How much hydrogen can a Toyota Mirai hold?
Around five kilograms of hydrogen (about 11 pounds) can be stored in a Toyota Mirai, using high‑pressure tanks designed for roughly 700 bar.
The Mirai’s hydrogen storage is built from multiple high‑pressure tanks tucked under the floor and behind the rear seats. The exact capacity has remained near five kilograms across generations, with small variations that can affect an individual vehicle’s range depending on trim, market, and tank configuration.
Hydrogen storage capacity by generation
Below is a concise look at typical hydrogen tank capacity across the Mirai’s generations. Note that actual figures can vary by market and model year.
- Gen 1 (2015–2020): approximately 5.0 kilograms of hydrogen stored in three high‑pressure tanks.
- Gen 2 and later (2021–present): approximately 5.0–5.6 kilograms of hydrogen, depending on tank configuration and regional specifications.
Across generations, the storage capacity has been designed to balance trunk space, safety, and range, with the 5‑kilogram class remaining the standard target for most models.
Tank design and pressure
All Mirai hydrogen tanks operate at high pressure, typically around 700 bar (about 10,000 psi). The three-tank layout is designed to maximize usable volume while preserving cabin and cargo space, with safety features to manage leaks and impacts.
The tanks are built with multiple protective layers and are integrated with the vehicle’s fuel‑cell system to convert hydrogen into electricity for the electric motor(s).
Pressure and safety features
Each Mirai tank includes composite materials, sensors, rupture protection, and automatic shutoff mechanisms. The system continuously monitors pressure and hydrogen integrity, with safety protocols that activate if anomalies are detected.
Range and fuel economy
The Mirai’s driving range depends on generation, driving conditions, and temperature. Early models (Gen 1) were EPA-rated around 312 miles on a full tank, while newer second‑generation variants have been rated closer to 400 miles under certain conditions. Real‑world range typically varies with climate control use, terrain, and driving style.
Hydrogen refill times at public stations are typically about 3–5 minutes, depending on station hardware and pressure settings, making the refueling experience more comparable to gasoline vehicles than to battery electric vehicles in terms of downtime.
Summary
The Toyota Mirai stores about five kilograms of hydrogen in its high‑pressure tank system, with a typical range that has evolved from roughly 312 miles in earlier models to around 400 miles in newer versions. The exact capacity—generally listed as 5.0 kg, with some variants capable of up to about 5.6 kg—depends on model year, market, and tank configuration. This setup enables rapid refueling and a practical driving range for daily use and longer trips, provided hydrogen infrastructure is available.
How much hydrogen fuel does a Toyota Mirai hold?
The Toyota Mirai has a total internal volume of about 122.4122.4122.4 liters, which holds approximately 5.65.65.6 kg of hydrogen, according to Toyota Global Newsroom and Toyota UK Magazine. The hydrogen is stored in two carbon-fiber-reinforced tanks with a combined volume of 122.4122.4122.4 liters, composed of a front tank (606060 liters) and a rear tank (62.462.462.4 liters).
- Total internal volume: 122.4122.4122.4 liters
- Hydrogen storage capacity: Approximately 5.65.65.6 kg (for the newer models), which is a bit more than the 5.05.05.0 kg in the earlier models
- Tank material: Carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic
- Storage pressure: 707070 MPa (about 10,00010 comma 00010,000 psi)
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.
Why is Mirai so cheap?
The Toyota Mirai is cheap because its low resale value is driven by a severely limited hydrogen refueling infrastructure, making it impractical for most people, and high hydrogen fuel costs. Additional factors include faster-than-average depreciation due to rapidly evolving technology and a niche market, along with government incentives that lower the initial price but may affect long-term investment potential.
Key factors contributing to low prices
- Limited hydrogen infrastructure: The U.S. has very few hydrogen fueling stations, with most located in California, and these stations frequently have operational issues, leading to shortages and an unreliable supply.
- High fuel costs: Even where stations are available, the cost of hydrogen is high, making the total cost of ownership expensive and offsetting potential savings, notes this YouTube video.
- Rapid depreciation: As a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle in a niche market, the Mirai has a very high depreciation rate. Early models have lost a significant percentage of their value, often exceeding 80% within five years.
- Market saturation: Many used Mirais are lease returns, creating an oversupply in the used market that drives prices down further.
- Government incentives: Incentives, such as free hydrogen fuel for several years, can lower the initial purchase price, but the value of these incentives can decrease over time as fuel prices increase, making the car less appealing for future owners, says Top Speed.
- Concerns about maintenance and reliability: Potential owners are often deterred by concerns about long-term reliability and high repair costs associated with hydrogen fuel cell technology.
How much does it cost to fill up a Mirai with hydrogen?
The cost to refuel a Toyota Mirai is approximately $200, based on the current average price of about $36 per kilogram and the Mirai's 5.6 kg tank capacity. However, Toyota includes a $15,000 fuel card, which covers complimentary fuel for up to six years for new purchases and three years for leases. After the complimentary period, out-of-pocket refueling costs can be substantial and are subject to significant price fluctuations.
Cost breakdown
- Price per kilogram: Approximately $36/kg
- Tank capacity: 5.6 kg
- Cost per fill-up: Approximately $201.60 ($36 x 5.6 kg)
- Cost per mile: Around $0.50 per mile, based on the ~$200 refill and an estimated 400 miles of range.
Complimentary fuel
- New purchase: The purchase of a new Mirai includes up to $15,000 or six years (whichever comes first) of complimentary hydrogen fuel.
- Lease: The lease of a new Mirai includes up to $15,000 or three years (whichever comes first) of complimentary hydrogen fuel.
- Note: The $15,000 credit is based on an estimated 30,000 miles of driving, even at high price points.
Cost comparison to other vehicles
- EV: It is significantly cheaper to charge a comparable electric vehicle, with estimates suggesting it costs about 14 times less per mile than refueling a Mirai with hydrogen in California.
- Gasoline: Even compared to a gasoline car, the cost of hydrogen refueling is much higher. For example, fueling a Toyota Corolla Hybrid costs about one-sixth the price per mile of a Mirai.
Factors to consider
- The cost of hydrogen fuel can fluctuate significantly, and a shortage of stations and supply issues can impact availability and price.
- The complimentary fuel card is a major benefit for new buyers, but the cost after the card is used can be a significant factor in the total cost of ownership.
