Although the current mainstream development in the field of new energy is "pure electric", in foreign countries, pure electric is not absolutely "leading the way". Take Japan, for example, in a country where resources are extremely scarce. In this country, a fuel cell vehicle powered by hydrogen has actually been developed. This makes people admire the Japanese's huge "imaginative" ability in manufacturing.
Of course, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles and pure electric vehicles are actually new energy vehicles, but they belong to two completely different technical routes and development directions, so the research and development of hydrogen fuel cells must have another completely new set of technologies. solution. However, Japan has actually been vigorously promoting hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. Toyota's Mirai is one of the most typical representatives, and Toyota has also sold it around the world.
As of 2019, nearly 10,000 Mirai units have been sold worldwide. The first-generation model was launched in December 2014. Now in 2020, Toyota has finally released its second model. The latest official pictures of the second generation Mirai. It is worth mentioning that at the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show, Toyota released a concept version of Mirai. At that time, the new car was extremely close to the mass-produced version. Now that the official image has been released, there are indeed not many changes overall, so we will take a look at it again today. Look at it.
Appearance: Compared with the previous generation, the changes have been "tremendous". What is the rear-wheel drive platform?
Whether it is from the actual car or the latest official picture, we can see that in the appearance design On the road, the changes of the second-generation Mirai can be said to be earth-shaking. Because it is built on a rear-wheel drive platform, compared with the first-generation model, the overall shape of the new car has become longer, wider, and lower, just like the first-generation model. The strong electrified styling design has disappeared. On the other hand, it has become more "approachable". At the same time, the front grille with a "big mouth" shape similar to that of an Asian dragon, coupled with the combination of independent LED daytime running lights and slender headlights also adds a touch of elegance.
On the side of the car, the low body shape of the new car looks elegant and fashionable. The 20-inch multi-spoke wheels also reflect the new car's new style design. The blue paint applied to the body also uses a multi-layer painting process, further increasing the luxury feel of the new car. In terms of body size, its length, width and height are 4973/1884/1468mm respectively, and the wheelbase is 2918mm. The overall space performance should not be too bad. After all, it has exceeded the body standards of mainstream mid-size cars.
At the rear of the car, the fastback shape also makes the new car look closer to a coupe style in appearance. In addition, the slender taillights also widen its horizontal visual width, and the interior shape It is more complex, and the trapezoidal outline lines also echo the shape of the front grille on the front of the car.
Interior: Adopting a Lexus-style design language, full of luxury
Entering the car, the center console of the second-generation Mirai is very complex in shape, tilted towards the co-pilot side. The air-conditioning outlet platform creates a strong three-dimensional effect. At the same time, the center control screen and other parts are tilted towards the driver's side. The wrap-around center console has a strong sense of wrapping around the main driver's seat. The overall feeling is a bit like a Lexus. The latest design language; in addition, the central control screen size is 12.3 inches and the LCD instrument size is 8 inches. In the future, after mass production of new cars, pure black interiors will be available, and the newly designed interior layout also incorporates a futuristic atmosphere.
Power: The range is increased by 30% to over 600km, effectively alleviating range anxiety
In terms of power, compared with the first-generation Mirai, the new car improves the performance of the fuel cell system and increases the capacity of hydrogen storage. capacity, which can achieve a 30% increase in cruising range, so the cruising range of the new car will reach 405 miles (approximately 651.8 kilometers). After its launch, the new car will also go on sale in Japan, North America, Europe and other places at the end of 2020. Unfortunately, this model will not be introduced to the domestic market for the time being, so domestic consumers may continue to miss out on the second-generation product.
What is the structure and principle of a hydrogen fuel cell?
Let me introduce to you the power unit structure of this Toyota Mirai hydrogen fuel cell vehicle. First of all, Toyota Mirai uses hydrogen as fuel. In the fuel cell, hydrogen reacts chemically with oxygen under the action of a catalyst to generate electricity. The hydrogen after "burning" will turn into water, and the reaction process is theoretically pollution-free.
Toyota Mirai's hydrogen fuel is stored in high-pressure hydrogen storage tanks, which are made of carbon fiber and are located in the middle and rear of the chassis. The total volume is 122.4 liters. It takes about 3 minutes to be filled with hydrogen.
The fuel cell is located under the front seat. The electric energy generated by the fuel cell directly drives the electric motor located in the engine compartment. The electric energy obtained by the electric motor's energy recovery will be stored in the power battery located at the rear of the vehicle through the power control unit. . Therefore, in theory, as long as hydrogen and oxygen are continuously supplied to the fuel cell, electric energy can be continuously obtained, and the product is theoretically completely pollution-free water. From the Toyota Mirai, we seem to be able to get a glimpse of the future environmentally friendly society with "only blue skies and no smog".
However, at the same time, what we also need to see is that compared with the mature hybrid vehicles on the market today, the use environment of fuel cell vehicles is not yet mature, and its advantages have not yet been fully reflected. At this stage, hybrid vehicles and pure electric vehicles will also be the mainstream of the market. As for the advantages and disadvantages of fuel cell vehicles, hybrid vehicles, and pure electric vehicles, you can know them at a glance by looking at the picture below.
Do hydrogen fuel cell vehicles have a future in China?
The answer is currently no. In China, the imperfect facilities of charging piles and hydrogen refueling stations have greatly restricted the development of pure electric vehicles and fuel cell vehicles in China. As Japan, which strongly advocates the creation of a hydrogen energy society, actively developing technology to produce hydrogen using renewable resources and increasing the infrastructure construction of hydrogen refueling stations has become an important direction to stimulate Japan's economy and promote industrial upgrading.
So we can also see that among the top executives of car companies such as Volkswagen Group CEO Martin Winterkorn and Tesla Motors CEO Elon Musk When all raised questions about the economic feasibility and environmental safety of Toyota's Mirai fuel cell vehicle, current Toyota President Akio Toyoda still dismissed the doubts. He also always firmly believes that hybrid/plug-in hybrid vehicles and fuel cell vehicles have room for mutual development, so Toyota will definitely develop hydrogen fuel vehicles and become the first country in the world to popularize fuel cell vehicles. one.
Summary: Generally speaking, although only the official picture of Toyota’s second-generation Mirai has been released, judging from Toyota’s emphasis on hydrogen fuel cells, this new car is still quite important. . The actual performance of a battery life of over 600km may also become a hit, so it may be Toyota's real big move this year. Finally, I have to say that Toyota is really crazy in the field of hydrogen fuel vehicles. No car company has ever been able to study a certain technology with such concentration as Toyota. It is a pity that this new car will not enter China for the time being. , just take a look.
Note: The pictures come from the Internet, and the rights belong to the original author. Thank you!
This article comes from the author of Autohome Chejiahao and does not represent the views and positions of Autohome.