What is it
Toyota Mirai: The radically futuristic-looking Mirai fuel cell is Toyota's ambitious attempt to once again leapfrog itself into an environmentally-friendly leadership position, with a zero-emissions electric car that addresses current battery EV limitations, but with its own unique issues.
Signature feature
Those massive triangular air intakes upfront may seem ready to hoover up small dogs, but Toyota has a proven track record of pairing polarizing styling with advanced green technology (Prius anyone?).
What else is new
Unlike those clean but range-limited BEVs, the Mirai can be refueled in five minutes at a familiar pump, and can travel up to 480km, says Toyota.
Under the hood
It doesn't get much greener than generating your own electricity onboard using the compressed hydrogen-fed fuel cell "engine" instead of plugging into the grid for its electrons, especially if that grid is fed by coal. Plus it feels peppier than a Prius, and much quieter overall.
When can we buy it, and for how much
Not for at least two years, and maybe longer. Will run US$57,500 when launched in California late next year, or US$499/month if leased. Toyota won't offer it in Canada until there's an "active network" of public hydrogen stations – and there are none now.
Cool quotient: 2/5 (Depends greatly on how much you like its looks, and the planet.)
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