:

1) Improved power generating performance immediately after starting below freezing point:

&bull Higher cell flow channel and electrode performance: Exclusion of generated water and air diffusion were improved.

&bull Establishment of intra-cell water content control technology: The content of water is measured and controlled at a level suitable for power generating performance below freezing point.

2) Improved warming up performance:

&bull Lower thermal capacity as a result of higher fuel cell stack output density.

&bull Establishment of fuel cell rapid warm-up control technology: Heat generated by the fuel cell is controlled to drastically reduce warm-up time.

The Mirai has been extensively tested in extremely cold conditions in Alaska, Canada, Finland and Northern Japan. Fuel cell stack output performance was evaluated after starting the car after it had been parked outdoors overnight for 17 hours at temperatures as low as -30°C. 100% power output was obtained 70 seconds after starting.

Active safety, passive safety, and comfort features

• State of the art safety
• Comfort features:
• ECO HEAT/COOL mode switch
• Automatically retractable outer mirrors
• Handy smartphone charging area
• Steering wheel and seat heaters
• Top-of-the-range audio equipment

The Mirai's safety equipment is the one we expect from for the very latest eco-car.

Active safety

The Mirai incorporates a Pre-Collision System with superior performance. The system detects a vehicle ahead or obstacles on the same route by means of a millimetre wave radar and helps prevent collisions through alerts and brake control, if it is judged that there is a high possibility of collision.

If the driver depresses the brake pedal after an alert, the pre-collision system powerfully aids braking power. Even if the driver has not depressed the brake pedal, the pre-collision brake is activated and the car brakes autonomously, reducing the speed by up to 30 km/h to prevent collision or reduce damage and possible injuries.

The Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) is useful to check behind the vehicle. It detects vehicles running in adjacent lanes. When the vehicle enters a blind spot area that cannot be viewed from the outer mirror, the LED indicator mounted on the outer mirror is illuminated. At this time, the side-turn signal lamp is made to blink and the LED indicator also blinks to call the driver's attention.

The car is equipped with the Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) function. When starting out in reverse, vehicles travelling behind are detected by radar. Like BSM, an LED indicator blinks and a buzzer sounds to warn the driver's attention.

An additional active feature is Lane Departure Alert (LDA) which warns of unintended departure from lane. The white/yellow lines on the road are recognised by a camera. When the vehicle might deviate from the lane without the driver performing a turn signal operation, the driver is alerted to this by the sounding of a buzzer and an indication on the display.

Drive-start Control reduces damage of sudden start accidents during gear-shift operation and reversing. For example, after a collision when in reverse, the driver might hurriedly move the shift lever from R to D while the accelerator pedal is still depressed. At this time, the driver is warned by an indication on the display, and motor output is suppressed to limit sudden starting off or sudden acceleration.

Automatic High Beam automatically switches between low and high beam. During night-time driving, the sensor of the cabin camera detects the brightness of the surrounding area and automatically switches between high beam and low beam to assist the driver's forward visibility. When lights from vehicles ahead, oncoming vehicles or street lights are detected, the headlamps are automatically returned to low beam. This prevents the driver from forgetting to operate the headlamps and reduces the inconvenience of manual operations. This function can also be turned off by operating the switch.

Other preventive safety functions are: 

• Adaptive Cruise Control.
• Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Traction Control (TRC).
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD).
• Hill start assist control.
• Emergency brake signal.
• Automatic anti-glare inner mirror.
• Parking assist sensor system.
• Rear view monitor system.

Passive safety 

A total of eight Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) airbags are equipped as standard:

• Dual-stage SRS airbags (driver's seat, passenger's seat).
• SRS knee airbag (driver's seat).
• SRS seat cushion airbag (passenger's seat).
• SRS side airbags (driver's seat, passenger's seat).
• SRS curtain shield airbags (front and rear seats).

The car body is designed to reduce pedestrian injuries in the event of an accident. Impact absorbing structures are used for parts such as the engine hood and cowl to reduce and absorb impact to pedestrians' heads and other parts of the body.

Other impact safety functions include a 3-point seat belt with pre-tensioner and force limiter on all seats, and a general-purpose ISOFIX compatible child seat securing bar and a top tether anchor bar for the rear seat.

Comfort features

The Mirai is equipped with comfort items for improving user's comfort.

The ECO heat/cool mode switch enables fully automatic left and right independent temperature control air conditioning. The set temperature can be changed smoothly by sliding the metal switches on the driver's or passenger's seat.. An ECO mode switch exclusively for air conditioning is provided to prioritise fuel economy by controlling air conditioning performance without any change to driving feel. The ECO mode is operated by turning the switch on and off or by holding it down. In ECO HI mode, air conditioning control is performed with even higher priority given to fuel economy than in ECO mode.

Especially handy in parking lots are the automatically retractable outer mirrors, which are retracted and returned interlocked when locking and unlocking the doors.

Smartphones that are compatible with the Qi wireless charging standard or have Qi compatible accessories can be charged simply by placing them in the handy smartphone charging area provided in the centre console box.

Steering wheel and seat heaters on all seats provide instant heat while greatly reducing power consumption. This comfort equipment affects fuel consumption and cruising range less than even air conditioning and allows drivers and passengers to feel warmth immediately. The steering wheel heater warms the steering wheel once the switch is turned on and is automatically turned off after about 30 minutes. Two temperature settings (Hi/Lo) are used on the seat heaters for all seats.

Top-of-the-range audio equipment in the Mirai includes a display system with a 7-inch VGA TFT display as standard. It incorporates AM/FM radio, CD, Bluetooth, navigation system and DAB. The car is equipped with a JBL® premium sound system featuring 11 speakers, and USB and AUX terminals are provided as standard in the centre console box.

Other comfort features include Smart Entry & Start System theft prevention systems (immobilizer system + automatic alarm) rain sensing front wiper and an accessory power outlet socket (12 V DC).

How the world-leading TFCS works

• TFCS (Toyota Fuel Cell System) combines Hybrid and FC technologies developed by Toyota over many years
• Two energy sources — FC stack and battery — are optimally selected to drive the motor
• How the FC stack generates power

TFCS combines Hybrid and FC technologies developed by Toyota over many years

The Toyota Fuel Cell System (TFCS) adopts the latest compact, high-performance FC stack.

The Mirai was developed around Toyota's long-cultivated core technologies of energy recovery during braking, and high-performance, high-efficiency hybrid technology to assist during engine starting and acceleration. Two energy sources, FC stack and battery, are adequately selected to drive the motor to achieve more environmentally friendly and powerful running.

Two energy sources — FC stack and battery — are smartly selected to drive the motor

The Mirai is a hybrid that combines an FC stack with a battery. Hybrid originally means a combination of two different types. Generally, a hybrid car refers to a vehicle that runs efficiently by a combination of two drive sources: an engine and a motor. An FCV such as the Mirai differs slightly from general hybrid vehicles in that it is a hybrid that uses a combination of an FC stack and a battery as the energy sources to be transmitted to the motor. The battery provides power support during acceleration as it does for other hybrid technologies used to achieve more powerful and efficient running.

How the FC stack generates power

The smallest unit of a fuel cell (a cell) is comprised of an electrolyte membrane, a pair of electrodes (negative and positive) and two separators. Though each cell has a small voltage of 1 V or less, large power output for running a vehicle can be obtained by connecting a few hundred cells in series to increase the voltage. These cells combined together are called an FC stack, and this FC stack is usually what is referred to when talking about fuel cells.

In a fuel cell, electricity is made from hydrogen and oxygen. Hydrogen is supplied to the negative electrode, where it is activated on the catalyst causing electrons to be released. The electrons freed from the hydrogen move from the negative electrodes to the positive electrodes, generating electricity. The hydrogen which releases electrons convert to hydrogen ions that move to the positive side while passing through the polymer electrolyte membrane. At the positive electrode catalyst, oxygen, hydrogen ions and electrons combine to form water.

Safety: The car, the refuelling process and the gas

• The car: Tough fuel tanks and highly sensitive hydrogen sensors
• The refuelling process: International safety standards in place
• The gas: Using the lightest element in the universe has its benefits

Over the last decade, hundreds of FCV test cars have been thoroughly road tested, and safety tested. They have racked up millions of kilometres over all sorts of demanding terrains. They have been put through their paces in the cold of northern Finland and the heat of southern Spain. Their hydrogen fuel tanks have even been shot at by high-velocity weapons. The result is that the Mirai has passed all the tests with flying colours. It's as safe as any other Toyota vehicle. The fact that it is powered by hydrogen has absolutely no effect on its inherent safety. Three aspects of the Mirai that relate to safety are the car, the refuelling process, and the gas itself.

The car: Tough fuel tanks and highly sensitive hydrogen sensors 

The hydrogen that powers the Mirai is stored at a high pressure of 700 bar in two compact, ultra-resistant tanks. Toyota has been working on their design in-house since 2000 and are more than satisfied with their strength and safety levels.

Their main source of strength originates from the carbon fibre shell. Over that is a glass fibre layer. Should the car be involved in an accident, any resulting damage to the hydrogen tank will be clearly visible on this layer. Tests can then be carried out to evaluate if the carbon shell itself is compromised. The glass fibre does not contribute to rigidity of the tank, but gives absolute confidence of its integrity. The whole tank is lined with plastic to seal in the hydrogen.

As mentioned above, the tanks have been subjected to extremely severe testing. They are designed to withstand up to 225% (GTR standard*) of their operating pressure, which is clearly a very comfortable safety margin.

In the improbable event of a leak, the Mirai contains highly sensitive sensors that detect minute amounts of hydrogen. These are placed in strategic locations for instantaneous detection of hydrogen. In the extremely unlikely event of a leak in the fuel system, the sensors immediately shut down the safety valves and the vehicle itself.

As a third layer of safety, the cabin is strictly separated from the hydrogen compartment to prevent penetration of any leaking hydrogen, which would instead gradually disperse into the atmosphere.

The refuelling process: International safety standards in place 

Refuelling is a critical process because it involves human action, which unfortunately can lead to unforeseen and unsafe scenarios, like trying to drive off while the fuel nozzle is still connected to the car. For this reason a number of safety precautions have been put in place.

First, the nozzle at the end of the hydrogen dispenser's flexible hose contains a mechanical lock to ensure optimal connection with the car's filling inlet. Unless this mechanical lock clicks into place securely, filling will not commence.

Secondly, a pressure impulse checks for any leakage in the system between the filling station and the car. If a leak is detected, refuelling is aborted.

Thirdly, the rate of filling is carefully regulated, to avoid overheating during transfer. Temperature sensors located in the car's hydrogen tanks, the nozzle and the pump constantly communicate with each other by infrared to control the rate of flow of hydrogen into the car so that the temperature rise is not excessive. Probably the smartest refuelling that any driver's ever experienced.

The internationally applicable standards SAE J2601, SAE J2799 and ISO 17268 establish safety limits and performance requirements for gaseous hydrogen fuel dispensers. The criteria include maximum fuel temperature at the dispenser nozzle, the maximum fuel flow rate and the maximum rate of pressure increase.

Should a driver attempt to drive off in a Mirai while the fuel nozzle is attached to the car, they will not succeed. The car's ignition is disconnected until the nozzle has been replaced in its holster and the car's fuel cap is closed. To be absolutely sure, a redundant safety system is embedded in the hose and locks the pump if a car would pull the hose too hard when driving off in the middle of refuelling.

The gas: Using the lightest element in the universe has its benefits

Hydrogen gas is the lightest thing known to man and considerably (14x) lighter than air. The consequence is that should a leak occur, the hydrogen will rise into the atmosphere. And thanks to its status as smallest molecule in the universe, it disperses quickly in air and any gas.

Finally, the Mirai's tanks have a pressure relief device that releases the hydrogen gradually in case the temperature should rise abnormally (like in a fire). This prevents any overpressure or explosion far from the stereotype of a hydrogen explosion. Moreover, the resulting fire leaves much of the car undamaged.

Summary of safety aspects

Hydrogen is as safe as any other fuel used in a car. It's been used as an energy carrier for decades, and there is a vast amount of cumulative know-how and experience in Toyota and elsewhere to handle it safely. Furthermore, it is a carbon-free, non-hazardous energy source that can be produced from many renewable resources and emits no greenhouse gases when used as a fuel.

Environmental considerations: From production to disposal

• Vehicle production
• Hydrogen production
• Recycling

By generating only water as a by-product during the driving phase, the Mirai significantly reduces the overall impact of a car on the environment. Depending on the way hydrogen is produced, an overall CO₂ reduction of 40-70% can be achieved compared with a conventionally petrol powered vehicle. In future, when hydrogen will be massively produced by renewable energy, the CO₂ emissions from well to wheel will be even more drastically reduced, bringing us close to our ultimate goal of zero emissions.

Vehicle production

The Mirai is being manufactured at a sustainable Toyota plant which aims to fully utilise natural resources while operating in harmony with the natural environment. There are three aspects to this approach:

• Effective energy generation, through the utilisation of exhaust heat from the plant or renewable energy such as solar.
• Elimination of energy waste: development and introduction of low CO₂-emitting production technologies and step by step improvements.
• Community involvement and ecosystem conservation: tree planting activities in the grounds of the plant.

Hydrogen production

Hydrogen can be produced from various primary energies, depending on the most suitable method for each country. It can also play a major role in the spread of renewable energy. Solar and wind power are intermittent sources, resulting in unstable generation, which requires an adequate storage system. However, one way to store these renewable energies is to convert them to hydrogen, which is more appropriate than batteries for large storage, thanks to a higher energy density. The society of the future must utilise renewable energy, and smartly integrate the electricity grid with the hydrogen grid for effective use.

Recycling

Resource efficiency plays an important role at Toyota. The recoverability rate of the Mirai exceeds 95%. As the Mirai's fuel cell stack uses the precious metal platinum, Toyota created the world's first stack collection and recycling network.

Especially for the industrial battery, Toyota in Europe has set itself the challenging target of aiming to collect 100% of the batteries. In 2010, Toyota succeeded to establish the world's first battery to battery recycling operation in Japan. Furthermore, as of 2013, batteries are reused in stationary energy storage applications. Realising that our raw materials are finite, Toyota is continuously stepping forward to a resource efficient economy.

With the first European customers taking delivery in the coming weeks in Germany, Denmark and the UK, this hydrogen-powered zero emission sedan ushers in a new era to the automotive world as we know it.

To make their ranking, the CAM team, based in Bergisch Gladbach and headed by Prof. Dr. Stefan Bratzel, closely examined more than 8,000 new innovations in the period from 2005 to 2015. These were rated according to their relevance to the market and industry as well as their innovativeness.

The winner was world's first mass-produced fuel cell sedan to become available to the public. Hydrogen is transformed in the fuel cell stack into electricity which powers the 114 kW/155 HP electric engine. FCVs are zero emission vehicles, emitting only water during driving. They are as easy to use as conventional vehicles and are capable of long trips thanks to their range and refuelling time, both comparable to those of a petrol car.

The Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid is another winner of the CAM survey and another first of its kind: the first mass-produced plug-in can be charged using any standard household socket and in addition to 5.2 kW/h electricity uses just 2.1 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres, which corresponds to 49 grams of CO2 emissions per kilometre. In the ranking of the 100 most significant innovations, that means a third place.

Notes to the editors:

*To read more about the Center of Automotive Management please visit http://www.auto-institute.com/aboutus.htm

**To see the ranking, please visit http://www.autoflotte.de/fm/3478/CAM_Automotive_Innovations_2015_Top10.jpg

If we want to secure the future of the automobile as flexible, personal transport for the next 100 years, we need to consider which energy can power our cars tomorrow. At Toyota, we believe that various technologies will co-exist, ranging from EVs over hybrids to perhaps the most innovative of all, the fuel cell car or FCV.

Instead of gasoline, FCVs are fueled by hydrogen, an environmentally friendly energy source that can be produced from a variety of raw materials including solar and wind power, biofuel, and natural gas.

Moreover, they run using the energy generated on board by a fuel cell stack. The energy efficiency of FCVs is higher than that of gasoline engines and they conserve energy, as well.

They are zero emission vehicles, emitting only water during driving. They are as easy to use as conventional vehicles and are capable of long trips thanks to their range and refuelling time, both comparable to those of a petrol car.

With the launch of the Toyota Mirai, we take one step closer towards a “sustainable mobility society”.

The Mirai uses the Toyota Fuel Cell System (TFCS), which features both fuel cell technology and hybrid technology, and includes Toyota's new proprietary FC Stack and high-pressure hydrogen tanks. The TFCS is more energy efficient than internal combustion engines and emits no CO₂ or pollutants when driven. Drivers can also expect the same level of convenience as offered by gasoline engine vehicles, with a generous cruising range and a hydrogen refuelling time of about three minutes³.

The Mirai delivers everything expected of a next-generation car: an immediately recognizable design driving exhilaration stemming from superior handling stability achieved by a low centre of gravity and quiet but powerful acceleration provided by the electric motor.

Hydrogen can be generated using a wide range of natural resources and man-made by-products such as sewage sludge. It can also be created from water using natural renewable energy sources like solar and wind power. When compressed, it has a higher energy density than batteries, and is relatively easy to store and transport, therefore it also carries expectations for potential future use in power generation and a wide range of other applications. FCVs are able to generate their own electricity from hydrogen, meaning they can help make a future hydrogen-based society a reality, and are therefore expected to further contribute to accelerating energy diversification.

Sales Outline Europe

Launch: September 2015

Markets: UK, D, DK for 2015, more markets to be added for 2017

Annual volume: 50 — 100 cars/year in 2015 and 2016

Price: 66,000 &euro + VAT (Germany)

Production Plant

Motomachi Plant, Toyota Motor Corporation

TFCS provides superior environmental performance and convenience

The Mirai features the TFCS, a fusion of fuel cell technology with hybrid technology.

The system provides better energy efficiency than internal combustion engines, superior environmental performance with no emissions of CO₂ or pollutants when driving, and the same level of convenience and autonomy as gasoline engine vehicles, and a hydrogen refuelling time of about three minutes³.

The system uses Toyota-developed components including the Toyota FC Stack, FC boost converter, and high-pressure hydrogen tanks.

Toyota FC Stack

The new Toyota FC Stack achieves a maximum output of 114 kW (155 DIN hp). Electricity generation efficiency has been enhanced through the use of 3D fine mesh flow channels⁴ (a world first⁵), which ensure uniform generation of electricity on cell surfaces, providing compact size and a high level of performance, and a world-leading⁵ power output density of 3.1 kW/L (2.2 times higher than that of the previous Toyota FCHV-adv limited-lease model).

The amount of water on fuel cell electrolyte membranes has a substantial influence on electricity generation efficiency. Control of the amount of water is carried out using an internal circulation system for circulating the water created when generating electricity, meaning the Toyota FC Stack is a world-leading⁵ system that, unlike systems used in all other previous Toyota fuel cell vehicles, does not require the use of a humidifier.

FC Boost Converter

A new compact, high-efficiency, high-capacity converter has been developed to boost power generated in the Toyota FC Stack to 650 volts. Increasing the voltage has made it possible to reduce the size of the electric motor and the number of Toyota FC Stack fuel cells, leading to a smaller, higher-performance Toyota Fuel Cell System, thereby reducing system costs.

High-pressure Hydrogen Tanks

Tanks with a three-layer structure made of carbon fiber-reinforced plastic and other materials are used to store hydrogen at a very high pressure of 70 MPa (70 megapascals, or approximately 700 bar). Compared to the high pressure hydrogen tanks used in the Toyota FCHV-adv model, tank storage has been increased by approximately 20 per cent while both weight and size have been reduced to achieve a world-leading⁵ 5.7 wt%⁶.

Key Toyota Fuel Cell System (TFCS) Specifications

Safe and secure vehicle design with comprehensive range of safety features

The Mirai was designed with safety as a top priority, based on the basic approach of ensuring that hydrogen does not leak, and in the unlikely event that any leaks do occur, ensuring immediate detection and stoppage of hydrogen flow and preventing accumulation of hydrogen within the car body.

•  Development of high pressure hydrogen tanks with excellent hydrogen permeation prevention performance, strength, and durability
•  Hydrogen sensors provide warnings and can shut off tank main stop valves
•  Hydrogen tanks and other hydrogen-related parts are located outside the cabin to ensure that if hydrogen leaks, it will dissipate easily

Use of features such as a structure that efficiently disperses and absorbs impact energy across multiple parts ensures a high impact safety performance that protects the Toyota FC Stack and high-pressure hydrogen tanks during frontal, side or rear impacts.

The Toyota FC Stack frame is constructed from a newly-developed thermoplastic carbon fiber-reinforced plastic, which is light, strong, and easily mass-produced. This protects the Toyota FC Stack by absorbing impact shocks from road bumps and other road interference.

Regarding driving safety itself, Mirai comes with a full range of advanced safety equipment appropriate for next-generation vehicles:

•  A Pre-collision System (with millimetre-wave radar) helps prevent collisions or reduce collision damage through alerts and brake control if a high likelihood of collision is detected.
•  A Lane Departure Alert system uses a camera to detect white or yellow lane markings and alerts the driver when the vehicle is about to deviate from its lane.
•  Drive-start Control limits sudden starts or sudden acceleration during gear-shift operation.
•  A Blind Spot Monitor uses radar to detect vehicles in adjacent lanes and helps rear view confirmation when changing lanes.

Mirai's immediately recognizable design

A new technique has been employed in the front face design to emphasize the left and right grilles that draw in air for the oxygen supply and for FC system cooling. The novel front face underscores the vehicle's individuality.

The elegant side profile evokes the flowing shape of a droplet of water to express the vehicle's characteristic of drawing in air and emitting water. The roof-side rails and hood appear to pop out of the body to create the impression of a low-to-the-ground vehicle while communicating a futuristic feeling.

The rear of the vehicle presents a bold profile with a trapezoidal shape extending from the license plate garnish to the bottom of the bumper corners and out toward the wheels, while the top of the bumper emphasizes width and expresses a powerfully stable stance. It also creates an agile and clean impression of air passing through and under the bumper.

The headlights exhibit high-tech and sophisticated luxury through a novel design that presents an ultra-thin profile with an inline arrangement of four LED lights plus visible heat sinks and other optical equipment. The front turn signals and clearance lights are separate from the headlights, contributing to an ultra-thin headlight profile at the same time as merging with the side grilles. This creates an advanced clean design with aerodynamics that improve airflow.

The Mirai comes with 17-inch aluminum wheels that have been made lighter using an engraving process⁷, and six body colors are available.

A futuristic lay-out for the interior

The Mirai's profile connects the front and rear in a seamlessly pleasant expression of space. It creates a sophisticated cabin space with soft padding on door trims and other interior surfaces, and a high-luminance silver finish throughout.

The front seats provide superior body fit and hold through an integrated cover/seat foaming production process⁸. Eight-way adjustable power seats for achieving the optimal seat position and a motorized lumbar support function are installed as standard on the driver's and passenger's seats.

The center meter cluster located in the central top level of the instrument panel includes a speedometer and multi-information display using a 4.2-inch high-definition TFT liquid crystal display with a design that appears to pop out. The driver is able to change the display using steering-wheel-mounted controls.

Seat heater switches and other controls are operated via an electrostatic air conditioning control panel by lightly touching the flat panel display.

Functions that provide a comfortable interior space come as standard, such as a steering wheel heater and seat heaters (two temperature settings on all seats) that provide instant heat while greatly reducing power consumption, fully automatic left and right independent temperature control air conditioning with eco mode switches, and "Nanoe"⁹ air purification technology to fill the cabin with fresh air. Three interior colours are available, including Warm White.

Superior handling stability and outstanding quietness enhances driving pleasure

The high output Toyota FC Stack and optimal battery power control drive the electric motor and ensure powerful responsiveness at all vehicle speeds. This provides an immediate increase in torque at the first press of the accelerator, and powerful and smooth acceleration thereafter.

Handling stability and ride comfort are both improved through the location of major parts such as the Toyota FC Stack and high pressure hydrogen tanks centrally under the floor to achieve a low center of gravity and superior front-and-rear weight distribution, as well as the use of a high-rigidity body, which features enhanced rigidity around the rear suspension.

The full under-floor cover and aerodynamically designed clearance lights reduce wind resistance and contribute to improved fuel efficiency and handling stability. Aero fins employed at the side of the rear combination lamps also improve straight-driving stability.

Outstanding quietness is achieved by electric motor drive at all speeds and reduced wind noise, plus full sealing of all body parts, and the use of sound-absorbing and sound-blocking materials optimally arranged around the cabin, including the use of noise-reducing glass for the windshield and all door windows.

The "Bs" (brake support) mode makes efficient use of regenerative braking and improves braking performance when the driver wishes to greatly reduce vehicle speed such as when negotiating long downhill sections of road.

Notes

¹Sales will begin in areas where hydrogen stations are in place and in surrounding areas.

²Japanese for future

³As measured by Toyota when refuelling at a hydrogen station supplying hydrogen at a pressure of 70 MPa under the SAEe J2601 Standard conditions (ambient temperature: 20°C, hydrogen tank pressure when fuelled: 10 MPa). Time will vary depending on hydrogen fuelling pressure and ambient temperature.

⁴Channels arranged in a fine three-dimensional lattice structure. Enhances the dispersion of air (oxygen) thereby enabling uniform generation of electricity on cell surfaces.

⁵As of November 2014, according to TMC research.

⁶Hydrogen storage mass per tank weight

⁷Manufacturing process used to reduce the weight of aluminium wheels. Metal is shaved from the intersecting line between the disk and rim to reduce the weight of each aluminium wheel by approximately 500 grams.

⁸In the previous process, seat pads were moulded separately and then covered. In the foaming process, the seat covers are placed into moulds and urethane material is directly inserted into them.

⁹A trademark of Panasonic Electric Works Co. Ltd.

Toyota Opens Its Fuel Cell Vehicle Patents for Free Use

As part of efforts to popularize fuel cell vehicles (FCVs), Toyota Motor Corporation will allow royalty-free use of approximately 5,680 of the FCV-related patent licenses, including pending applications, it holds globally on an unconsolidated basis.

Toyota believes it is important to give priority to spurring more widespread use of FCVs at the initial introduction stage, and therefore believes concerted initiatives with energy companies that are looking to expand hydrogen station infrastructure, and automobile manufacturers that are looking to move forward with FCV development and market introduction, will be vital.

Toyota will allow royalty-free use of its FCV patent licenses by those manufacturing and selling FCVs through the initial market introduction period, which is anticipated to continue until about 2020. This initiative will include patents that are critical to the development and production of FCVs, such as those relating to fuel cell stacks (approx. 1,970 patent licenses), high-pressure hydrogen tanks (approx. 290 patent licenses), and fuel cell system control technology (approx. 3,350 patent licenses).

To facilitate more rapid expansion of hydrogen station networks, Toyota will also provide royalty-free use of approximately 70 hydrogen-station-related patent licenses indefinitely for those installing and operating hydrogen stations.

Toyota plans to make the royalty-free patent licenses available for use to companies and organizations that conclude contracts with Toyota based on negotiations with the company concerning specific usage plans, in line with standard patent license usage procedures.

Toyota has always had an open policy regarding use of its intellectual property, allowing licensing of patents by third parties that pay appropriate usage fees. By allowing royalty-free use of FCV-related patent licenses, Toyota is going one step further as it aims to promote the widespread use of FCVs and actively contribute to the realization of a hydrogen-based society.

The Mirai signals the start of a new age of vehicles. Using hydrogen - an important future energy source - as fuel to generate electricity, the Mirai achieves superior environmental performance with the convenience and driving pleasure expected of any car.

Mirai

The Mirai uses the Toyota Fuel Cell System (TFCS), which features both fuel cell technology and hybrid technology, and includes Toyota's new proprietary FC Stack and high-pressure hydrogen tanks. The TFCS is more energy efficient than internal combustion engines and emits no CO₂ or pollutants when driven. Drivers can also expect the same level of convenience as offered by gasoline engine vehicles, with a generous cruising range and a hydrogen refueling time of about three minutes³.

The Mirai delivers everything expected of a next-generation car: an immediately recognizable design driving exhilaration stemming from superior handling stability achieved by a low center of gravity and quiet but powerful acceleration provided by the electric motor.

Hydrogen can be generated using a wide range of natural resources and man-made byproducts such as sewage sludge. It can also be created from water using natural renewable energy sources like solar and wind power. When compressed, it has a higher energy density than batteries, and is relatively easy to store and transport, therefore it also carries expectations for potential future use in power generation and a wide range of other applications. FCVs are able to generate their own electricity from hydrogen, meaning they can help make a future hydrogen-based society a reality, and are therefore expected to further contribute to accelerating energy diversification.

Sales Outline Europe

Launch: September 2015

Markets: UK, D, DK for 2015, more markets to be added for 2017

Annual volume: 50 — 100 cars/year in 2015 and 2016

Price: around 66,000 &euro + VAT (Germany)

Production Plant

Motomachi Plant, Toyota Motor Corporation

Vehicle Outline

1. TFCS provides superior environmental performance and convenience

The Mirai features the TFCS, a fusion of fuel cell technology with hybrid technology.

The system provides better energy efficiency than internal combustion engines, superior environmental performance with no emissions of CO₂ or pollutants when driving, and the same level of convenience and autonomy as gasoline engine vehicles, and a hydrogen refuelling time of about three minutes³.

The system uses Toyota-developed components including the Toyota FC Stack, FC boost converter, and high-pressure hydrogen tanks.

Toyota FC Stack

The new Toyota FC Stack achieves a maximum output of 114 kW (155 DIN hp). Electricity generation efficiency has been enhanced through the use of 3D fine mesh flow channels⁴ (a world first⁵), which ensure uniform generation of electricity on cell surfaces, providing compact size and a high level of performance, and a world-leading⁵ power output density of 3.1 kW/L (2.2 times higher than that of the previous Toyota FCHV-adv limited-lease model).

The amount of water on fuel cell electrolyte membranes has a substantial influence on electricity generation efficiency. Control of the amount of water is carried out using an internal circulation system for circulating the water created when generating electricity, meaning the Toyota FC Stack is a world-leading⁵ system that, unlike systems used in all other previous Toyota fuel cell vehicles, does not require the use of a humidifier.

FC Boost Converter

A new compact, high-efficiency, high-capacity converter has been developed to boost power generated in the Toyota FC Stack to 650 volts. Increasing the voltage has made it possible to reduce the size of the electric motor and the number of Toyota FC Stack fuel cells, leading to a smaller, higher-performance Toyota Fuel Cell System, thereby reducing system costs.

High-pressure Hydrogen Tanks

Tanks with a three-layer structure made of carbon fiber-reinforced plastic and other materials are used to store hydrogen at a very high pressure of 70 MPa (70 megapascals, or approximately 700 bar). Compared to the high pressure hydrogen tanks used in the Toyota FCHV-adv model, tank storage has been increased by approximately 20 percent while both weight and size have been reduced to achieve a world-leading⁵ 5.7 wt%⁶.

Key Toyota Fuel Cell System (TFCS) Specifications

2. Safe and secure vehicle design with comprehensive range of safety features

FCV safety measures

The Mirai was designed with safety as a top priority, based on the basic approach of ensuring that hydrogen does not leak, and in the unlikely event that any leaks do occur, ensuring immediate detection and stoppage of hydrogen flow and preventing accumulation of hydrogen within the car body.

• Development of high pressure hydrogen tanks with excellent hydrogen permeation prevention performance, strength, and durability
• Hydrogen sensors provide warnings and can shut off tank main stop valves
• Hydrogen tanks and other hydrogen-related parts are located outside the cabin to ensure that if hydrogen leaks, it will dissipate easily

Use of features such as a structure that efficiently disperses and absorbs impact energy across multiple parts ensures a high impact safety performance that protects the Toyota FC Stack and high-pressure hydrogen tanks during frontal, side or rear impacts.

The Toyota FC Stack frame is constructed from a newly-developed thermoplastic carbon fiber-reinforced plastic, which is light, strong, and easily mass-produced. This protects the Toyota FC Stack by absorbing impact shocks from road bumps and other road interference.

A full range of advanced safety equipment appropriate for next-generation vehicles

Standard inclusion of advanced safety technologies:

• A Pre-collision System (with millimeter-wave radar) helps prevent collisions or reduce collision damage through alerts and brake control if a high likelihood of collision is detected.
• A Lane Departure Alert system uses a camera to detect white or yellow lane markings and alerts the driver when the vehicle is about to deviate from its lane.
• Drive-start Control limits sudden starts or sudden acceleration during gear-shift operation.
• A Blind Spot Monitor uses radar to detect vehicles in adjacent lanes and helps rear view confirmation when changing lanes.

3. Mirai's immediately recognizable design

Exterior

A new technique has been employed in the front face design to emphasize the left and right grilles that draw in air for the oxygen supply and for FC system cooling. The novel front face underscores the vehicle's individuality.

The elegant side profile evokes the flowing shape of a droplet of water to express the vehicle's characteristic of drawing in air and emitting water. The roof-side rails and hood appear to pop out of the body to create the impression of a low-to-the-ground vehicle while communicating a futuristic feeling.

The rear of the vehicle presents a bold profile with a trapezoidal shape extending from the license plate garnish to the bottom of the bumper corners and out toward the wheels, while the top of the bumper emphasizes width and expresses a powerfully stable stance. It also creates an agile and clean impression of air passing through and under the bumper.

The headlights exhibit high-tech and sophisticated luxury through a novel design that presents an ultra-thin profile with an inline arrangement of four LED lights plus visible heat sinks and other optical equipment. The front turn signals and clearance lights are separate from the headlights, contributing to an ultra-thin headlight profile at the same time as merging with the side grilles. This creates an advanced clean design with aerodynamics that improve airflow.

The Mirai comes with 17-inch aluminum wheels that have been made lighter using an engraving process⁷.

Six body colors are available.

Interior

The Mirai's profile connects the front and rear in a seamlessly pleasant expression of space. It creates a sophisticated cabin space with soft padding on door trims and other interior surfaces, and a high-luminance silver finish throughout.

The front seats provide superior body fit and hold through an integrated cover/seat foaming production process⁸. Eight-way adjustable power seats for achieving the optimal seat position and a motorized lumbar support function are installed as standard on the driver's and passenger's seats.

The center meter cluster located in the central top level of the instrument panel includes a speedometer and multi-information display using a 4.2-inch high-definition TFT liquid crystal display with a design that appears to pop out. The driver is able to change the display using steering-wheel-mounted controls.

Seat heater switches and other controls are operated via an electrostatic air conditioning control panel by lightly touching the flat panel display.

Functions that provide a comfortable interior space come as standard, such as a steering wheel heater and seat heaters (two temperature settings on all seats) that provide instant heat while greatly reducing power consumption, fully automatic left and right independent temperature control air conditioning with eco mode switches, and "Nanoe"¹⁰ air purification technology to fill the cabin with fresh air.

Three interior colors are available, including Warm White.

Package

Battery layout enables abundant trunk storage space.

4. Superior handling stability and outstanding quietness enhances driving pleasure

The high output Toyota FC Stack and optimal battery power control drive the electric motor and ensure powerful responsiveness at all vehicle speeds. This provides an immediate increase in torque at the first press of the accelerator, and powerful and smooth acceleration thereafter.

Handling stability and ride comfort are both improved through the location of major parts such as the Toyota FC Stack and high pressure hydrogen tanks centrally under the floor to achieve a low center of gravity and superior front-and-rear weight distribution, as well as the use of a high-rigidity body, which features enhanced rigidity around the rear suspension.

The full under-floor cover and aerodynamically designed clearance lights reduce wind resistance and contribute to improved fuel efficiency and handling stability. Aero fins employed at the side of the rear combination lamps also improve straight-driving stability.

Outstanding quietness is achieved by electric motor drive at all speeds and reduced wind noise, plus full sealing of all body parts, and the use of sound-absorbing and sound-blocking materials optimally arranged around the cabin, including the use of noise-reducing glass for the windshield and all door windows.

The "Bs" (brake support) mode makes efficient use of regenerative braking and improves braking performance when the driver wishes to greatly reduce vehicle speed such as when negotiating long downhill sections of road.

Mirai Main Vehicle Specifications

¹Japanese for future

²Sales will begin in areas where hydrogen stations are in place and in surrounding areas.

³As measured by Toyota when refueling at a hydrogen station supplying hydrogen at a pressure of 70 MPa under the SAEe J2601 Standard conditions (ambient temperature: 20°C, hydrogen tank pressure when fueled: 10 MPa). Time will vary depending on hydrogen fueling pressure and ambient temperature.

⁴Channels arranged in a fine three-dimensional lattice structure. Enhances the dispersion of air (oxygen) thereby enabling uniform generation of electricity on cell surfaces.

⁵As of November 2014, according to TMC research.

⁶Hydrogen storage mass per tank weight

⁷Manufacturing process used to reduce the weight of aluminum wheels. Metal is shaved from the intersecting line between the disk and rim to reduce the weight of each aluminum wheel by approximately 500 grams.

⁸In the previous process, seat pads were molded separately and then covered. In the foaming process, the seat covers are placed into molds and urethane material is directly inserted into them.

⁹A trademark of Panasonic Electric Works Co. Ltd.

Mirai, which means future in Japanese, represents a turning point for the automotive industry, offering the promise of a world that is safer, greener and easier for everyone. This groundbreaking vehicle has the cruising range of a conventional sedan, can be refueled in less than five minutes and emits only water vapor. In Akio Toyoda's words: "This is a car that lets you have it all with no compromises."

Transcript of Akio Toyoda's Announcement Video

Today, we are at a turning point in automotive history.

A turning point where people will embrace a new, environmentally-friendly car that is a pleasure to drive.

A turning point where a four-door sedan can travel 300 miles on a single tank of hydrogen, can be refueled in under five minutes and emit only water vapor.

A turning point that represents many years and countless hours of work by our team to create a car that redefines the industry.

All of us at Toyota believe in a future that will be safer, greener and easier for everyone. 

We imagined a world filled with vehicles that would diminish our dependence on oil and reduce harm to the environment.

It was a bold, but inspiring goal. And, today it is a reality.

Our fuel cell vehicle runs on hydrogen that can be made from virtually anything, even garbage! 

It has a fuel cell that creates enough electricity to power a house for about a week.

This is a car that lets you have it all with no compromises.

As a test driver, I knew this new fuel cell vehicle had to be truly fun to drive — and believe me, it is. It has a low center of gravity, which gives it very dynamic handling.

After surviving millions of miles on the test track and 10 years of testing on public roads in freezing cold and scorching heat…

After passing extensive crash tests…

And after working with local governments and researchers around the world to help make sure it is easy and convenient to refuel…

We are ready to deliver.

The name we've given to our new car is Mirai, which in Japanese means 'future'.

We believe that behind the wheel of the Mirai, we can go places we have never been, to a world that is better, in a car that is better.

For us, this isn't just another car. This is an opportunity--an opportunity to really make a difference. And making a difference is what Toyota is all about.

The future has arrived. And it's called Mirai.

The world's first production hydrogen-powered sedan is a development of the Toyota FCV Concept which made its international debut at the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show. Though remaining faithful to the avant-garde styling of that concept, the Toyota Fuel Cell Sedan's radiator grille, headlamps and rear lights as well as the aerial, roof and fuel-filler flap have been modified in the interests of road-going practicality. And the concept's cameras have, of course, been replaced by classic exterior rear-view mirrors.

The Toyota Fuel Cell Sedan will be launched in Europe in 2015.

Specific Architecture 

Designed to provide a practical solution to motorists' everyday requirements, the new hydrogen-powered Toyota is a front-wheel drive 4-door, 4-seater sedan. It features performance and a cruising range similar to a gasoline engine vehicle and a refuelling time of roughly three minutes

To maximise cabin space and lower the centre of gravity, a distinctive feature of its architecture is that the fuel cell, battery and tanks are installed under the floor. The two tanks store hydrogen at pressures of up to 700 bar.

The front compartment houses the electric motor, electronic control system and boost converter. Increasing the voltage produced by the fuel cell, this converter has allowed both the size of the motor and the number of cells to be reduced, thus cutting costs and increasing performance.

Since 2002, when Toyota began renting Highlander SUV-based fuel cell vehicles to Japanese and North American customers, technology has advanced considerably.

A key feature of this new generation of fuel cell is that it has no humidifier. The humidity required for its operation is derived directly from the production of water inherent in the chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen. The structure of the cell is therefore simpler, more reliable, more compact, lighter and, all-in-all, cheaper.

Commercialisation 

The car will go on sale in Japan before April 2015, and preparations are underway for launches in the U.S. and European markets in the Summer of 2015.

In Japan, the Fuel Cell Sedan will go on sale at Toyota and Toyopet dealerships, priced at approximately 7 million yen (MSRP - excludes consumption tax). Initially, sales will be limited to regions where a hydrogen refuelling infrastructure is also under development. Europe and U.S. prices have not yet been decided. More detailed information, such as specifications, exact prices and sales targets, will be announced at a later date.

Toyota's Stance on FCV RandD

Toyota's commitment to environmentally-friendly vehicles is based on three basic principles: embracing diverse energy sources developing efficient, low-emission vehicles and driving real and positive environmental change by popularising these vehicles.

Hydrogen is a particularly promising alternative fuel. It can be produced from a wide variety of primary energy sources — including solar power and wind power — and is easy to store and transport. When compressed, it has a higher energy density than batteries. In addition to its potential as a fuel for home and automotive use, hydrogen could be used in a wide range of further applications, including large-scale power generation.

Fuel cell vehicles contribute to the diversification of automobile fuels, emit no CO2 or environmentally harmful substances during operation, and offer all the convenience of gasoline-powered cars. Toyota believes they have a great deal of potential, and are ideal environmentally-friendly vehicles with which to promote a sustainable-mobility society.

The Hyfive Project 

The aim of the Hyfive Project (Hydrogen for Innovative Vehicles) is to speed up the introduction of hydrogen-powered cars on European roads. 15 car manufacturing and energy providing partners are involved. They will join forces to ensure a coordinated deployment of fuel cell vehicles, in conjunction with the establishment of the refuelling infrastructure required for their operation.

Toyota, BMW, Daimler, Honda and Hyundai will be responsible for the deployment of a fleet of 110 vehicles to 6 European cities -Bolzano, Copenhagen, Innsbruck, London, Munich and Stuttgart. A network of hydrogen refuelling pumps will be developed simultaneously within these 5 regions, as well as in Sweden, a close neighbour of Denmark.

From now until the effective launch of the programme at the end of 2015, the vehicles deployed by Toyota will be equipped with a continuous data login system for the entire duration of the 3-year project. Thus they will provide the engineers with detailed, day-to-day feedback on their use and performance, information essential to the further development of this fledgling technology.

For all stakeholders, this project will also build the public image of the hydrogen-powered car.

The car will launch in Japan before April 2015, and preparations are underway for launches in the U.S. and European markets in the summer of 2015.

In Japan, the Fuel Cell Sedan will go on sale at Toyota and Toyopet dealerships, priced at approximately 7 million yen (MSRP excludes consumption tax). Initially, sales will be limited to regions¹ where hydrogen refuelling infrastructure is being developed. Europe and U.S. prices have not yet been decided. Likewise, more detailed information, such as specifications, exact prices and sales targets, will be announced later.

Toyota's commitment to environment-friendly vehicles is based on three basic principles: embracing diverse energy sources developing efficient, low-emission vehicles and driving real and positive environmental change by popularizing these vehicles.

Hydrogen is a particularly promising alternative fuel. It can be produced from a wide variety of primary energy sources—including solar power and wind power—and is easy to store and transport. When compressed, it has a higher energy density than batteries. In addition to its potential as a fuel for home and automotive use, hydrogen could be used in a wide range of applications, including large-scale power generation.

Toyota has been developing fuel cell vehicles in-house for more than 20 years. Toyota's fuel cell system includes a proprietary FC Stack, which generates electricity from the chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, and high-pressure hydrogen tanks. In 2002, Toyota began leasing the "Toyota FCHV", a fuel cell SUV, on a limited basis in Japan and the U.S.

Significant improvements have been made to the FC system since 2002. The fuel cell sedan Toyota revealed today, for example, features performance and a cruising range similar to a gasoline engine vehicle and a refueling time of roughly three minutes. When driven, it emits only the water vapor produced by the reaction between hydrogen and oxygen.

Fuel cell vehicles contribute to the diversification of automobile fuels, emit no CO₂ or environmentally harmful substances during operation, and offer the convenience of gasoline-powered cars. Toyota believes they have a great deal of potential, and are ideal environment-friendly vehicles for promoting a sustainable mobility society.

Karl Schlicht, Executive Vice President of Toyota Motor Europe said: "We are very excited by the arrival of Fuel Cell technology. Of course, there are many challenges ahead, such as the availability of fuelling infrastructure and customer awareness. But our history with hybrid gives us all the experience we need to launch a new technology to the market. In Europe, we will be taking it step by step, gradually introducing the car in selected markets. But we are confident that going forward, hydrogen will become increasingly popular as a way of powering vehicles."

Toyota Group² companies are also engaging in other hydrogen-related initiatives, such as developing and testing fuel cells for use in homes, and developing fuel cell forklifts and fuel cell buses.

¹Saitama Prefecture, Chiba Prefecture, Tokyo Metropolis, Kanagawa Prefecture, Yamanashi Prefecture, Aichi Prefecture, Osaka Prefecture, Hyogo Prefecture, Yamaguchi Prefecture, and Fukuoka Prefecture

² http://www.toyota-global.com/company/profile/toyota_group/