Introducing the Toyota Mirai Fuel Cell Vehicle, a hydrogen-powered car that has been twenty years in the making. Its technology began as fuel-cell stack research for alternative fuels. After years of testing and refinements for safety and usability, the Toyota Mirai is being unveiled to represent a major turning point in cars and how we use them.
How Does it Work?
Hydrogen is the technology behind it all. In fuel cell vehicles, hydrogen is pumped into the car, and the gas is stored in fuel tanks reinforced with carbon fiber. Outside air enters the fuel stack through the front intake grille. The hydrogen meets the oxygen from the air flowing in, and a chemical reaction creates electricity to power the Toyota Mirai. Step on the gas pedal, and you’re actually sending the signal for electricity to go from the fuel stack to the motor. The only by-product remaining is water, which leaves through the tailpipe. Clean, efficient, beautiful.
Is it Safe?
During the twenty years spent researching and developing the hydrogen technology for the Toyota Mirai Fuel Cell Vehicle, safety was paramount. Toyota’s proprietary safety system is based on four key fundamentals:
Hydrogen tanks are designed not to leak, keeping the hydrogen safely contained.
In the event of a high-speed collision, sensors automatically shut off the hydrogen’s output valve, so it cannot travel to any damaged systems outside the fuel tank.
Leaked hydrogen is quickly dispersed because all hydrogen-related parts are located outside the vehicle to prevent any buildup.
Hydrogen escapes safely and naturally into the atmosphere. Because hydrogen is lighter than air, it quickly dissipates and minimizes the time window for potential damage in the event of an ignition.
Additionally, the Toyota Mirai is fitted with the highest level of safety features including eight SRS airbags and a unique frame designed to distribute crash force. It also has a host of cutting-edge technology like Blind Spot Monitor, Lane Departure Alert, and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert to help intervene and prevent accidents before they happen.
Design and Technology Innovation
Each aspect of the Toyota Mirai’s design is a statement in innovation. Its aerodynamic styling makes the most of wind and air flow, while its 17” alloy wheels add a touch of flair. Technological conveniences like touch sensor lock/unlock door handles and power-folding heated outside mirrors are engineered to make your life easier. Inside the Mirai, you’ll find acoustic noise-reducing glass on the windshield and front windows, along with a premium audio system with intelligent touch controls and mobile phone integration.
Be Part of the New Automotive Frontier
Choose the new Toyota Mirai Fuel Cell Vehicle and help blaze the trail forward. Hydrogen technology has made the leap from idea to reality, and you can be a part of that. Contact Chicago Northside Toyota Scion today to find out more about the 2017 Toyota Mirai.
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