New version of Toyota's Mirai hydrogen car can be parked with nobody in the driving seat

Toyota has revealed the features for its 2024 Mirai fuel-cell electric vehicle (FCEV), currently available in Europe, with plans to standardize additional safety features. The new features encompass remote parking via a smartphone app, accessible even when the driver is outside the vehicle. Safety enhancements include overtake prevention support, cautioning against unintentional overtaking on the wrong side, updated acceleration suppression in emergency steering assist, and an improved pre-collision system with broader detection capabilities for head-on and side collisions.

The 2024 Mirai introduces an emergency driving stop system that monitors steering wheel, brake, and accelerator inputs during active cruise control and lane trace assist. In case of no response from the driver, the system automatically halts the vehicle and activates hazard lights. However, Toyota has faced challenges, as evidenced by a recent recall affecting 19,000 2023 Mirai and Lexus models due to a software issue hindering the display of rearview images during reverse maneuvers.

While seeking to boost sales, Toyota is offering a 60% discount on the 2023 Limited version of the Mirai in California, coupled with $15,000 of complimentary fuel and 0% interest financing for six years. Analysts attribute the stagnation in fuel-cell electric vehicle sales in Europe, Japan, and South Korea to factors such as high upfront vehicle costs, inadequate refueling infrastructure, and the expensive nature of hydrogen fuel. Despite these challenges, Toyota remains committed to advancing safety and technological features in its Mirai models, aiming to address consumer concerns and promote the adoption of fuel-cell electric vehicles.