Toyota will showcase a second-generation Mirai concept at the Tokyo Motor Show later this month. The saloon continues to use Toyota’s hydrogen fuel cell powertrain, but with an improvement of around 30% in range.
Built on Toyota’s latest modular TNGA platform, the architecture allows for improved packaging of electrified powertrains. The likes of the Prius and RAV4 are already built on it, and Toyota is set to shift the Mirai to the TNGA platform to easier incorporate larger hydrogen tanks.
The concept aims to tempt buyers in to the Mirai not just with the hydrogen fuel cell powertrain, but also with its styling and performance.
It certainly looks sleeker than the current model, and Toyota has been working on the electric drive systems to improve performance. The increased range is possible thanks to the larger on-board fuel storage and improvements in efficiency.
Changes in packaging shifts the Mirai from a four-seater to offering the normal five seats. Handling has also been worked on, making better use of increased body rigidity for improved driving dynamics.
Although a concept in name, there’s nothing outlandish about the exterior or cabin, so it’s a good indication as to what the next Mirai will look like when it launches next year.
Toyota has also previewed the RAV4 Plug-in, which will debut at the Los Angeles Motor Show next month. In what is expected to prove a popular model if the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is anything to go by, the Toyota RAV4 Plug-in will build on the RAV4 Hybrid currently available.
Increased battery capacity will create a usable electric driving range, and if it’s anything like the Prius Plug-in with which it is expected to share a number of components, the plug-in hybrid RAV4 could be a better drive than the conventional hybrid version.
Again, the RAV4 Plug-in will go on sale in 2020, with further details announced at launch.
Find public EV charge points and hydrogen refuelling stations on Zap-Map by using the filters at the link below.
