Toyota launched the Mirai in 2014 as one of the world's first mass-produced hydrogen fuel-cell cars. Its name means “future” in Japanese, reflecting Toyota’s aim to develop alternatives to petrol-powered vehicles.
The Mirai generates electricity through an electrochemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen in its fuel cell. Unlike a conventional petrol engine, its only direct tailpipe emission is water vapour. Hydrogen is stored in high-pressure tanks, while the electricity powers an electric motor.
Toyota initially sold the first-generation Mirai in Japan, the United States and parts of Europe. It was assembled at Toyota’s Motomachi plant in Japan. The Hyundai ix35 Fuel Cell preceded it in limited production, so the Mirai is best described as an early mass-produced fuel-cell car rather than the first hydrogen vehicle ever made.
The second-generation Mirai debuted in 2020 with a rear-wheel-drive layout and increased range. Hydrogen refuelling is quicker than battery charging, but the car’s availability depends heavily on a reliable hydrogen-station network.