How much does it cost to fill up a Mirai?
The Toyota Mirai is a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle (FCV) that offers an innovative and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional gasoline-powered cars. If you're considering purchasing or already own a Mirai, you might be wondering about the cost of refueling it. In this article, we'll break down the factors that influence the cost of filling up a Mirai and provide an estimate based on current hydrogen fuel prices.
Understanding the Toyota Mirai's Fuel System
The Toyota Mirai runs on hydrogen gas, which is stored in high-pressure tanks within the vehicle. This hydrogen is converted into electricity through a fuel cell, which powers the car's electric motor. Unlike gasoline or diesel vehicles, the Mirai emits only water vapor, making it a zero-emission vehicle.
Factors That Affect Refueling Costs
The cost of filling up a Toyota Mirai depends on several factors, including:
- Hydrogen Fuel Prices: Hydrogen fuel prices vary depending on location and the availability of refueling stations. As of now, hydrogen typically costs between $12 and $16 per kilogram.
- Tank Capacity: The Mirai's hydrogen tanks can hold approximately 5 kilograms of hydrogen.
- Driving Range: A full tank provides a driving range of around 300-400 miles, depending on driving conditions and habits.
Estimated Cost to Fill Up a Mirai
Based on the current hydrogen fuel prices of $12 to $16 per kilogram, filling up the Mirai's 5-kilogram tank would cost between $60 and $80. This cost is comparable to refueling a gasoline-powered car, especially when considering the Mirai's impressive range and environmental benefits.
Additional Considerations
It's worth noting that Toyota often provides incentives for Mirai owners, such as complimentary hydrogen fuel for a certain period after purchase. Be sure to check with your local Toyota dealership for any available offers.
Additionally, the availability of hydrogen refueling stations is still limited in some areas, so it's important to ensure that you have access to a station near your home or workplace before committing to a hydrogen-powered vehicle.
Conclusion
The cost to fill up a Toyota Mirai is influenced by hydrogen fuel prices and the vehicle's tank capacity. On average, you can expect to pay between $60 and $80 for a full tank, which provides a range of 300-400 miles. While hydrogen fuel may not yet be as widely available as gasoline, the Mirai offers a compelling option for drivers looking to reduce their carbon footprint without sacrificing convenience or performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is hydrogen so expensive?
Production
The price of blue hydrogen is dependent on the price of fossil fuels, reformation technology used to create hydrogen, and the cost of carbon capture and long-term storage. The price of green hydrogen depends on the price of renewable energy, electrolysers and water used to create hydrogen.
Are hydrogen cars worth it?
Yes, hydrogen cars are way better than electric cars in terms of zero harmful emissions, quick refueling, and longer driving range. However, hydrogen cars are quite expensive and inefficient with limited infrastructure, and therefore, electric cars are more convenient, reliable, and a better option to consider.
How far will a Toyota Mirai go on a full tank?
Mirai has an EPA-estimated driving range of 312 miles and an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 67 MPGe.
Is hydrogen fuel cheaper than gasoline?
Fueling Costs
While the current price of hydrogen is higher than gasoline, fuel cells are approximately 2.5 times more efficient than gasoline engines. An added bonus is that most fuel cell car manufacturers include three years' worth of free fuel with a vehicle.
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.
How long does it take to fill up a Mirai?
between 3-5 minutes
No plugging, just pumping. Hydrogen-powered vehicles don't need charging like an electric vehicle. You refuel them with hydrogen gas, pumped in the same safe and convenient way you would a conventional petrol or diesel car. Filling up takes the same amount of time too, between 3-5 minutes for a full tank.
What are the disadvantages of the Toyota Mirai?
Disappointing Cargo Capacity. The Toyota Mirai needs more cargo and personal item storage, which could be a significant downside for those who need ample space. The trunk offers a limited capacity of just 9.6 cubic feet, which is relatively small for a car of its size.
What is the biggest problem with hydrogen cars?
Difficult to transport, difficult to handle, and is not available at home. Poor conversion efficiency (see below chart) within the vehicle leading to energy losses and high fuel costs. Higher lifetime costs of FCEVs, almost exclusively due to the higher fuel cost.
How many MPG does a hydrogen car get?
1) What is the mileage like? First, you need to know that hydrogen fuel isn't measured by gallons – it's measured by kilograms. A full tank for a Mirai is approximately five kilograms, and on a full tank, it gets about 66 MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent) of hydrogen gas. 2) How much does it cost to fill up?
How much does it cost to refuel a Toyota Mirai?
The Toyota Mirai Costs $200 To Refill
The Mirai accommodates 5.6 kg of hydrogen in its 142.2-liter tank, meaning you'll have to spend $201.60 to refuel. This is an obscene amount that both fossil fuels and electricity drastically outprice.
