Toyota and the International Center for Automotive Technology (iCAT) have started conducting a pilot project to evaluate the Toyota Mirai Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) on Indian roads and climatic conditions.
The Japanese carmaker has entered into an MoU with the government automotive testing agency iCAT based in Manesar, Haryana to evaluate a business case for fuel cell electric vehicles in the country. For this pilot study, Toyota is using the second generation Mirai FCEV.
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari was present to launch the pilot project. Toyota India MD Masakazu Yoshimura along with Union Ministers Hardeep Puri, RK Singh and Mahendra Nath Pandey and Toyota India Chairman Vikram Kirloskar were also present at the launch.
According to officials, this is the first of its kind project in India which aims to create a green hydrogen based ecosystem in the country by creating awareness about the unique utility of green hydrogen and FCEV technology.
Toyota introduced the second generation Mirai Hydrogen FCEV in international markets in 2020, which includes a new front fascia with a bolder grille and a wider, coupe-like rear. Toyota also improved the packaging of its components, redesigned the fuel-cell system and made it more air-efficient than its predecessor. The second generation Mirai produces 174hp and is said to have a driving range of around 640km.