Toyota Mirai, the world’s first mass produced hydrogen fuel cell vehicle, has received the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) fuel economy rating for being the only zero emissions vehicle on the market capable of exceeding 300 miles (483 km) on a single tank.

Mirai proved that it can achieve 67 miles (108 km) per gallon in an official US combined city/highway driving calculations, and an estimated driving range of 312 miles (502 km) on a single tank – a distance further than for any other zero-emissions car on the market, said a statement from the Toyota.

The vehicle, a four-door saloon with performance that competes with traditional internal combustion engines, is powered by electricity generated through a chemical reaction between air-borne oxygen and hydrogen in an on-board fuel cell, it added.

The Mirai amassed an exceptional 1,500 orders in its first month on sale in Japan – a number that far exceeded the expectations of Toyota; the automaker’s initial plan was to sell about 400 units by the end of 2015, said the statement.

Earlier this year, in a landmark move that could open the door to the hydrogen future, the company made 5,600 hydrogen fuel cell and related patents available for commercial use royalty-free, including critical technologies developed for the new Toyota Mirai, it said.

The hydrogen fuel cell patents will be made available to automakers who will produce and sell fuel cell vehicles, as well as to fuel cell parts suppliers and energy companies who establish and operate fuelling stations, through the initial market introduction period, anticipated to last until 2020, it stated.

Takayuki Yoshitsugu, chief representative, Middle East and North Africa (Mena) representative office, Toyota, said: “Toyota Mirai is a ground-breaking vehicle that delivers tomorrow's driving experience today, ushering in a new era of efficient, hydrogen transportation.”

“Instead of using petrol, Mirai runs on electricity created on demand by hydrogen fuel and oxygen, with water vapour being the only emission produced by this process,” he said.

Yoshitsugu continued: “Our commitment to environment-friendly vehicles such as the Mirai is based on three basic principles: embracing diverse energy sources; developing efficient, low-emission vehicles; and driving real and positive environmental change by popularising these vehicles.”

“With car buyers around the world becoming increasingly eco-conscious, we are confident that the Mirai will set a precedent for future vehicles that will redefine the auto industry,” he added. – TradeArabia News Service