How much is a full tank of hydrogen for a Toyota Mirai?

The cost of a full tank of hydrogen for a Toyota Mirai, a popular hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle, can vary depending on several factors. On average, a full tank of hydrogen for the Mirai costs between $40 to $80 in the United States.

Understanding the Hydrogen Fueling Process for the Toyota Mirai

The Toyota Mirai is a hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle, which means it uses hydrogen gas to generate electricity that powers the car's electric motor. Unlike traditional gasoline-powered vehicles, the Mirai does not have a gasoline tank. Instead, it has two high-pressure hydrogen tanks that store the fuel needed to power the vehicle.

To refuel the Mirai, drivers must visit a dedicated hydrogen fueling station. These stations use specialized equipment to compress hydrogen gas and dispense it into the vehicle's tanks. The fueling process is similar to refueling a traditional gasoline-powered car, but the hydrogen is stored at a much higher pressure, typically around 10,000 pounds per square inch (psi).

Factors Affecting the Cost of Hydrogen Fuel for the Toyota Mirai

The cost of a full tank of hydrogen for the Toyota Mirai can vary based on several factors, including:

• Location: The price of hydrogen can vary significantly depending on the region and the availability of hydrogen fueling stations. Prices tend to be higher in areas with fewer stations.


• Fuel Efficiency: The Mirai's fuel efficiency, measured in miles per kilogram of hydrogen, can also impact the overall cost of fueling. Vehicles with higher fuel efficiency will require less hydrogen to travel the same distance, resulting in lower fuel costs.


• Hydrogen Production Method: The method used to produce the hydrogen fuel can also affect the price. Hydrogen produced from renewable sources, such as solar or wind power, may be more expensive than hydrogen produced from natural gas.


• Taxes and Fees: Some states and municipalities may impose additional taxes or fees on hydrogen fuel, which can increase the overall cost.

It's important to note that the cost of hydrogen fuel for the Toyota Mirai is generally lower than the cost of gasoline for a traditional internal combustion engine vehicle, making the Mirai a more cost-effective option for drivers who have access to hydrogen fueling stations.

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. 

Is hydrogen fuel cheaper than gasoline?

No, hydrogen fuel is currently more expensive than gasoline on a per-unit-of-energy basis, although its cost per mile can be comparable due to the higher fuel efficiency of hydrogen vehicles. However, the high cost of hydrogen is a major barrier to adoption, with current retail prices being significantly higher than gasoline prices in most markets. Future cost reductions are predicted as production scales up, but significant challenges remain in infrastructure and production costs.
 
Current cost comparison

• Higher per-unit cost: A kilogram of hydrogen costs significantly more than a gallon of gasoline, which is reflected in the higher price per unit of energy. 
• Comparable cost per mile: Despite the higher per-unit cost, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) are about 2.5 times more efficient than gasoline engines, making the cost per mile potentially similar to that of gasoline cars. 
• Market challenges: The current high cost of hydrogen is due to production and infrastructure challenges, including a lack of price transparency and a lack of market competition. 

Future outlook

• Predicted cost reduction: Proponents believe that as production volumes increase, the cost of hydrogen will decrease, making it more competitive with gasoline.
• Government and industry efforts: The U.S. Department of Energy and other organizations are working to reduce the cost of hydrogen fuel through initiatives like the Earthshots program.
• Potential to be competitive: With advancements in technology and increased economies of scale, it is possible that hydrogen fuel could become cost-competitive with gasoline in the future. 

Key factors to consider

• Efficiency: The higher efficiency of FCVs is a key factor in making them cost-competitive with gasoline vehicles on a per-mile basis. 
• Infrastructure: The limited availability of hydrogen fueling stations is a major challenge to adoption, and building out this infrastructure will be a significant undertaking. 
• Production cost: The cost of producing hydrogen is currently high, but experts believe that it could decrease significantly in the coming years as production scales up. 

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 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)