The 2024 Toyota Mirai: A Hydrogen-Powered Sedan That Rivals Tesla

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The Toyota Mirai is not your typical electric car. It does not have a battery pack, a charging port, or a plug. Instead, it runs on hydrogen, a clean and abundant fuel that can be produced from various sources, such as water, natural gas, or even organic waste. The Mirai converts hydrogen into electricity using a fuel cell, which combines hydrogen and oxygen to produce power and water. The only emission from the Mirai is water vapor, making it one of the most environmentally friendly vehicles on the road.

The Mirai, which means “future” in Japanese, is Toyota’s flagship model for its vision of a hydrogen society, where hydrogen is used as a primary energy source for various applications, such as transportation, industry, and homes. Toyota believes that hydrogen has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enhance energy security, and create new economic opportunities. The Mirai is Toyota’s way of demonstrating the feasibility and attractiveness of hydrogen as a fuel for cars.

The first-generation Mirai was launched in 2015 and was the world’s first mass-produced hydrogen fuel cell vehicle. It was a bold and innovative move by Toyota, but it also faced some challenges, such as limited availability, high cost, and lack of infrastructure. The Mirai was only sold in select markets, such as Japan, California, and Europe, where hydrogen stations were available. The Mirai was also priced at $57,500, making it a niche product for early adopters and enthusiasts.

However, Toyota did not give up on its hydrogen dream. It continued to improve the Mirai’s performance, design, and affordability, and in 2020, it unveiled the second-generation Mirai, a significant upgrade from its predecessor. The new Mirai is sleeker, larger, and more luxurious than the first one, and it also boasts a longer range, more power, and lower price. The new Mirai is expected to go on sale in late 2023 as a 2024 model, and Toyota hopes to attract more customers and expand the market for hydrogen vehicles.

What’s New for 2024?

The 2024 Toyota Mirai is a completely redesigned model that shares nothing with the previous one except the name and the fuel cell technology. The new Mirai is based on Toyota’s premium rear-wheel-drive platform, also used for the Lexus LS and LC models. This gives the Mirai a more dynamic and elegant appearance and a more spacious and comfortable interior. The new Mirai is also longer, wider, and lower than the old one and has a longer wheelbase and a shorter overhang. The new Mirai has a coupe-like silhouette with a sloping roofline, a short trunk, and a muscular stance. The new Mirai also features a large grille, slim LED headlights, and 19- or 20-inch alloy wheels.

The new Mirai is not only more stylish but also more powerful and efficient than the old one. The new Mirai has a more advanced fuel cell system consisting of a fuel cell stack, a power control unit, a hydrogen tank, and an electric motor. The fuel cell stack is the system's core component, and it is where the hydrogen and oxygen react to produce electricity. The new fuel cell stack is smaller, lighter, and more durable than the old one, and it also has a higher power density, which means it can generate more power from the same amount of hydrogen. The new fuel cell stack can produce up to 182 horsepower, which is 30% more than the old one. The new Mirai also has a larger hydrogen tank, which can store up to 5.6 kg of hydrogen, 24% more than the old one. The new Mirai also has a more efficient electric motor, which can deliver up to 221 pound-feet of torque, which is 19% more than the old one.

The new Toyota Mirai’s improved performance translates into a longer range and a faster acceleration. The new Mirai can travel up to 402 miles on a single fill-up, 30% more than the old one. The new Mirai can also accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 9 seconds, which is 13% faster than the old one. The new Mirai also has a top speed of 108 mph, 8% higher than the old one.

The new Mirai is not only more powerful and efficient but also more affordable than the old one. The new Mirai has a starting price of $49,500, 14% lower than the old one. The new Mirai also qualifies for a federal tax credit of up to $8,000 and state and local incentives, depending on the market. The new Mirai also comes with complimentary hydrogen fuel for up to three years or $15,000, whichever comes first. The new Mirai also has a lower maintenance cost than the old one, as it does not require oil changes, spark plugs, or filters.

How Does It Compare to the Competition?

The 2024 Toyota Mirai is one of the few hydrogen fuel cell vehicles available in the market, and it faces some competition from other automakers, such as Honda, Hyundai, and Mercedes-Benz. However, the Mirai also competes with battery electric vehicles, such as Tesla, which are more popular and widely available than hydrogen vehicles. How does the Mirai stack up against its rivals?

The Mirai’s main advantage over battery electric vehicles is its longer range and faster refueling time. The Mirai can travel up to 402 miles on a single fill-up, which is comparable to some gasoline vehicles and much longer than most battery electric vehicles, which typically have a range of 200 to 300 miles. The Mirai can also be refueled in about five minutes, similar to gasoline vehicles and much faster than battery electric vehicles, which can take hours to recharge. The Mirai’s range and refueling time make it more convenient and practical for long-distance driving and road trips.

The Mirai’s main disadvantage over battery electric vehicles is its limited availability and infrastructure. The Mirai is only sold in select markets, such as Japan, California, and Europe, where hydrogen stations are available. The Mirai is not available in most states in the US, and even in the markets where it is sold, there are only a few dozen hydrogen stations, compared to thousands of charging stations for battery electric vehicles. The Mirai’s availability and infrastructure make owning and operating it more difficult and expensive than battery-electric vehicles.

The Mirai’s main advantage over other hydrogen fuel cell vehicles is its superior design and performance. The Toyota Mirai is more stylish, spacious, and luxurious than its rivals, such as the Honda Clarity Fuel Cell, the Hyundai Nexo, and the Mercedes-Benz GLC F-Cell. The Mirai is also more powerful, efficient, and affordable than its rivals, as it has a higher output, a longer range, and a lower price. The Mirai’s design and performance make it more appealing and competitive than other hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.

The Mirai’s main disadvantage over other hydrogen fuel cell vehicles is its lack of innovation and differentiation. The Mirai is not very different from its rivals, as it uses the same basic technology and concept of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. The Mirai does not offer unique or distinctive features or benefits that set it apart from its rivals, such as autonomous driving, wireless charging, or solar panels. The Mirai’s lack of innovation and differentiation makes it less exciting and attractive than other hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.

Is It Worth Buying?

The 2024 Toyota Mirai is a remarkable vehicle that showcases the potential and promise of hydrogen as a car fuel. The Mirai is a clean, efficient, and powerful vehicle that offers a long range, a fast refueling time, and low emission. The Mirai is also a stylish, spacious, and luxurious vehicle that offers a comfortable, smooth, and quiet ride. The Mirai is also a more affordable vehicle with a lower price, a tax credit, and complimentary fuel.

However, the Mirai is not a perfect vehicle; it has some drawbacks and limitations. The Mirai is a rare and exclusive vehicle with hydrogen stations that is only available in a few markets. The Mirai is also a conventional and conservative vehicle with no groundbreaking or innovative features or benefits that distinguish it from other vehicles.

The Mirai is a vehicle suitable for some customers but not others. The Mirai is an ideal vehicle for customers who value environmental friendliness, performance, and convenience and who live in markets where hydrogen infrastructure is available. The Mirai is also attractive to customers who appreciate design, comfort, and luxury and want to own a unique, futuristic vehicle. The Mirai is not a vehicle suitable for customers who value availability, affordability, and innovation and live in markets where hydrogen infrastructure is unavailable. The Mirai is also not an appealing vehicle to customers who prefer diversity, excitement, and novelty and want to own a cutting-edge and distinctive vehicle.

The Toyota Mirai is a vehicle worth buying for some customers but not others. The Mirai is a vehicle worth buying for customers interested in hydrogen as a fuel for cars and willing to pay a premium for it. The Mirai is also a vehicle that is worth buying for customers who are satisfied with the current state of hydrogen technology and who do not expect any major changes or improvements shortly.

How to Buy a Mirai?

If you are one of the customers interested in buying a Mirai, you may wonder how to get one. The Mirai is not a vehicle you can find in any Toyota dealership or order online. The Mirai vehicle requires a special process and a reservation system to purchase.

The first step to buying a Mirai is to check the availability and eligibility in your market. The Mirai is only available in select markets, such as Japan, California, and Europe, where hydrogen stations are available. The Mirai is also only eligible for customers who meet certain criteria, such as having a valid driver’s license, a credit score, and a garage or driveway. You can check the availability and eligibility on the Toyota website or contact a Mirai-certified dealer in your area.

The second step to buying a Mirai is to make a reservation and a deposit. The Mirai is a limited-production vehicle, and Toyota only produces a few thousand units annually. The Mirai is also a high-demand vehicle, and Toyota has a waiting list of customers who want to buy one. Therefore, you must make a reservation and a deposit to secure your spot on the list. You can make a reservation and a deposit on the Toyota website or through a Mirai-certified dealer in your area. The reservation fee is $499, which is refundable if you change your mind or cancel your order.

The third step to buying a Mirai is to finalize your order and delivery. Once your reservation is confirmed, you will be contacted by a Mirai-certified dealer in your area, who will help you finalize your order and delivery. You can choose your Mirai's preferred color, trim, and options and sign the purchase or lease agreement. You can also arrange your Mirai's delivery date and location and receive the complimentary hydrogen fuel card and roadside assistance program. The delivery process may take a few weeks or months, depending on the availability and demand of the Mirai in your market.

The Mirai is a vehicle worth buying for some customers but not others. If you are one of the customers interested in buying a Mirai, you need to follow these steps to get one. The Mirai is a vehicle that requires a special process and reservation system to purchase, but it also offers its owners a unique and rewarding experience. The Mirai is a vehicle that represents the future of hydrogen as a fuel for cars, and it is a vehicle that you can be proud of owning.

The 2024 Toyota Mirai: A Hydrogen-Powered Sedan That Rivals Tesla

What’s New for 2024?

How Does It Compare to the Competition?

Is It Worth Buying?

How to Buy a Mirai?

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