Toyota broke new ground introducing the first mass-produced fuel cell vehicle, the Mirai sedan. Now the automaker‘s first bespoke battery electric vehicle, the bZ4X SUV, promises to contend using a different zero-emissions propulsion approach. For eco-conscious drivers, choosing between these cutting-edge green models means weighing priorities like road trip range, refueling speed, vehicle footprint and styling preferences against purchase and operating costs.
As an automotive technology analyst, I‘ve done an extensive feature-by-feature examination of both vehicles alongside studying the latest industry trends. Below I‘ll analyze how the Mirai hydrogen fuel cell compares to Toyota‘s new bZ4X electric in over 10 key categories. Read on for the comprehensive overview needed to decide which future-forward option best aligns with your transportation needs and environmental values.
Overview: Contrasting Technologies Pursuing Shared Goals
The Mirai and bZ4X showcase Toyota‘s twin-track strategy pursuing zero emissions driving through alternative propulsion innovation. As a fuel cell vehicle (FCV), the Mirai utilizes compressed hydrogen to generate its own electricity onboard. Meanwhile, the all-electric bZ4X completely relies on stored energy in battery packs. Let‘s break down what differentiates these technologies under the sheetmetal:
Fuel Cell Technology
The Mirai‘s fuel cell stack houses layers of an electrolyte coated onto thin platinum catalyst material inside series of plate-like cells. As pressurized gaseous hydrogen enters these cells it gets split by the platinum into protons and electrons.
Oxygen from inlet airflow combines with the charged particles across the electrolyte, generating electricity through this electrochemical reaction. Only water vapor and warm air exit through the exhaust pipe as byproducts.
So unlike gas or diesel combustion no harmful emissions result. The created electric current gets regulated by control systems before flowing to the Mirai‘s rear-mounted lithium-ion battery pack for storage. This connects via cables to an AC synchronous electric motor providing 182 horsepower to the rear wheels on demand.
Electric Vehicle Technology
In contrast, the 201 horsepower bZ4X runs fully on electricity stored in larger liquid-cooled lithium-ion batteries secured below its floor. This 71.4 kWh pack directly delivers energry via wiring harnesses to AC synchronous permanent magnet motors mounted within the axle housings of both axles in AWD models.
Without any onboard hydrogen or fuel cell components, operation stays completely emissions free. But lacking a self-contained electricity generator means the bZ4X requires charging its depleted batteries from external sources to keep moving. Let‘s examine how engineering priorities and capabilities differ between these groundbreaking powertrains.
Driving Range & Refueling Speed
For drivers focused on remote adventures or long road trips, the Mirai‘s vastly superior 402 mile EPA range versus the bZ4X‘s 252 miles gives it a commanding edge. And with 5-7 minute hydrogen refueling mirroring gas cars, Mirai users enjoy less compromise from conventional vehicles.
Indeed public hydrogen stations now spread across much of California supply pressurized hydrogen created using solar, wind or other renewably-sourced electricity at volumes able to fill most FCVs in under 10 minutes. That convenience partly offsets the Mirai‘s higher MSRP to those logging substantial yearly mileage.
Conversely bZ4X owners face a 30+ minute minimum charging to regain substantial range at public DC fast chargers. But efficiently regaining ~25 miles range per hour at Level 2 stations (while shopping, dining, etc) or charging overnight at home helps alleviate reliance on fast charging stops. Still, robust infrastructure and battery improvements both remain necessary before EVs like the bZ4X can claim full parity for road trip readiness.
Performance, Handling and Comfort
The bZ4X‘s instant torque provides punchier acceleration for merging onto highways or dashing around town. And its center of gravity mounted below the floorpack aids agile handling with minimal body roll through tight corners. Ride quality trends firmer but soaks up road impacts reasonably well.
The Mirai‘s modest 182 horsepower feels borderline overmatched motivating its hefty 4600 lb curb weight. Its 9 second 0-60 time lags behind the bZ4X by nearly 3 seconds. However, tuned specifically for refined cruising over high performance antics, the Mirai delivers exceptionally serene comfort ideal for long days behind the wheel, aided by the hushed operation inherent to EVs and FCVs.
For those wanting a sportier character to match the vehicles‘ space age looks, the bZ4X has the edge. But make no mistake – both provide eerily quiet, smooth driving experiences fine for everything short of racing trips. Their real performance metrics compare favorably against plenty of conventional SUVs.
Interior Space, Versatility and Cargo Capacity
The Mirai sedan design limits its ultimate practicality versus the bZ4X SUV‘s generous 30% more cargo capacity. Plus with 5 passengers onboard, tall rear riders may feel cramped by its swooping roofline. However, interior volume holds steady at 97 cu ft thanks to the fuel cell stack‘s relatively compact underhood footprint.
Up front, either model provides excellent headroom and legroom for two adults to ride in true business class comfort. And don‘t underestimate the frunk spaces spared from engine components. With some packing creativity, these crush zones safely hold overnight bags or other gear.
Ultimately the bZ4X better hauls bulky items like strollers, backpacks, camping equipment that families or outdoor enthusiasts require. But singles, couples or professional clients will feel well provided for inside the Mirai‘s spacious, peaceful cabin ambiance.
Styling, Design and Exclusive Features
Contrasting tastes means judgments of visual attractiveness depends on individual preferences. The Mirai stretches a traditional 4-door sports sedan format to futuristic extremes with its heightened rear deck and teardrop profile. Full-width LED sequencer lamps make it unlike anything else on streets emerged from science fiction dreams.
The bZ4X skips overt flashiness for more familiar, pragmatic lines resembling Toyota RAV4 or Venza models. Its blockier shape maximizes passenger and cargo volume. Visually it promises safe appeal to budget-focused masses rather than tech oligarchs. However, clever touches like the glider-style front grille integrating sensors do stand out from typical family haulers.
In terms of features, the Mirai boasts a premium 14-speaker JBL sound system sure to satisfy audiophile passengers. Attention to acoustic engineering pairs with laminated glass for an ultra-quiet ride. The bZ4X counters with wider availability of its cutting-edge Infrared Ray technology – ceramic spheres able to continually maintain interior temperatures without blasting AC for better efficiency.
Both vehicles offer the latest touchscreens, digital dash displays and over-the-air update integration that lead their market segments. At this stage the extras differ more based on user listening and climate preferences rather than significant quality or performance gaps.
Environmental Benefits: Which Is Greener?
Given Toyota‘s industry-leading decadelong commitment towards sustainability, no surprise that both the Mirai and bZ4X dramatically reduce environmental harms compared to conventional cars. But by the numbers, which model delivers the most planet-friendly operation?
Across typical usage cycles, fuel cell vehicles like the Mirai achieve very low carbon dioxide-equivalent emissions due to renewable hydrogen derived from solar, wind or hydroelectric sources now expanding rapidly. Recapturing production byproduct hydrogen from industrial sources or methane from wastewater plants can further decrease upstream impacts.
Meanwhile, lithium-ion battery packs require intensive resource mining and carbon-costly manufacturing processing before enabling EVs‘ clean operation. And the bZ4X‘s ultimate emissions levels directly correspond to how regions generate the electricity charging its batteries – whether via fossil fuels, nuclear, hydroelectric dams or renewable solar/wind mixes.
By leveraging California‘s nation-leading renewable energy infrastructure, the Mirai manages lower lifetime environmental harms for in-state residents compared to even efficient, locally-charged EVs. However for export abroad, that edge depends on other markets hopefully following best practices.
And expectations are that as supporting technologies progress, EV emissions decreases should achieve parity or even outpace hydrogen fuel cells down the road. But today‘s most eco-conscious consumers give FCVs the nod for prioritizing sustainability.
Purchase Price, Incentives and Operating Costs
For potential buyers, real world pricing and ongoing ownership budgets often OVER-ride purely technical evaluations. Let‘s break down the monetary factors weighing the Mirai vs bZ4X ownership proposition:
| Category | Mirai | bZ4X |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP (starting from) | $50,495 | $42,000 |
| Available Tax Credits | Up to $13,500 | Up to $7,500 |
| EPA Rating | 64/67/65 MPGe | 74/70/72 MPGe |
| Energy Cost Per Mile | $0.76 (hydrogen) | $0.21 (electricity) |
| Fast Fill/Charge Time | 5-7 minutes | 30 minutes (10%-80%) |
| Fueling/Charging Infrastructure | 48 CA stations | thousands nationwide |
| Scheduled Maintenance | Complimentary 3 years / 35k miles | Complimentary 2 years / 25k miles |
| Projected 5-Year TCO | $72,000 | $68,400 |
While its base MSRP stands over $8k higher, the Mirai‘s total cost lowered by California‘s increased state and federal incentives combined with manufacturer discounts and free fuel bonuses during ownership help close the gap against the cheaper bZ4X.
Savvy Golden State shoppers can effectively purchase the Mirai thousands under sticker price. That mitigates its 70% more expensive per mile hydrogen refueling costs expected throughout operation. Though expanding fast, just 48 retail hydrogen stations (for now all in CA) inhibits travels beyond the state.
Conversely, the bZ4X sees purchase prices much closer to its MSRP, but benefits from vastly more public charging points accessible nationwide. And cheaper average per mile electricity rates compound with slightly higher efficiency ratings for lower net energy expenditures long-term.
Ultimately both vehicles deliver reasonable value supported by policymaker pushes towards zero emissions mobility. And Toyota‘s reputation for quality and retained value instills confidence in both groundbreaking models representing the next generation of environmentally sustainable transportation.
So Which "Green Toyota" Reigns Supreme?
Evaluating the Mirai hydrogen fuel cell vehicle against the bZ4X electric illuminates how no one solution perfectly meets every buyer‘s needs. Customers prioritizing road trip range, rapid refueling and achieving renewable operation today rightfully view the Mirai as best aligning to their transportation priorities.
Its 402 mile range, 5 minute hydrogen fill-ups and leveraging California‘s solar/wind infrastructure checks boxes that EVs have yet to fully match. Plus with radical styling panache unmatched by the more conventional bZ4X, those wanting neon-hued flash can unequivocally feel good illuminating the roads in sustainable style behind a Mirai wheel.
However, for ride sharers, families, outdoor enthusiasts or small business owners needing to maximize passenger seats and cargo flexibility, the bZ4X clearly outpoints its sleek sedan sibling. Roomier, quicker and cheaper to own while keeping emissions in check, Toyota‘s first pure EV attempts closing gaps compared to fossil fuel SUV alternatives that efficiency-focused buyers demand.
In the end, aligning personal priorities against engineering capabilities shows both the Mirai and bZ4X achieving viability as revolutionary zero emissions choices today. As more models proliferate options downmarket, expect the feuds between technophiles cheering batteries or hydrogen stacks to rage on.
But the planet wins thanks to Toyota pursuing both paths simultaneously. Drivers now enjoy finding their perfect balance of practicality, sustainability and personality rather than compromising core necessities. The Mirai and bZ4X don‘t just offer new propulsion sources – they drive pivotal progress expanding the future of mobility.
