Toyota bringing Mirai to Oz
Production fuel-cell vehicle will arrive in Australia for a promotional spot next monthToyota's fuel cell vehicle, the Mirai, is scheduled to go on display at Sydney's 6th World Hydrogen Technologies Convention in early October.
"We are incredibly excited to welcome the Mirai to Australian shores in October," Toyota Australia President Dave Buttner was quoted saying in a press release.
"Toyota pioneered the mass production of hybrid technology and we truly believe fuel cell vehicles will play a key role in Toyota's global future."
According to the manufacturer, the Mirai's public appearance here will be the first time a right-hand drive vehicle powered by fuel cell technology has made it to Australia. Hyundai has previously brought its ix35 fuel cell vehicle to Sydney for promotional activities, but that car was a left-hook model.
The Mirai is already on sale in its home market, and will shortly go on sale in Europe and North America. There are no plans for the Mirai to be launched in Australia, but hydrogen is on the agenda for the future personal mobility of Australians, although the launch of Tesla in Australia has rendered the argument in favour of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles largely immaterial. With off-street parking and powered garages, many Australian households can recharge electric vehicles right now – albeit slowly.
In contrast, however, fuel cell vehicles can be refuelled quicker than electric vehicles can be recharged, and they offer a longer range. The numbers for the Mirai are three minutes spent refuelling for a range of up to 550km. But fuel cell vehicles are reliant on infrastructure that is practically non-existent in Australia at this time – a point that Toyota acknowledges.
"It's clear that Australians are searching for more eco-friendly options. Fuel cell vehicles emit only water and can offer the same convenience of petrol-powered cars," Buttner also said.
"However, before we can introduce these vehicles to Australia we need to have relevant infrastructure such as refueling stations, which will take time.
"That is why we need to work with industry and government to discuss the refueling infrastructure required in Australia to support fuel cell vehicles."
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