2021 Toyota Mirai Review Thread

Sounds like Toyota has been able to cut the price. Packaging still sucks though. Going two to three tanks helped with cabin space, but the trunk still suffers.

Top Gear is repeating the hybrid line because of what Toyota calls the battery, and they seem ignorant of fuel cell operation and FCEV design, "it’s a hybrid, because that means the fuel-cell’s output needs only be sufficient for continuous cruising." 171hp from the fuel cell isn't for continual cruising. It is because fuel cell output can't ramp up or down fast like an engine or battery. Without the battery, the Mirai's acceleration would be worse than 9.2 seconds to 60mph. A buffer is needed between the fuel cell's change in output and the driver's changes in power demand.

 

looking at the prelim photo of the tank configuration prior to actually watching ... it makes one wonder why not put the platform under an SUV, where there would then be enough room for 3 tanks in parallel, and a 4th put perpendicular where the existing perpendicular one is ....
perhaps that'd just make inevitable tank replacement even more expensive?
.

 

Appears the tax credit for FCEVs has been renewed to 2022.
Even with $8,000 tax credit extended, fuel-cell lease prices won't change, automakers say

 

Wayne Gerdes now has one to review.

A Preview as the 2021 Toyota Mirai Hits the Streets of California… | CleanMPG

 

Wayne completed steady state speed fuel efficiency for the new Mirai. The crossover from beating EPA highway to getting worse still happens at a lower speed(60mph) than with other cars.

A few tidbits for those that don't check the link.

• He considers the Mirai's luxuriness equal to that of an Avalon, with less space all around.
• On the space note, the middle rear seat has a hump almost as bad as the gen2 Volt's, because of the hydrogen tank.
  
• There is just one hydrogen station in Wayne's county, and he was paying $16.43/kg.

 

Bob, @Tideland Prius has a thread for gathering these reviews in one spot.

 

Surprise surprise ~
Hydrogen - continues top tier incentives
EV'S .... capped
even tho buyers continue to vote w/their wallets
.

 

I had a test-drive with the 2021 Mirai last wednesday!

About 15miles behind the wheel, and I got frankly impressed. It is a good and proper vehicle, despite the relatively new technology, seamless and comfortable driving!

I know the chicken and egg problem - the Mirai misses the pump and the pumps miss FC vehicles fueling...
And recognising the increased energy consumption vs a BEV, there is a lot to love in operating the Mirai.

 

50years of fuel cell cars so far (Hydrogen cars have been financially impractical since their experimental tech hit the road in the 1970's) is relatively new tech - if comparred to gas tech ... and steam engine tech, that started 60 to 100 years earlier. But those 2 transportation techs didn't require. another ½-century of refinement - only to still not become practical. Big difference between "very nice", and practical. Individual jet packs to get around would be very nice, but they're not practical.
.

 

It looks nice, but is it worth paying $60k for?

 

$60, 000, but don't forget the world's worst depreciation factored in - after that 3 year lease runs its course. When it's 3 years old, you give 'em $15,000 - & they will give you a $15,000 fuel card to take it off the lot. So - in essence zero value car - that you can not Drive beyond the handful of fueling stations, of which most all are in California - built by taxpayers, because the fuel cell industry doesn't believe enough in their own Tech to pay to build wildly expensive fueling infrastructure . But it might get better -
maybe in 10 years ....
But yea - this is Toyota's first non-dorkie looking hydrogen car (to end on a positive note)

.