How expensive is a Toyota Mirai?
The Toyota Mirai is a hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) that has a starting price of around $50,000 in the United States. While the Mirai's upfront cost is higher than many traditional gasoline-powered vehicles, its long-term operating costs can be lower due to the efficiency of hydrogen fuel cell technology and various government incentives.
Upfront Cost of the Toyota Mirai
The 2023 Toyota Mirai has a manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of $49,500 for the base model. This price can vary depending on the specific trim level and any additional options or accessories added to the vehicle. The Mirai is generally more expensive than comparable battery electric vehicles (BEVs) on the market, but its hydrogen fuel cell technology offers unique advantages.
Fuel and Maintenance Costs
One of the key benefits of the Mirai is its low fuel and maintenance costs compared to traditional gasoline-powered vehicles. Hydrogen fuel is currently more expensive than gasoline, but the Mirai's fuel efficiency helps offset this cost. The Mirai can travel up to 402 miles on a single tank of hydrogen, and the average cost of hydrogen fuel is around $16 per kilogram in the United States.
Maintenance costs for the Mirai are also generally lower than for gasoline-powered vehicles, as hydrogen fuel cell vehicles have fewer moving parts and do not require oil changes or other routine maintenance tasks associated with internal combustion engines.
Government Incentives and Rebates
- Federal tax credit of up to $8,000 for the purchase of a new Mirai
- State-level incentives and rebates, such as the $4,500 Clean Vehicle Rebate in California
- Access to high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes in some states, even with a single occupant
These incentives and rebates can help offset the higher upfront cost of the Mirai, making it more affordable for many consumers.
Total Cost of Ownership
When factoring in the Mirai's fuel efficiency, lower maintenance costs, and available government incentives, the total cost of ownership for the Mirai can be competitive with or even lower than that of traditional gasoline-powered vehicles over the long term. However, the availability and cost of hydrogen fueling infrastructure in a given area can also impact the overall cost of owning and operating a Mirai.
