The Toyota Mirai recently set a Guinness World Record for the longest distance driven by a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle without refueling. The 845-mile journey, which a Guinness official monitored, took place across Southern California following a single, five-minute refueling. The automaker reports that the Mirai achieved 152 MPGe during the two-day trek that started and ended at the Toyota Technical Center in Gardena, California. A two-person team of experienced hypermilers took turns behind the wheel.
Just Water, No CO2
According to Toyota, the Mirai used 5.65kg of hydrogen for the trip. The zero-emission vehicle was driven mostly during rush hour and emitted only water. A conventional internal combustion engine would have emitted about 664 lbs of CO2 over the same route.
“In 2016, the Toyota Mirai was the first production fuel cell electric vehicle available for retail sale in North America, and now the next generation Mirai is setting distance records,” said Toyota executive Bob Carter. “We are proud to be leaders of this exciting technology, which is just one of a growing lineup of zero emission vehicles in our portfolio.”
Toyota Remains Optimistic About Hydrogen
While Toyota helped bring the hybrid car to the mainstream auto market and recently announced an all-electric concept vehicle, the bZ4X, it hasn’t given up on the hydrogen fuel cell. The first Mirai (which means future in Japanese) debuted in 2014 with an ultra-sleek exterior that would influence the design of the current generation of Prius hybrids. With limited hydrogen supply outlets in the U.S., Toyota concentrated its efforts with the Mirai in California and helped increase the distribution network there.
The second-gen Mirai launched in 2020 as a rear-wheel-drive premium sports luxury sedan with an appearance and interior worthy of a Lexus (and a price tag to match). With a hydrogen-powered range of up to 402 miles, the latest Mirai is also sold solely in California.
Other Automakers Have An Interest In Hydrogen
Hyundai has also been involved in the hydrogen space, not wanting to be left out of a potential alternative-fuel gold rush. Its $60,000 Nexo crossover (about the same size as a Kia Niro) promises a 380 range to Calfornia-only customers. In August, Honda discontinued production of its Clarity hydrogen fuel cell sedan.
Source: Toyota, Hyundai