When it comes to fuel efficiency and green energy, Toyota has one of the best vehicles on the market. But it’s not something people talk about all that much. In fact, there are a lot of people who haven’t even heard of it. 

The reason why you don’t hear that much about it is because it’s only being sold in certain locations. Why is that, and why is it so great? Toyota showcases its Mirai hybrid vehicle on its website and shows us what makes it so unique from other hybrids on the market. 

What is its unique feature?

The Toyota Mirai is different from many other environmentally friendly cars. It doesn’t use gasoline.

Sure, it has an electric motor, but instead of an internal combustion engine, it has a state-of-the-art hydrogen fuel cell motor. Hydrogen, believe it or not, is a fuel alternative. 

We have used hydrogen in tons of applications over the years, according to Toyota. In 1939, Francis Thomas Bacon created a fuel cell generator that produced a total of 5 kilowatts of hydrogen power. The technology took off and other organizations started using it as well. 

Toyota’s website explains how in the ’50s and ’60s, NASA used this technology to power electronics within some of its spaceships. In 2002, the German Navy began using it with their submarines. Nowadays, it’s slowly making its way into automobiles. 

What does the Toyota Mirai offer?

The Toyota Mirai is a hybrid vehicle that gets approximately 67 mpg on the highway and on city streets when using the fuel cell hydrogen engine. When running the electrical motor, it can travel a range of over 300 miles, according to Toyota. 

It comes with LED headlights and running lights, 17-inch wheels, rain-sensing wipers with a de-icer, and noise-reducing windshields and side windows. 

On the inside, you’ll find power windows, heated front and rear seats, overhead console with map lights, four cup holders, front bottle holders, and two USB ports. 

You’ll also find a 7-inch infotainment display with navigational apps, hands-free phone capability, HD Radio, Bluetooth Wireless Technology, Toyota’s connected services, and Destination Assist Connect. 

Toyota built the chassis to absorb crash forces so that you and your passengers won’t be impacted as much if an accident occurs. This design technology also includes a collapsible steering wheel that prevents a driver from slamming into it and getting seriously injured from the impact. 

Can you get your hands on a Toyota Mirai?

At this time, you can purchase one, but you need to be living and working in an area that has a hydrogen fueling station nearby. You can find one of these fuel stops near Oahu, Hawaii, and in certain spots of California. 

Unfortunately, they only sell the Mirai at authorized dealers in those two states. As of right now, most of the fueling stations opening up are sticking with California. These stations might also expand to the eastern coast as well.

As Alternative Fuels Data Center reports, when the fuel cell electric vehicles, like the Toyota Mirai, grow in popularity, we will then need more stations to meet the fuel demand. Eventually, if this type of vehicle takes off, we could see stations all over the U.S., but it could take several years to get to that point. 

The Toyota Mirai promises to be one of the most fuel-efficient and greenest vehicles available. While it’s only sold in California and Hawaii, it could expand to other states if its popularity takes off.