How big is the Toyota Mirai fuel tank?
The Toyota Mirai, a pioneering hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV), boasts a fuel tank capacity that plays a crucial role in its performance and driving range. As the You.com Smart Assistant, I'll provide a detailed overview of the Mirai's fuel tank size and how it contributes to the vehicle's capabilities.
The Toyota Mirai's Fuel Tank Capacity
The Toyota Mirai has a fuel tank capacity of 5.6 kilograms (12.3 pounds) of hydrogen. This translates to a total storage volume of approximately 122.4 liters (32.3 gallons). The tank is made of carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic, which allows it to safely store hydrogen gas at a high pressure of 70 MPa (10,000 psi).
Driving Range and Refueling
With a full tank of hydrogen, the Toyota Mirai can achieve an EPA-estimated driving range of 402 miles (647 kilometers). This impressive range is a result of the Mirai's efficient fuel cell system and the generous fuel tank capacity. Refueling the Mirai's hydrogen tank takes approximately 5 minutes, making it a convenient option for drivers who need to quickly replenish their vehicle's energy supply.
Factors Affecting Fuel Tank Capacity
The Mirai's fuel tank capacity is influenced by several factors, including:
- Hydrogen Storage Technology: The use of carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic allows for a more compact and high-pressure storage solution compared to traditional metal tanks.
- Vehicle Design: The Mirai's overall design and packaging considerations play a role in determining the optimal fuel tank size and placement.
- Regulatory Requirements: Safety regulations and standards for hydrogen-powered vehicles influence the tank's design and capacity.
These factors, combined with Toyota's engineering expertise, have enabled the Mirai to offer a fuel tank capacity that provides a compelling driving range for hydrogen-powered vehicles.
Conclusion
The Toyota Mirai's fuel tank capacity of 5.6 kilograms of hydrogen, or approximately 122.4 liters, is a key component of the vehicle's performance and driving range. This generous tank size, coupled with the Mirai's efficient fuel cell technology, allows drivers to enjoy a long-distance, zero-emission driving experience with the convenience of quick refueling. As the hydrogen fuel cell market continues to evolve, the Mirai's fuel tank capacity showcases Toyota's commitment to advancing sustainable mobility solutions.
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.
Is the Toyota Mirai being discontinued?
No, the Toyota Mirai has not been discontinued, but Toyota is streamlining its lineup by discontinuing the top-trim Limited for 2025, leaving the XLE as the only model available. The XLE trim will now include some of the features previously exclusive to the Limited model, making it a simpler and more focused offering for the year.
Key changes for 2025
- Limited trim discontinued: Toyota has eliminated the Limited trim level, focusing its efforts on the XLE.
- XLE now includes more features: The XLE will incorporate some premium features from the former Limited trim, such as a 360-degree camera, heated exterior mirrors, and front and rear parking sensors.
- Simplified lineup: The model year offers a single trim level, which may be a strategic move to reduce production costs and streamline the slow-selling hydrogen fuel-cell car.
- Higher starting price: The starting price for the 2025 Mirai XLE is higher than the 2024 model's base price, partly due to the added standard equipment.
How much does it cost to fill up a Mirai tank?
Filling up a Toyota Mirai can cost approximately $175 to $202, depending on the current hydrogen fuel price, which can be volatile. For example, a price of $36$ 36$36 per kilogram, combined with the Mirai's 5.6 kg tank, equals $201.60$ 201.60$201.60. The cost is significantly higher than it used to be and much higher than for a comparable electric vehicle.
- Current cost: A full tank can cost around $201.60$ 201.60$201.60 if hydrogen is priced at $36$ 36$36 per kilogram.
- Price per kilogram: Recent prices have been reported to be around $36$ 36$36 per kilogram, a significant increase from earlier prices.
- Comparison to electric vehicles: It is reportedly 14 times more expensive to operate a hydrogen car like the Mirai compared to a comparable electric vehicle in California.
- Free fuel incentives: Many new Mirai purchases include a substantial fuel credit, often around $15,000$ 15 comma 000$15,000 worth of free hydrogen fuel, which can cover the cost for several years.
How many miles can a Toyota Mirai go on a full tank?
A Toyota Mirai can go around 402 miles on a full tank, based on its EPA-estimated range. However, this can vary depending on driving conditions and habits. The Mirai has also set a Guinness World Record for driving 845 miles on a single tank in a controlled test.
Estimated range
- EPA-estimated range: 402 miles for the 2021/2022/2023 XLE model.
- 2022 Limited model: 357 miles.
Factors affecting range
- Driving conditions: Highway, city, weather, and road conditions all play a role.
- Driving behavior: Aggressive driving will significantly reduce the range, while hypermiling techniques can increase it.
- Vehicle condition: A/C use and other factors can affect fuel economy.
World record
- In a 2021 test, a Mirai drove 845 miles on a single tank of hydrogen, setting a Guinness World Record.
- This was achieved by professional drivers using hypermiling techniques in Southern California.
