Second-generation Toyota Mirai in Malaysia; first 5 units delivered

KUALA LUMPUR: Toyota’s second-generation hydrogen fuel cell EV, the Mirai has entered Malaysia with Sarawak being its first home in the country. The automaker brought in five units of the FCEV; four of which were delivered to SEDC Energy and one to the Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.

With the arrival of the Mirai, Toyota is taking a step further towards its carbon neutrality goal which it aims to achieve by 2050 along with Sarawak’s Green Mobility and Green Energy Initiative. The five units of Toyota Mirai in Sarawak will create awareness among the public about different mobility solutions.

UMW Toyota Motor President, Ravindran K said, “The immediate way forward to address CO2 emissions is via Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEV) like the Corolla Cross Hybrid, which is at its most advanced technologically and economical, making it accessible to the masses. Meanwhile, a full line-up of Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) is underway globally, and we are exploring the possibility of the introduction of a Toyota beyond Zero (bZ) model for the Malaysian market.”

He further added, “To continue the acceleration of electrified vehicles, Toyota has invested in research and development for the commercialisation of hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles. With the delivery of the Mirai to SDEC Energy … both UMW Toyota Motor and SEDC Energy are set to capitalize on the opportunity to further study the potential of its technology as a stepping stone for developing a low-carbon economy with new fuel cell systems that prioritize compact size, efficiency, and productivity to support the mobility needs of society.”

A little about the second-generation Toyota Mirai

The 2nd gen Mirai was first introduced at the 2019 Toyota Motor Show. Unlike the previous-gen model, this one says goodbye to the clumsy styling. The new version features - a sleek & slender fastback, advanced customer-ready hydrogen FCEV tech, a new longer silhouette, and a rear-wheel drive drivetrain.

The car also features a large fuel cell which leads to a 35% hike in the FCEV’s driving range.

Sarawak’s efforts toward electric mobility

The region is the largest proponent of new energy vehicles and it was only recently the state purchased two Hyundai Nexo units as its test beds for a pilot hydrogen production plant and refueling station project.

Also, the region last year saw the opening of Malaysia’s first multi-fuel station that in addition to conventional fuels houses hydrogen and EV charging stations.

Also Read: Malaysia-spec Toyota bZ4X sighted, here’s what is on offer