How much is full tank of hydrogen for Mirai?
A full Mirai hydrogen tank stores about 5 kilograms of hydrogen, typically enabling roughly 350–400 miles of driving. Filling costs today vary by station and region, but in many U.S. markets you can expect about $75–$125 for a full tank at current hydrogen prices (generally around $15–$25 per kilogram). The exact figures depend on the model year, station, and driving conditions.
In this article, we break down the Mirai’s hydrogen storage capacity, how pricing works, and what drivers should expect in real-world use.
Hydrogen storage capacity in the Mirai
The Mirai’s energy storage system relies on three high‑pressure 700‑bar hydrogen tanks with a total capacity of roughly 5.0 kilograms of hydrogen. The arrangement is designed to maximize safety and space efficiency while delivering a practical driving range.
Key numbers you should know about the Mirai’s storage are summarized below.
- Total hydrogen capacity: about 5.0 kilograms (roughly 11 pounds)
- Tank arrangement: three 700‑bar pressure tanks
- Estimated driving range on a full tank: around 350–400 miles under typical conditions
Before exploring the figures, here are the essential capacity and configuration details:
Actual range varies with driving style, outside temperature, terrain, and climate-control use. Model year and trim can also influence efficiency.
Cost to fill a full tank
Prices to fill hydrogen depend on local market prices and the station you use. The figures below reflect typical U.S. pricing in 2024–2025 and can differ by region.
The following factors affect the price you pay to fill a Mirai’s tank:
- Hydrogen price per kilogram at the fueling site (roughly $15–$25/kg in many markets)
- Total tank capacity being filled (Mirai is around 5.0 kg)
- Any station-specific fees or taxes that might apply
In practical terms, a full fill commonly lands in the $75–$125 range, depending on the station’s posted price. Always check the current price at your local hydrogen station for the exact cost.
Driving range and efficiency considerations
The Mirai’s stated range on a full tank—roughly 350–400 miles—depends on several variables beyond the tank’s nominal capacity. Driving behavior, weather (especially temperature), use of climate control, and road grade all influence how far the car can go on a full fill.
Manufacturers also note that real-world range can shift with different model years and updates, but the general expectation remains around several hundred miles per full tank under typical conditions.
Summary
So, a full tank of hydrogen for the Toyota Mirai holds about 5 kilograms of hydrogen, enough for roughly 350–400 miles of driving, depending on conditions. The cost to fill varies by station and region but commonly falls in the $75–$125 range, with the price per kilogram typically between $15 and $25 in the United States as of 2024–2025. For the most accurate numbers, check your vehicle’s specifications for your model year and verify current prices at nearby hydrogen fueling stations.
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)
How much does hydrogen fuel cost in California?
The cost of hydrogen fuel in California is high, with recent average retail prices around $32 to $35 per kilogram. For comparison, the price was significantly lower in previous years, around $16 per kilogram. This high cost is partly due to fuel shortages and high demand, and it contributes to hydrogen cars having higher per-mile fuel costs than gasoline and battery electric vehicles.
Factors influencing the high cost
- Supply and demand: Recent fuel shortages and the limited number of refueling stations have driven prices up significantly.
- High retail prices: Average retail prices have reached record highs, exceeding $30/kg, making it more expensive than the average price per mile for gasoline.
- Cost to fill up: A standard hydrogen car with a 5.6kg tank could cost about $193 at a station with an average price of $34.55/kg.
- High operational costs: The energy-intensive nature of producing, compressing, and transporting hydrogen contributes to higher overall costs.
Potential for lower costs
- Lowering the cost: Some stations that opened in late 2019 offered lower prices (around $13.11/kg) due to larger capacity and higher utilization.
- Government incentives: California's government has offered grants and other incentives that have historically helped lower costs for consumers.
- Future projections: The U.S. Department of Energy has set a target of $7/kg for heavy-duty vehicles by 2028, but it remains to be seen if this will be achieved.
How it compares to other options
- Per-mile cost: With a price of around $33/kg and an average fuel economy of 60 miles per kg (MPK), the cost per mile for hydrogen fuel is around $0.55. This is more than double the cost per mile for a gasoline car and significantly higher than for a battery electric vehicle (BEV).
- Vehicle availability: Toyota has introduced significant discounts on its Mirai model to address high costs, including up to $15,000 in free fuel.
It's important to note that the cost of hydrogen fuel is a significant factor that can affect its adoption and use in California. While prices remain high, ongoing efforts may lead to more affordable options in the future.
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.
