Redesigned Toyota Mirai coming in 2020

Regardless of the low gross sales of gas cell-electric vehicles and extreme lack of hydrogen gas stations, Toyota will redesign its Mirai subsequent yr.

The affirmation was made on Wednesday by Toyota Chairman Takeshi Uchiyamada at a hydrogen convention held in Tokyo, Automotive Information (subscription required) reported.

No addition particulars had been offered however the redesigned Mirai, given Toyota’s typical product cycles, will doubtless be based mostly on an up to date model of the present mannequin’s platform.

2019 Toyota Mirai

The Mirai was launched for 2016 at a beginning value of $57,500, or a month-to-month lease of $499. That is steep for what is basically a non-premium compact sedan, however Toyota’s European head of gross sales and advertising, Matt Harrison, advised Automotive Information earlier this yr that gas cell vehicles ought to match hybrid vehicles in pricing by the top of the subsequent decade. Toyota offered about 1,700 Mirais in the US final yr.

The Mirai incorporates a gas cell stack below the entrance seats and two high-pressure hydrogen tanks below the rear seats. Electrical energy generated by the gas cell stack is saved in a battery that then powers an electrical motor rated at 153 horsepower. Toyota has quoted a variety of 300 miles for the automobile.

Toyota can also be exploring the potential for gas cells in semi-trailer vans. After conducting trials for the previous couple of years, Toyota in January stated it would companion with truck producer Kenworth to construct a fleet of 10 semi-trailer vans fitted with gas cell-electric powertrains. The zero-emission vans, which even have a variety of about 300 miles, can be used to move cargo throughout the L.A. basin and to varied close by cities.