As automakers continue to work to come up with more sustainable and innovative vehicles, Toyota stands out because of the Mirai. This vehicle not only stands out with its sleek design, it stands out because it harnesses the power of hydrogen fuel cells. Toyota first unveiled the Mirai in 2014, so if you’re looking for sustainable used cars, you just might want to consider finding one.
What Makes Hydrogen the Better Choice?
The Toyota Mirai shows several advantages of using hydrogen fuel cells over gas or even electric power. Unlike electric vehicles, the hydrogen-powered Mirai offers a driving range that’s more in line with what you can get with a traditional gas vehicle. The Mirai can also be refueled in just a few minutes, just like gas. There’s no sitting at a charging station for 15 minutes or even longer like there is with an electric vehicle.
These are two strong arguments for hydrogen fuel cell power, but we haven’t even talked about emissions yet. Water vapor is the only emission that comes from the Mirai, truly making it a zero-emission vehicle. When you drive a Mirai, it does not create any air pollution or contribute to the greenhouse effect.
The Mirai’s Challenges
There are some challenges ahead for the Miria, which is why when considering buying used vehicles, consumers have turned toward other models. One of the most significant issues is the lack of infrastructure to support hydrogen fuel cell power. In order for this type of power to become mainstream, there needs to be an infrastructure to support it. This is why Toyota has been investing in and working toward developing more hydrogen fueling stations. Their main focus at this point is in California, Japan, and Europe, where there is already some infrastructure in place.
How Do Hydrogen Fuel Cells Work?
Hydrogen power is very different from traditional combustion engines. The hydrogen fuel cells generate electricity by way of a chemical reaction between oxygen and hydrogen. The innovative Mirai is the only vehicle that turns the idea of an emission-free vehicle into reality using this technology. Hydrogen is made from both natural and man-made sources, which means there are unlimited possibilities for creating it.
The Mirai has a Nickel-metal hydride battery, which is used to maximize efficiency. It takes the energy created by the chemical reaction, stores it, and then releases it. Throughout this process, it delivers consistent power, allowing the car to optimize performance and efficiency no matter what type of driving conditions are thrown at it.
Eco-Friendly All Around
The low environmental impact of the Mirai goes far beyond the idea of zero-emissions. If you’re out shopping for new or used cars and come across a Mirai, you’ll see how Toyota used recycled materials throughout the entire design process. From recycled plastics and metals to high-pressure hydrogen tanks made with a three-layer carbon fiber-reinforced plastic to minimize waste, this vehicle takes sustainability to levels not seen by any other car.
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