Over the winter, the hydrogen fuel cell powered Toyota Mirai successfully completed an extensive and demanding road test in Germany. Even the most workaholic sales rep would have difficulty clocking up 100,000 kilometres in just over 100 days. Yet this was the distance stipulated for the European road test carried out on the Mirai, Toyota’s new hydrogen fuel cell car.
The drivers themselves were responsible for filling the car with hydrogen. They had all received a short explanation on how to fill the Mirai’s tanks with hydrogen. However, as there is not much difference between filling up a hydrogen car and a conventional diesel or gasoline car, the training necessary was minimal.
The drivers found refuelling a very easy and safe process. They recognised a major advantage of the Mirai over other electric vehicles. Instead of having to recharge overnight – and therefore be out of action – the Mirai refuels in just three minutes and was immediately ready to drive.
When the car stopped at traffic lights and pedestrian crossings, the Mirai’s distinctive styling received many admiring stares from other car drivers or nearby passers-by. And eyebrows rose when the car sped away so silently. “During these occasions, the drivers really felt proud to be driving something unique and special,” adds Patrick.
However, at the end of the road test, Patrick was faced with a big headache. “None of the eight test drivers wanted to stop driving the Mirai. They all wanted to take it home with them for their own use!”
