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2018 Toyota Mirai Fuel Cell

An Automotive Love Affair
By Joe Mavilia

Overview:

This is the 2018 Toyota Mirai Hydrogen Fuel Cell sedan. Many car makers have been producing Hydrogen Fuel Cell concept cars since the late 1990’s. I first test drove the Hy Wire from General Motors in the early 2000s.

Now, it is clear to me, this is a technology that has gone from concept to production for public consumption. Yes, it is a little pricey but that is always expected in the early years but there are work-arounds to own and drive this exciting ‘electric’ car. Yes, it is an electric car – not an internal combustion powered vehicle.

I was less anxious about refueling with the Fuel Cell car than with an all-electric car. Electric require anywhere from 45 minutes to 24 hours to recharge. It only takes 5 minutes to refuel a Hydrogen car. Remember, this is simply an electric car with an on board charging system including regenerative charging from braking. There is even a shift select labeled Br so you can recharge when going downhill as in driving in the mountains where descending will allow recharging and afford some braking. That is much like an internal combustion engine car where you can use the engine to slow you by using lower gears.

General Information:

Assembly- Toyota, Aichi, Japan; Classification is- Subcompact; Vehicles from Toyota- 4Runner, 86, Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Camry, Camry Hybrid, C-HR, Corolla, Corolla iM, Highlander, Land Cruiser, Mirai, Prius, Prius C, Prius Prime, Prius V, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Sequoia, Sienna, Tacoma Access Cab, Tacoma Double Cab, Tundra CrewMax, Tundra Double Cab, Tundra Regular Cab, Yaris and Yaris iA.

Handling & Performance:

This is nearly the same as any other electric car. Quick acceleration and a smooth quiet ride. It holds about 5 kg (kilograms) of hydrogen fuel at about 11 lbs at a cost of about $14.50 to $16.00 a Kilo. I found the fuel usage to be pretty accurate but because of the limited number of refueling stations you have to plan ahead to know where all stations are located and that fit your travel needs and habits. One tank of fuel takes you about 260 miles.

Here’s how it works:

Styling:

Futuristic which is in line with much of the designs of today.

Fit and Finish:

Very good.

Cost:

There is no question most will find a Fuel Cell car are similar in cost to purchase of the competition noted here. The cost of Hydrogen is more expensive than gas / diesel, or Hybrid power systems.

Conveniences and comfort:

Generally, you can have all the great high tech features available on most other cars. I also found it to be an exceptionally smooth and quiet ride.

Although there are only about 35 refueling stations in California at this time, there are that many under construction and those I’ve been to are on the property (leased space) of gas / diesel stations like Chevron and ARCO. What that tells me is that the infrastructure is expanding faster than Rapid Electric Charge stations – (45 minutes for an 80% charge). Not my idea of ‘rapid’.

Consumer Recommendations:

The competition noted includes Hybrid offerings and that puts the Mirai in the company of pricey similar transportation cars. However, this newly available Fuel Cell technology electric car market is still evolving. This Mirai is currently available to purchase or lease arrangements, which I would prefer and found that to be the usual case for those I interviewed at refueling stations. Generally, the lease includes fuel and maintenance and may vary with each manufacturer. One man I spoke with who was driving a Mirai had a lease which included $15,000 in fuel during the lease period.

Hydrogen Fuel Cell Cars published:
• 2007 – Honda FCX Clarity
• 2010 – Mercedes-Benz
• 2014 – Hyundai Tucson
• 2015 – Toyota Mirai .
• 2016 – Riversimple Rasa.
• 2016 – Honda Clarity
• 2018 – Hyundai Nexo.

I have only written about the Hyundai Tucson Fuel Cell Car, but would like to test drive more of the above listed production cars. Note: contact me if you are driving a Fuel Cell car and what your experience has been.
joe@autolove.com.

Recognized Competition:

Good News:

New technology that has come of age. Emissions are water and so pure that it is said you can even drink it.

Bad News:

More expensive than conventional cars of today.

Standard Equipment:

Toyota Fuel Cell system, 151 horsepower, Electric motor, power and ECO modes, stability and traction controls, ABS electronic brake system with Brake force distribution and brake assist, smart stop technology, Safety and emergency connect assistance, stolen vehicle locator, roadside assistance, radar cruise control with pre-collision system, lane departure alert, blind spot detection / monitor with rear cross traffic alert, carbon fiber reinforced polymer, fuel cell stack protective structure and Hydrogen storage tanks, eight airbags, 17” alloy wheels, LED headlights with auto high beam, auto folding and heated mirrors, rain sensing wipers, 7” touch screen with backup camera, Siri eyes free, Wifi connect powered by Verizon, Sirius XM radio, Bluetooth Hands-free and Music streaming, smart key system with push button start, power windows, heated front seats, USB, power tilt and telescopic steering wheel.

Gas Stats:

67 combined City and Highway MPG

$3.79 / Gal of gas avg. October 12, 2018
$14-16.00 per Kg (Kilo) of Hydrogen

www.fueleconomy.gov
for more information.

Pricing:

MSRP $58,365.

2018 Toyota Prius c Four

An Automotive Love Affair
By Joe Mavilia

Overview:

This is the 2018 Toyota Prius c Four. To clear up some confusion on the model designation of the “Prius c” a brief explanation is in order. The model protocol has changed with Toyota and it simply means they have numbered the model 1 through 5. “One” is the base model and each succeeding number to “Five” adds more features to the last. This, instead of designations like CE, LE, XLE etc. It is easier to understand since we all know 5 is greater than 1.

Prius was introduced in 1997 in many countries and was the first mass-produced hybrid vehicle. It went over big in a PC world where economical vehicle operation and being friendly to the planet was high on the list of important matters. Heck, you even had a free pass, at the time to ride in the diamond lane with only one person in the car. Anything to advance the interest in ECO cars. Well, we all have opinions on that group think, but most will agree on the idea in principle. Now, of course, in 2018 there are many choices for ECO cars on the market generally, but specifically there are only a couple of manufacturers who dabble in this small ECO car market. But in this class, I like the Hyundai and Kia small efficient around town options. I say around town because most small cars are not Highway Cars. A classic example is the ‘All-Electric’ car that I’ll talk about more in the coming weeks. Simply put Electric only cars are ok for local travel where carrying a lot of stuff is not important, or short commute uses of these cars.

General Information:

Assembly- Isawa, Iwate, Japan; Classification is- Compact; Vehicles from Toyota- 4Runner, 86, Avalon, Camry, C-HR, Corolla, Corolla Hatchback, Corolla iM, Highlander, Land Cruiser, Mirai, Prius, Prius C, Prius Prime, RAV4, Sequoia, Sienna, Tacoma, Tundra, Yaris and Yaris iA.

Handling & Performance:

Just fine handling, easy to maneuver and park and more than fast enough.

Styling:

Design is in the can, and since introduction in 1997 Prius has changed little. Size varies from the ‘c’ to the larger Prius V.

Fit and Finish:

Typical and good fitting components that are easy to assemble.

Cost:

Prices range from the low to high twenty-thousand-dollar range.

Conveniences and comfort:

Most of today’s usual features are available for comfort and all the gadgets we are addicted to these days.

Consumer Recommendations:

If you are convinced you want a Prius and are as confused as most in all the variations a great source of explanation can be found at this Autotrader link:
https://www.autotrader.com/car-reviews/toyota-prius-vs-prius-c-vs-prius-v-whats-differenc-223750

I like the Hybrid idea because it provides economical operation. I’m not convinced, however, that All-Electric cars will work for all applications, but rather only close to home use. Beyond local use only Hybrids fill the bill. But for best all-around use gas / diesel cars are the best option. To me, gas powered cars and trucks will dominate the auto scene for a good long time. This is especially true because gas / diesel power has become so efficient there is little difference in performance and operating cost. I like the idea of owning a car where there are refueling facilities everywhere. Electricity is everywhere but the charge times for all electric is way too long.

Recognized Competition:

Good News:

Great economical 5 seat car, fast enough, good fuel economy.

Bad News:

On the mountain road test proved passing is a very tough thing, fuel economy is not significantly greater than gas powered.

Standard Equipment:

Hybrid synergy drive system, 1.5-liter DOHC 16V VVT inline 4-cylinder engine, EV / ECO modes, 15” alloy wheels, VSC & traction controls, ABS brake system with elect. Brake force Distribution and brake assist, smart stop technology, 9-air bags, safety sense, pre-collision system, lane departure alert, auto high beams, LATCH Child safety system, engine immobilizer, tire pressure monitor, LED projector headlights, stop and tail lights, heated power outside mirrors with turn signals, rear spoiler, power tilt / slide moonroof, Auto climate control, premium audio and Nav and App suite, 6.1 touch screen with backup camera, AM/FM/CD with 6-speakers, SXM, HD radio, aux jack, USB port and Bluetooth, 3.5” TFT multi-info display with selectable screens, Cruise control, power windows, smart key with push button start, heated front seats, 6-way adjustable driver seat, 4-way adjustable passenger seat, 60/40 split fold down rear seats and cargo area tonneau cover.

Gas Stats:

48 City and 43 Highway MPG

$3.49 / Gal avg. September 11, 2018

www.fueleconomy.gov
for more information.

Pricing:

MSRP $24,965.

2018 Toyota 86 2-Door Coupe

An Automotive Love Affair
By Joe Mavilia

Overview:

This is the 2018 Toyota 86 2-Door Coupe. Yep, there is a small back seat if you’re in a pinch and don’t want to put someone in the trunk. But you may have to remove their legs first. Most cars like this have never had a useable rear seat. Case in point in my mind is the much larger Ford Mustang where the rear seat is nearly as bad as these 2-seat sports cars.

General Information:

Assembly- Ota Guma Japan; Vehicles from Toyota- 4Runner, 86, C-HR, Corolla, Corolla iM, Highlander, Land Cruiser, Mirai, Prius, Prius C, Prius Prime, RAV4, Sequoia, Sienna, Tacoma, Tundra, Yaris and Yaris iA.

Handling & Performance:

As you’d expect this class sport car is an outstanding performer beyond even what they look like they could do. I test most all cars over a mountain road course, in Southern California it is usually the Angeles Crest which is Highway 2. Of course, I call it the ‘Crest Test’ for that reason and as a kid the Crest test referred to Crest Toothpaste. Anyone remember that?

“On RAILS”is a term that comes close to describing how well it corners and handles the ‘curves’. It will surely get your heart started. And on top of that, it will pull more G’s as speed increases and grip seems to improve. I never once felt uncomfortable about it holding the road. However, I must say the same about the competition listed here. All three are super on the curves and the rides are equally impressive.

One way I judge the road-ability of a car is how fast you can take a curve over the posted suggested speed. If the yellow sign suggests 30 mph most cars will feel right at the edge of in control at about 50, or 20 mph over. This Toyota 86 is comfortable at 40 miles over.

Dynamic rev Management is an innovative sport car feature that manages RPMs with an automatic transmission so that in a downshift the engine automatically revs the engine to match the engine speed of the next lower gear. This automatic action mimics the shifting characteristics of a manual transmission. What they won’t think of next, eh.

Styling:

Sporty look to go along with the feel you get when you drive it. But most first impressions from others was that it must be very expensive.

Fit and Finish:

Very Good.

Cost:

Excellent option if you’re looking for a sport car.

Conveniences and comfort:

You’ll notice it comes with most of the features so common on cars these days. But when it comes to comfort you will expect entry and exit to be a pain in the neck, back and other parts of your body. You will also expect to have limited space and thus you won’t have convenient storage compartments you get accustomed to in larger cars.

Consumer Recommendations:

It is clear and amazing, to me, that you can have such capable sports car handling performance in this price range. Anything beyond this is, in my opinion, to be left to the professional race car class of drivers anyway.So, don’t waste your money on more if you are not a race car driver.

I say that because a friend of my son, Paul Walker, died for this very reason. The car was far too powerful for Paul’s friend, who was driving, to control and a crash at over 100 mph killed them both. If you know the story you know alcohol or drugs were not involved. Moral of the story: Know your limitations when you get behind the wheel.

Paul Walker and friend (driving) died in fiery crash in 2013 – Car Porsche Carrera GT

Recognized Competition:

Good News:

Affordable performance sport car, fabulously fun to drive.

Bad News:

Anything built this low to the ground is for the young who are still limber enough to get in and out of. That holds true for a woman in a dress or skirt as it is awkward to negotiate entry and exit moves. Know what I mean!

Standard Equipment:

2.0 LITER 4-cylinder Boxer 200 HP engine, dual variable valve timing, direct and port injection system, dynamic rev management and controllers on a 6-speed sequential auto transmission, 17” alloy wheels, 4-wheel anti-lock ventilated disc brakes with brake assist and electric brake force distribution, MacPherson strut front suspension, Torsen limited slip differential, stability and traction controls, hill start assist control, VSC Track mode, front airbag system with seat mounted side airbags and side curtain airbags front and rear, back up camera, tire pressure monitor, power exterior mirrors, auto projector beam LED headlights and taillights, 7” touch screen display audio AM/FM/HD radio with 8-speakers, aux/USB ports with iPod connectivity, hands free phone capable and music streaming via Bluetooth wireless technology, aha application, remote keyless entry with engine immobilization, power windows and locks, 1-piece folding rear seatback, leather trim, tilt and telescopic steering wheel with audio controls, cruise control, air conditioning, rear window defogger, multi-information display.

Gas Stats:

24 City and 32 Highway MPG

$3.45 / Gal avg. August 26, 2018

www.fueleconomy.gov
for more information.

Pricing:

MSRP $26,975.