I DRIVE A HYDROGEN FUEL CELL VEHICLE FOR THE FIRST TIME!

EV Channels Review

The reviewer takes his first drive in a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle, the 2021 Toyota Mirai, and finds it to be a surprisingly pleasant and refined experience. While acknowledging the ongoing debate surrounding hydrogen technology, he highlights the Mirai's striking design, luxurious interior (sharing the platform with the Lexus LS), and rapid refueling times (around 5 minutes) as significant advantages, especially compared to the inconvenience of EV charging for those without home charging. The reviewer notes the car's smooth, quiet operation, comparable to a luxury EV, and praises its agile handling and well-weighted steering, which he found superior to typical Toyota offerings. However, he points out the Mirai's lack of outright power, with 0-60 mph in 9.4 seconds, and notes a performance reduction at higher altitudes. The cost of hydrogen fuel is also mentioned as a consideration, though Toyota offers free fuel for a period. Ultimately, while questioning hydrogen's viability for mainstream passenger cars due to efficiency concerns, the reviewer expresses a newfound appreciation for the technology and the Mirai's execution, particularly for its potential in heavy-duty applications.