The four-door car will sell in Japan for 6.7m yen (€45,900) before taxes. The carmaker is looking to sell in 400 in Japan and 300 in the rest of the world in its first year.

The Mirai uses the Toyota Fuel Cell System (TFCS), which brings together fuel cell and hybrid technologies. It includes Toyota’s new, proprietary fuel cell stack and high-pressure hydrogen tanks. The TFCS is more energy efficient than internal combustion engines and emits no CO2 or pollutants when the vehicle is driven.

In yesterday’s announcement, Toyota said the Mirai would bring the cruising range of a conventional saloon – offering 300 miles on a single tank of hydrogen – whilst being able to be refuelled in less than five minutes and only emitting water vapour.

The carmaker added that: ‘Mirai delivers everything expected of a next-generation car: an immediately recognisable design; an exhilarating drive that stems from the superior handling stability secured by the car’s low centre of gravity; and quiet but powerful acceleration delivered by the electric motor.’