How does Toyota Mirai work?
The Toyota Mirai is a fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) that uses hydrogen as its primary fuel source. Unlike traditional gasoline-powered cars or battery electric vehicles (BEVs), the Mirai generates its own electricity on-board through a chemical reaction in its fuel cell stack, allowing it to have a longer driving range and faster refueling times compared to BEVs.
How the Mirai's Fuel Cell System Works
The Mirai's fuel cell system consists of the following key components:
- Hydrogen Fuel Tank: The Mirai stores compressed hydrogen gas in high-pressure tanks located under the vehicle. This provides the fuel for the fuel cell stack.
- Fuel Cell Stack: The heart of the Mirai's powertrain is the fuel cell stack, which combines hydrogen from the fuel tank with oxygen from the air to produce electricity through an electrochemical reaction.
- Electric Motor: The electricity generated by the fuel cell stack powers an electric motor, which in turn drives the Mirai's wheels.li>
- Battery: The Mirai also has a small lithium-ion battery pack that stores excess electricity generated by the fuel cell and provides additional power during acceleration or hill climbing.
When the driver presses the accelerator, the fuel cell stack generates electricity to power the electric motor. The only byproduct of this process is water vapor, making the Mirai a zero-emission vehicle.
Refueling the Mirai
Refueling the Mirai is similar to refueling a traditional gasoline car, but with hydrogen instead of gasoline. The Mirai can be refueled in about 5 minutes at a dedicated hydrogen fueling station, providing a driving range of up to 402 miles (647 km). This is significantly faster than the hours-long charging times required for battery electric vehicles.
The Mirai's fuel cell system and hydrogen storage tanks have been engineered for safety, with multiple redundant safety systems to prevent leaks or explosions. Hydrogen is also a clean-burning fuel that does not produce any greenhouse gas emissions when used in a fuel cell vehicle.
How is the Toyota Mirai powered?
Hydrogen from the fuel tank and air entering from the intake grille meet in the Fuel Cell Stack. Then a chemical reaction involving the oxygen and hydrogen creates electricity—powering Mirai.
How much does it cost to fill up a Toyota Mirai?
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.
Can you put regular gas in a Toyota Mirai?
The Mirai is a hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicle that must be fueled at hydrogen stations conforming to the latest Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) hydrogen fueling interface protocol standards or laws that may supersede such SAE standards.
What are the disadvantages of the Toyota Mirai?
The Toyota Mirai's interior should be luxurious and sleek, but some owners have noticed issues with the overall build quality. Complaints have included rattling noises, poorly fitting trim pieces, and malfunctioning controls. Additionally, the exterior has shown signs of premature wear, with paint chipping or fading.
