2016 Toyota Mirai FCV to offer a 312-mile range

Speaking at the Aspen Ideas Festival in Aspen, Colorado, Toyota North America boss, Jim Lentz, revealed that the new 2016 Toyota Mirai fuel cell vehicle will carry an official EPA range estimate of 312 miles when it goes on sale this fall. That stat makes it the first — and currently only — zero-emissions vehicle on the market with a per-tank range in excess of 300 miles. This new ultra-green Toyota midsize 4-door also will carry a 67 MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent) rating. 

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"Toyota realized in the early 90’s that electrification was key to the future of the automobile," said Lentz.  "Just as the Prius introduced hybrid-electric vehicles to millions of customers nearly twenty years ago, the Mirai is now poised to usher in a new era of efficient, hydrogen transportation." 

Three years free fuel

Although the refueling infrastructure is still seriously underdeveloped even in California where it will initially be marketed, Toyota plans to fully support its newest family member. Highlighting the extensive perks list are three years’ worth of complimentary fuel (up to $15,000) as well as three years of complimentary Safety Connect and Entune and 24/7 customer call support. In addition, Mirai buyers will enjoy an enhanced version of its ToyotaCare no-cost service plan and roadside assistance. Should owners need to travel outside of their infrastructure comfort zone, the car also will come with seven days per year of Mirai Complimentary Rental Experience, also for three years. 

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Already on sale in Japan, the 2016 Toyota Mirai will arrive in select showrooms this October with a starting price of $58,325, though about $13,000 in federal and state incentives trims the figure to around $45,000. Toyota, which hopes to sell about 4,000 of its new fuel-cell models through 2017, anticipates that most buyers will opt for a lease deal that will run $499/month for 36 months after a $3,649 payment due at signing.