Toyota president Akio Toyoda announced the name of the fuel cell sedan in a Web video before the car’s official launch at the LA Auto Show. The car will be called the Mirai and Toyota CEO Jim Lentz also announced the expansion of fuel cell infrastructure in the Northeastern United States.
Mirai, which means “future” in Japanese, represents a turning point for the automotive industry, Toyota says. The hydrogen fuel cell vehicle can travel up to 300 miles on a single tank of hydrogen, refuel in less than five minutes and emits only water vapor at the tailpipe.
Lentz announced the fueling infrastructure work going along with this. That infrastructure is already relatively strong in Southern California and Toyota plans to bolster it in key markets, starting in the Northeast. This will predate the expected launch of the Mirai in that region in 2016.
“Toyota’s vision of a hydrogen society is not just about building a great car, but ensuring accessible, reliable and convenient refueling for our customers,” said Jim Lentz. “I am happy to announce that this vision will expand beyond the borders of California and give customers the opportunity to join the fuel cell movement.”
