Toyota Motor Corp. said it has chosen "Mirai," which means "future" in Japanese, as the name for its fuel-cell powered sedan with a range of 480 km and an hydrogen tank that can be refilled in less than five minutes.
The announcement, on the eve of the Los Angeles auto show, increases the company's commitment to fuel cells, as opposed to battery-only cars, as long-term alternatives to internal combustion engines, said Jeff Liker, a University of Michigan engineering professor.
Toyota also promised to develop and supply fueling stations in northeastern U.S. states.