Toyota is committed to proving the virtues of Fuel Cell technology, and maybe that's why it took the new Toyota Mirai to break a world record.
The record in question was the longest distance covered with a single hydrogen supply, obtained after the Mirai had covered an impressive 1003 km on French roads without emissions and, of course, without any refueling.
At a time when, despite the constant evolution of batteries, the autonomy of battery-powered electric models continues to cause some suspicion, the record obtained by the Mirai seems to prove that it is possible to “devour kilometers” without having to resort to the combustion engine.
The “epic” of Mirai
In total, four drivers were involved in achieving this record: Victorien Erussard, the founder and captain of the Energy Observer, the first boat equipped with a Toyota fuel cell; James Olden, engineer at Toyota Motor Europe; Maxime le Hir, Product Manager at Toyota Mirai and Marie Gadd, Public Relations at Toyota France.
The “adventure” began at 5:43 am on May 26 at the HYSETCO hydrogen station in Orly, where the three hydrogen tanks of the Toyota Mirai with 5.6 kg capacity were topped off.
Since then, the Mirai has covered 1003 km without refueling, achieving an average consumption of 0.55 kg/100 km (of green hydrogen) while covering the roads in the region south of Paris in the areas of Loir-et-Cher and Indre-et-Loire .
The last refueling before covering 1003 km.
Both consumption and distance covered were certified by an independent entity. Despite having adopted an “eco-driving” style, the four “builders” of this record did not resort to any special technique that cannot be used in everyday life.
In the end, and after breaking the world record for distance with a hydrogen refueling, it took only five minutes for the Toyota Mirai to be fueled again and ready to offer, at least, the 650 km of autonomy announced by the Japanese brand.
Scheduled for arrival in Portugal in September, the Toyota Mirai you will see their prices start at 67 856 euros (55 168 euros + VAT in the case of companies, as this tax is deductible at 100%).