Toyota's hydrogen car borrows a cool feature from Lexus.
Last year we had a chance to drive a prototype Lexus LS Hybrid equipped with a new feature called Lexus Teammate. Like GM's Super Cruise and Ford's Blue Cruise, Teammate is a Level 2 semi-autonomous driving software that allows owners to go completely hands-free on certain marked highways. The LS 500h was the only Lexus vehicle to be announced with this technology, but now another related vehicle will get it too.
The 2022 Toyota Mirai is now available with Toyota Teammate. Just like in the Lexus, the Toyota's Advanced Drive feature is classified as a Level 2 system as defined by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) International. But unlike Tesla's Autopilot or FSD, the driver can use it without any hands on the steering wheel.
Advanced Drive takes control of the acceleration, braking, and steering under the supervision of the driver. So long as the driver is paying attention, the system can stay in its lane, follow leading vehicles, execute lane changes, navigate certain interchanges, and overtake slower vehicles. Toyota Teammate also includes an Advanced Park function, which can park hands-free.
For those who are unfamiliar, the Mirai is a hydrogen fuel cell (HCEV) that is only sold in California, where hydrogen filling stations are available. It rides on the same RWD platform as the Lexus LS, but has only a single rear motor producing 182 horsepower. On the plus side, it can travel up to 402 miles on a single tank, outmatching most conventional EVs.
With a starting price of $49,500, the Mirai is now the cheapest model to get Toyota's advanced Teammate feature. For reference, the 2021 Lexus LS 500h starts at $90,500. Even the Mirai Limited grade is far less expensive, starting at $66,000. Those prices also include $15,000 of complimentary hydrogen with any Mirai purchase or lease. We hope Toyota/Lexus Teammate expands to more models soon. As of now it's only offered on two flagship vehicles.
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