Toyota hydrogen: everything you need to know!

Toyota hydrogen: everything you need to know!

Toyota Mirai GEAZONE

We are already way beyond the days when fuel cars were the only available option when purchasing a new vehicle.

Today, hybrids, pluggable hybrids and electric cars are part of the options, as well as the newest alternative, revealed in 2014: the Toyota hydrogen and its very first model, the Mirai.

Longueuil Toyota, your Toyota dealership on the South-Shore of Montreal, close to Brossard and Boucherville, explains to you what “hydrogen” is.

Find out everything you need to know about hydrogen powered cars, Toyota promotions and financing, by visiting the Toyota Canada website.

The letters FUELCELL printed on the body of a 2020 Toyota Mirai hydrogen car

What is a hydrogen engine?

The hydrogen engine is, as its name indicates, an engine that is powered by this ultralight chemical element, which is obtained through a process called electrolysis.

A hydrogen car contains a hydrogen tank made of carbon fibers, which then powers the engine thanks to a chemical reaction that occurs when it is mixed with the oxygen found in the air.

So, the hydrogen car only releases water and does not produce CO2 emissions. This makes it a “green” vehicle, given that it is an alternative that is just as eco-friendly as an electric car.

In fact, a hydrogen car is considered a type of electric car; the difference lies in the way the electricity is created, which differs from more “traditional” electric cars.

When you drive an electric Toyota, its motor is fed through a battery (most times a lithium-ion battery) that is recharged thanks to a regular electric plug.

When it comes to the hydrogen Toyota, it is equipped with internal combustion fuel cells that produce electricity through a chemical reaction occurring between hydrogen and oxygen. That is why its exhausts spit out water!

While battery cars charging times vary (depending on plug), hydrogen cars are charged as quickly and easily as fuel cars.

In fact, to charge a hydrogen car, all you need to do is go to a charging station and fill it with hydrogen. The whole process takes no longer than 5 minutes, just like a fuel car.

So, if charging times had you hesitating as to whether or not to purchase an electric vehicle, the hydrogen car will certainly have you convinced!

Powered by Hydrogen Zero CO2 Emission Vehicle printed on the side of a Toyota Mirai

Toyota Mirai GEAZONE

Front 3/4 view of a red 2020 Toyota Mirai hydrogen car being driven on a city boulevard

2020 Toyota Mirai

Moreover, the hydrogen engine’s combustion fuel cells’ life expectancy is just as good as those for a Toyota fuel or electric car engine, which means it is designed to last as long as the vehicle itself.

Reliability is the Japanese manufacturer’s philosophy, and the hydrogen Toyota is no exception to this rule; it is the result of over 25 years of research. You will also be glad to know that the fuel cells are completely unaffected by the cold!

The Toyota Mirai is the very first Toyota sedan to utilize a hydrogen engine, and is proving to be just as avant-garde as the Toyota Prius was at the time.

Firstly, the newest generation of the Toyota Mirai claims an autonomy of 647 km, which is a lot more than the generation before. However, it has gone way beyond and established a new record for its category: road tests done in California reveal an autonomy of 1 360 km!

Energy efficiency has been estimated at 1.55 Le/100 km, a very impressive number.

Moreover, the Mirai engine gives it 151 horsepower and a generous 247 lb-ft. maximum torque.

What makes the Mirai so interesting is not just its engine, but also its design and technologies, which make it an avant-garde vehicle that is also very elegant and comfortable.

Entirely redesigned, it boasts an aerodynamic silhouette inspired by coupes, a low build and imposing rims, which all work towards a completely unique and sublime sporty look.

Aboard such a modern vehicle, one would expect to find cutting-edge technologies to match. Toyota does not disappoint, with a comprehensive infotainment system which includes a 12.3- inch tactile screen.

Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Amazon’s Alexa voice recognition system –developed for an even more extensive understanding of natural speech- are also found aboard, and much more. Your ears will be tickled and satisfied as well, thanks to a 14- speaker JBL audio system.

When it comes to safety, you will find the most recent Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ package (standard), which will bring you driver assist technologies such as obstacle detection and alerts on all sides, as well as automatic emergency breaking when needed.

In short, the hydrogen car is a recent option yes; but one that is sure to become more and more popular as time passes. Eco-friendly, reliable and quick to recharge, it has every quality one could ever dream of!

Front cockpit of a 2020 Toyota Mirai including its dashboard with all its technologies

Interior | 2020 Toyota Mirai

Your future Toyota in Longueuil

Longueuil Toyota on the South-Shore of Montreal, close to Boucherville and Brossard, awaits you with a vast inventory of new and used vehicles: whether you are looking for a fuel or electric car, you will find your perfect match!

Four Toyota Mirai powered by Hydrogen Zero CO2 Emission Vehicle parked near a lake

Toyota Mirai GEAZONE