Czech Ministers Will Drive a Hydrogen Toyota Mirai

Labour and Social Affairs Minister Marian Jurečka (KDU-ČSL) and Environment Minister Petr Hladík (KDU-ČSL) will be driving a hydrogen Toyota Mirai. 

These are the first two ministries to use hydrogen-powered vehicles. They were acquired by Toyota on a one-year operating lease. The cars are in black metallic and in the executive version.

Marian Jurečka has long been a big fan of hydrogen technology and the Mirai model. He tried it out last year at the Toyota Motor Manufacturing Czech (TMMCZ) factory in Kolín. After the first self-service hydrogen refuelling station was opened in Prague's Barrandov district, nothing stopped him from buying one for the ministry. By the end of June, another station in Litvínov, North Bohemia, will be added to the hydrogen map.

"We see the acquisition of the Mirai by central government authorities as a clear demonstration of support for the development of the hydrogen ecosystem in the Czech Republic. After the opening of the first filling station in Prague, we expect a growing interest in hydrogen cars. This year, their sales could reach several dozen," says Martin Peleška, CEO of Toyota Czech Republic.

Hydrogen fuel cell propulsion is an alternative to conventional electric cars. Its advantage is mainly the short refuelling time and longer range. The Czech government believes in hydrogen and wants to support the construction of hydrogen filling stations in the updated National Clean Mobility Plan. Up to 40 hydrogen refuelling stations are to be installed in the Czech Republic by 2030.