Can a Toyota Mirai run on gas?
No, the Toyota Mirai is a hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) and cannot run on gasoline. The Mirai is powered by a hydrogen fuel cell system, which converts hydrogen gas into electricity to drive the vehicle's electric motor. It does not have a traditional internal combustion engine that would allow it to run on regular gasoline.
Understanding the Toyota Mirai's Powertrain
The Toyota Mirai is a pioneering FCEV that uses hydrogen as its primary fuel source. Instead of a gasoline-powered engine, the Mirai has a fuel cell stack that electrochemically combines hydrogen from the onboard storage tanks with oxygen from the air to generate electricity. This electricity then powers an electric motor, which propels the vehicle. The only byproduct of this process is water, making the Mirai an emissions-free vehicle.
Why the Mirai Cannot Run on Gasoline
- The Mirai's fuel cell system is designed specifically to work with hydrogen gas, not liquid gasoline.
- Gasoline is a liquid fuel, while the Mirai's fuel cell requires a gaseous fuel (hydrogen) to function properly.
- Attempting to run the Mirai on gasoline would likely damage the fuel cell stack and other critical components of the vehicle's powertrain.
The Mirai is engineered as a dedicated hydrogen-powered vehicle, and using any other fuel source would be incompatible with its design and could render the vehicle inoperable.
Refueling the Toyota Mirai
To refuel the Mirai, drivers must visit a specialized hydrogen fueling station. These stations are still relatively scarce compared to traditional gasoline stations, but their availability is steadily increasing, especially in regions where hydrogen vehicles are more common, such as California.
- The Mirai's hydrogen tanks can be refilled in about 5 minutes, similar to the time it takes to refuel a gasoline-powered vehicle.
- A full tank of hydrogen provides the Mirai with a driving range of up to 402 miles, making it a viable option for longer trips.
- As hydrogen infrastructure continues to expand, the Mirai and other FCEVs are expected to become more practical and accessible for a wider range of drivers.
In summary, the Toyota Mirai is a hydrogen-powered vehicle that cannot run on gasoline. Its fuel cell system is designed to work exclusively with hydrogen gas, and attempting to use any other fuel source would likely damage the vehicle's powertrain.
How much does it cost to fill up a Mirai?
It costs approximately $200 to fill up a Toyota Mirai, based on California prices of around $36 per kilogram of hydrogen and the car's 5.6 kg tank capacity. However, most new Mirai purchases include complimentary fuel for a set period, typically up to six years or $15,000$ 15 comma 000$15,000 worth, so many owners won't pay for fuel out-of-pocket initially.
Cost details
- Full tank: A full refuel of the Mirai's 5.6 kg hydrogen tank costs roughly $201.60$ 201.60$201.60 at a price of $36$ 36$36 per kilogram.
- Fluctuating prices: The price per kilogram varies by location and time, but has been reported as high as $36$ 36$36 in California.
- Initial savings: Many new Mirai purchases in California come with complimentary fuel credits worth up to $15,000$ 15 comma 000$15,000 for the first six years, which significantly reduces or eliminates the upfront cost for early owners.
- Ongoing cost: After the complimentary fuel period ends, owners will be responsible for the out-of-pocket costs, which can be substantial at current prices.
- Cost per mile: Based on the estimated cost of fuel, the cost per mile for a Mirai is significantly higher than for an electric vehicle or a gasoline-powered car, even if the fuel is free.
What is the lawsuit against Toyota Mirai?
Toyota faces legal action over lack of hydrogen fuel infrastructure. California Mirai owners filed a class-action lawsuit against Toyota seeking $5.7 billion in damages. Plaintiffs allege Toyota concealed reliability issues and misrepresented hydrogen infrastructure.
Where do you fill up a hydrogen car?
You fill up a hydrogen car at a hydrogen fueling station, which are often co-located at existing gas stations or found on major highways. You can find station locations using online maps from resources like the U.S. Department of Energy's Alternative Fuels Data Center, the Hydrogen Fuel Cell Partnership (h2fcp.org), or specific apps like PlugShare.
How to find and use a hydrogen station
- Locate a station: Use online station finders like the Department of Energy's Alternative Fuels Data Center or the Hydrogen Fuel Cell Partnership website to map stations by location or along a route. Automaker apps, such as the one for the Toyota Mirai, can also help, notes Toyota Support.
- Use the dispenser: The process is similar to filling a gasoline car, but you'll use a different nozzle and hose designed for hydrogen.
- Pay for fuel: Most public stations accept payment at the point of sale, much like a traditional gas station.
Current limitations
- Limited availability: Hydrogen fueling stations are still limited in number and are not yet available everywhere.
- Regional concentration: The network is most developed in specific regions, such as California, but is expanding into more urban areas and along major highways.
- Reliability concerns: Some stations have experienced issues with reliability and fuel supply, though the infrastructure is growing.
59sHow to refill a hydrogen carYouTubePRNDL by Jordan Golson · 2y 0:36This is what it's like to fill up a Hydrogen car!YouTubeForrest's Auto Reviews · 2y 0:48How to Fuel a Hydrogen CarYouTubeMirai Club · 6mo (function(){
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Can a Toyota Mirai use gas?
And also may be displayed as 700 and 350 bar the Toyota Marai is compatible with both nozzles. However H70 is the preferred fueling because it provides a full fill. And will enable a longer driving.
