A Toyota Mirai has set a new Guinness World Record for the longest distance covered by a hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle.
On a single tank of hydrogen, the Mirai managed an impressive 845 miles during a two-day Californian road trip.
Battling traffic, and the height of the summertime heat, makes the Mirai’s achievement even more impressive.
California cruising
Toyota did benefit from a pair of drivers with experience of Guinness World Records and ‘hypermiling’ (driving as efficiently as possible).
Wayne Gerdes has previously set records for the lowest fuel consumption driving to the 48 contiguous US states. He also achieved the lowest fuel use driving across America from coast to coast.
Gerdes was supported by his co-driver, Bob Winger, with the duo setting out on 23 August 2021.
Leaving Toyota’s technical centre in Gardena, California, Gerdes and Winger headed through Santa Barbara, Santa Monica and Malibu. Cruising the Pacific Coast Highway, they managed 473 miles on the first day.
Highway hypermiler
The second included loops of the highway system, hitting the fearsome rush-hour traffic around San Diego. With another 372 miles achieved, the Mirai returned to the Toyota Technical Center empty of hydrogen.
A total of 5.65kg of fuel was consumed during the journey, with the only emissions being water vapour. In comparison, an average internal combustion engine would have emitted 301kg of CO2.
Witnessing the journey was Guinness World Record adjudicator, Michael Empiric. After the run he commented: “I’ve had the opportunity to witness incredible attempts, including several distance-related feats.
“The Toyota Mirai’s journey without the need to refuel showcases the power of fuel-cell electric technology. This technology and the design ingenuity by the team at Toyota led to a history-making moment.”
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