Hydrogen is it the Future? Toyota Mirai and Hyundai Nexo
Jeremy Webb
Toyota Mirai Hyundai Nexo
Can Hydrogen cell vehicles prove to be better than ICE models?
So I open with a question that can't be answered now. But Governments and Countries will have to make their minds up soon before everyone chooses one power supply by 2030, and we all regret it. Fueler looks at two Hydrogen cell cars available, the Toyota Mirai and Hyundai Nexo.
Fueler is looking at two Hydrogen cell vehicles and exploring what it is like to own and drive a car that emits only water. I will explain if you are unsure what a Hydrogen cell car is.
Hydrogen is an explosive gas; remember the Hindenburg airship incident? The gas can now be safely moved around, stored and used to power things such as vehicles. It is so easy to use now that filling up a Hydrogen car is the same as filling up a petrol car. You pull into a Hydron station, open the hatch to the tank on your car and shove the hose into the opening. Pump away. The gas is then stored in bomb-proof tanks in the car, so you have nothing to worry about in an accident.
The two significant Hydrogen Fuel Cell cars on the market are the Toyota Mirai and Hyundai Nexo; we will guide you through the basics of each to get an idea of life driving one.
Driving the Toyota Mirai is like driving a fully electric car; you get instant power from the electric motors to the wheels and superb acceleration. I mention the electric motors because although this is a Hydrogen Fuel Cell car, the gas is turned into electricity, which drives the wheels.
The Mirai produces 182 horsepower and can travel more than 640 Km before refilling the hydrogen. It is a quiet car that makes a big impression. You get a refined ride and lively handling.
The Mirai has a luxurious cabin that matches its exterior. Copper-coloured trim pieces highlight curvy elements on the dash and door panels, while the nearly all-digital instruments and large infotainment screen dominate the upper part of the dashboard. A standard 27 cm touchscreen infotainment system includes
a Wi-Fi hotspot,
a 14-speaker JBL audio system,
SiriusXM satellite radio, and
in-dash navigation.
The Mirai offers a standard suite of driver-assistance features.
Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
Standard adaptive cruise control
The Mirai's warranty package is the same as what you'll find on any other Toyota model, including three years of complimentary scheduled maintenance.
The limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles
The powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles
Complimentary scheduled maintenance is covered for three years or 36,000 miles
The Nexo from Hyundai is a compact crossover that stands out from the extensive range of SUVs by its hydrogen-fuel cell electric powertrain. The Hyundai Nexo's 95-kW fuel-cell stack and 40-kWh battery pack power an electric motor rated at 161 horsepower with 291 pound-feet of torque. The motor drives the front wheels through a single-speed gearbox. The acceleration, like the Mirai, feels quick, and handling is ok and predictable as it is front-wheel drive.
Cruising range varies by trim, and the base Nexo Blue has an estimated range of 608 Km. With its added equipment and 48 cm, the heavier Limited has a lower range estimate of 616 Km
Interior space in the Nexo allows five passengers to sit comfortably with good space all around. There's a practical 30 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back seat, and folding the rears flat nets 57 cubic feet is close to what the Hyundai Tucson offers.
Nexo's wide digital instrument-and-infotainment screens, and push-button transmission controls look good and are easy to read. The front seats offer basic power adjustments and are upholstered in vinyl. It's a pleasant, airy interior. A 27 cm touchscreen infotainment interface is standard in the Nexo, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. Two USB charge ports are available, and a wireless smartphone-charging pad. Additional connected features are available with Hyundai's Blue Link app, which offers remote engine starting (with seat preheating or pre-cooling) and a hydrogen-fuel station locator. Blue Link is complimentary for the first three years.
A suite of driver-assistance features comes on the Nexo, including a forward-collision avoidance system with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The Limited model adds the blind-spot camera display in the instrument panel.
Standard adaptive cruise control
Standard blind-spot monitoring
Standard lane-keeping assist
Warranty coverage 160000 Km powertrain warranty applies to the Nexo. The company also offers complimentary scheduled maintenance that bests mainstream rivals such as Toyota.
The limited warranty covers five years or 100000 Km
Powertrain warranty covers ten years or 160000 Km
Complimentary maintenance covers three years or 52000 Km.