How long does Toyota Mirai fuel last?

On a full hydrogen fill, the Toyota Mirai typically travels about 400 miles (roughly 650 kilometers). A hydrogen refill at a public station generally takes about five minutes, depending on station pressure and throughput.

To understand why that number matters, it's helpful to know how Mirai's range is set by its 700-bar hydrogen tanks and fuel-cell system. The latest generation, introduced in 2020–2021, is EPA-rated at about 402 miles per tank under typical conditions, with real-world results varying by temperature, driving style, and climate control use. Hydrogen fueling infrastructure is expanding in some regions, but availability remains uneven.

What determines the range?

These are the main factors that influence how far you can go on a full hydrogen fill:

• Driving speed and style (aggressive acceleration and high speeds reduce efficiency)


• Outside temperature and climate-control use (heating and cooling draw power)


• Terrain and driving conditions (hills, city stop-and-go vs. highway)


• Vehicle load (cargo and passengers affect aerodynamics and weight)


• Hydrogen tank fill quality and station performance (pressure consistency)

In real-world driving, you may see ranges near the EPA figure in good conditions, while cold weather or heavy loads can push the range lower.

Refueling and infrastructure

The Mirai stores hydrogen in high-pressure tanks near 700 bar. A typical fill takes around five minutes at a compatible station, and refueling infrastructure is expanding in some regions (notably parts of California, Japan, Europe, and Korea). Plan for availability when traveling between regions with limited stations.

• Refueling must be done at certified hydrogen stations with proper safety equipment.


• Filling patterns are similar to gasoline in terms of time, but depend on station capacity and flow.


• Cost per kilogram varies by market and can influence operating cost, though it doesn't change the per-fill range.

In sum, expect roughly 400 miles per full hydrogen tank, with fueling taking minutes rather than hours and the range influenced by driving conditions and infrastructure.

Model-year and regional notes

EPA estimates have been consistent for the current generation since its refresh, with real-world results showing variation based on climate and driving style. Regions with longer-standing hydrogen networks typically offer more convenient fueling experiences, while others may require longer trips between stations.

Summary

The Toyota Mirai commonly delivers about 402 miles of range on a full hydrogen tank, and refueling typically takes around five minutes at equipped stations. Real-world range will vary with temperature, driving behavior, and climate-control use, and depends on the availability of hydrogen fueling infrastructure. As networks grow, refueling convenience and overall experience are likely to improve.

Is hydrogen fuel cheaper than gas?

No, hydrogen fuel is currently not cheaper than gasoline, and the cost per mile for hydrogen fuel cell vehicles is significantly higher than for gasoline vehicles. While hydrogen fuel cell vehicles can be more fuel-efficient, the high cost of the fuel itself makes the cost-per-mile higher. 
Current cost comparison

• Hydrogen is more expensive: Current prices for hydrogen fuel are significantly higher than gasoline on a cost-per-mile basis, sometimes three to four and a half times higher. 
• Reasons for higher cost: The higher cost is due to several factors, including the energy-intensive process of producing hydrogen, and the complex and expensive infrastructure needed for storage and distribution. 
• Potential for future changes: Some projections anticipate future cost reductions for hydrogen, particularly green hydrogen, if production and distribution costs fall and infrastructure improves. 

Factors influencing cost

• Fuel efficiency: Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles are more efficient than gasoline engines, meaning a smaller amount of fuel is needed for the same distance. 
• Production method: The method used to produce hydrogen impacts its cost. 
  • Green hydrogen: (produced from renewable energy) is currently expensive but is expected to become cheaper. 
  • Gray hydrogen: (produced from natural gas) is cheaper to produce but relies on fossil fuels. 
• Incentives: Some areas, like California, offer subsidies that can lower the retail price of hydrogen fuel. 

What this means for drivers

• Higher per-mile costs: For a consumer in 2025, the cost of fueling a hydrogen vehicle is higher than a gasoline vehicle. 
• Potential long-term savings: If the cost of hydrogen fuel decreases significantly in the future, the cost per mile could become more competitive, especially when combined with the higher efficiency of the vehicles. 

How long does a Toyota Mirai fuel cell last?

A Toyota Mirai's lifespan is not definitively known, but the fuel cell components are expected to last for 150,000 to 200,000 miles, similar to conventional gasoline or EV engines. Toyota provides a specific 8-year, 100,000-mile warranty for the fuel cell system. Proper maintenance, responsible driving habits, and avoiding excessive weight will help maximize the vehicle's longevity. 
Factors that influence lifespan

• Fuel cell lifespan: The lifespan of the fuel cell is estimated to be between 150,000 and 200,000 miles, similar to other types of engines. 
• Fuel cell warranty: Toyota includes an 8-year or 100,000-mile warranty on the fuel cell stack components. 
• Maintenance: Proper maintenance, including regular air filter changes and avoiding driving in very dusty conditions, is crucial for the fuel cell's longevity. 
• Driving habits: Avoiding aggressive driving and driving on terrain the vehicle isn't designed for can help extend the life of all components. 
• Vehicle weight: Carrying excessive cargo can put added pressure on various components and potentially shorten the lifespan of the vehicle. 

Other considerations

• Hydrogen tanks: The high-pressure hydrogen tanks are designed to be durable but are sometimes noted in forums as having a shorter lifespan (around 10 years), though this is not a widely publicized issue and is often a point of user discussion on platforms like Reddit. 
• Infrastructure: The long-term viability of the vehicle may also be impacted by the availability and reliability of hydrogen refueling stations, which is an ongoing concern for many owners. 

What are the disadvantages of the Toyota Mirai?

The main cons of the Toyota Mirai are the limited and unreliable hydrogen refueling infrastructure, which can result in long waits or difficulty finding stations, and high hydrogen fuel costs. Other drawbacks include potentially unrealistic range estimates, technical issues with the fuel cell system, and lower-than-expected resale value. Some owners have also reported interior build quality complaints and issues with driving dynamics.
 
This video discusses the challenges of owning a Toyota Mirai, including limited hydrogen refueling stations and technical issues: 54sThe Fast Lane CarYouTube · Nov 26, 2021
Refueling and fuel costs 

• Limited infrastructure: There are very few hydrogen refueling stations, and many have operational problems or are out of service. 
• Long refueling times: The fueling process can take a long time due to equipment malfunctions, such as pumps freezing up, and waiting for fuel to become available. 
• High fuel cost: Hydrogen fuel is expensive, and the cost per mile can be much higher compared to electric vehicles or gasoline cars. 
• Unrealistic range claims: Some owners report achieving a significantly shorter range than the advertised figures, which can be impacted by factors like software issues. 

Performance and reliability

• Technical issues: The hydrogen fuel cell system has been a source of problems, including issues with the cooling system and power delivery. 
• Driving dynamics: The driving experience may be compromised by vague handling, a heavy feel, and less-than-premium brake feel. 
• Resale value: The car has a poor resale value due to the high cost of hydrogen and limited long-term ownership appeal. 

Other drawbacks

• Interior quality: Some owners have reported issues with the interior, such as rattling noises, poorly fitting trim pieces, and malfunctioning controls. 
• Child seat installation: Installing child seats can be difficult due to a challenging rear seat design and hard-to-access LATCH anchors. 
• Limited seating: The car only has four seats. 

How far can a Toyota Mirai go on a full tank?

The Toyota Mirai has an EPA-estimated driving range of up to 402 miles on a full tank, though this can vary based on driving habits, weather, and other factors. Real-world driving may result in a shorter range, with some estimates suggesting around 300 miles or less depending on usage, particularly with air conditioning. 
Factors affecting range

• Driving conditions: Highway speeds and aggressive driving can decrease range.
• Weather: Using the climate control system, like air conditioning or heating, will reduce the range.
• Vehicle and road conditions: Factors such as vehicle load and road conditions can also influence fuel efficiency.
• Driving style: Driving in eco mode and maximizing regenerative braking can help achieve a longer range. 

Additional information

• The 402-mile range is an EPA-estimated figure for the XLE trim, which has been standard for several model years. 
• While some drivers have reported achieving lower numbers, the 402-mile estimate represents the most efficient range under ideal conditions.