24.1 Read the text, then answer the question: what is the Toyota Mirai known for?
THE TOYOTA MIRAI
■ A revolution in clean mobility
The Toyota Mirai, introduced in 2014, marked a milestone in automotive history as the first mass-produced hydrogen fuel cell car. Its name means “Future” in Japanese, representing Toyota’s vision of sustainable mobility. Unlike traditional cars that rely on petrol or diesel, the Mirai is powered by hydrogen, a fuel that emits only water vapour when used.
The Toyota Mirai runs on a hydrogen fuel cell system that generates electricity through a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen. Hydrogen, stored in high pressure tanks, flows into the fuel cell stack, where it combines with oxygen from the air. This reaction produces electricity, water, and heat. The electricity powers an electric motor, providing smooth and quiet acceleration similar to that of battery-electric vehicles. The car can be refueled in just five minutes, offering a driving range of around 650 kilometres.
The second-generation Mirai, released in 2020, features rear-wheel drive, a more powerful motor, and improved fuel efficiency thanks to redesigned hydrogen tanks.
■ Challenges on the road
Despite its advantages, hydrogen technology still faces challenges. Hydrogen refueling infrastructure is limited, making it difficult for drivers to find stations outside major cities. Producing green hydrogen, moreover (hydrogen made from renewable energy sources) is also expensive.
Because of its advanced technology, Toyota Mirai is quite expensive, especially compared to conventional or electric cars. However, Toyota continues to improve efficiency and reduce costs, promoting hydrogen as a key part of a carbon-neutral future.
aperta
Soluzione suggerita: The Toyota Mirai is known as the first mass-produced hydrogen fuel cell car.
24.4 After reading the text in Exercise 24.1, answer the question: how long does it take to refuel the Toyota Mirai, and what is its driving range?
aperta
Soluzione suggerita: The car can be refueled in about five minutes and has a driving range of around 650 kilometres.