How much power does a Toyota Mirai fuel cell produce?
The Toyota Mirai is a groundbreaking hydrogen fuel cell vehicle that represents the future of eco-friendly transportation. As a car repair expert with years of experience, I often get questions about how fuel cell vehicles work and their performance capabilities. One of the most common inquiries is about the power output of the Toyota Mirai's fuel cell system. Let’s dive into the details.
Understanding the Toyota Mirai's Fuel Cell System
The Toyota Mirai is powered by a hydrogen fuel cell, which generates electricity through a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen. This electricity is then used to power the vehicle's electric motor, providing a smooth and efficient driving experience. Unlike traditional internal combustion engines, the only byproduct of this process is water vapor, making it an environmentally friendly option.
Power Output of the Toyota Mirai
The Toyota Mirai's fuel cell system produces a maximum power output of approximately 182 horsepower (135 kW). This power is sufficient to provide a responsive and enjoyable driving experience, comparable to many conventional gasoline-powered vehicles. The electric motor delivers instant torque, ensuring smooth acceleration and performance.
Key Features of the Toyota Mirai's Powertrain
Here are some notable features of the Toyota Mirai's fuel cell system:
- High Efficiency: The fuel cell system is designed to maximize energy efficiency, converting hydrogen into electricity with minimal energy loss.
- Zero Emissions: The Mirai emits only water vapor, making it a clean alternative to traditional vehicles.
- Quiet Operation: The electric motor operates quietly, providing a serene driving experience.
- Long Range: With a full tank of hydrogen, the Mirai can travel up to 402 miles, depending on driving conditions.
Why Choose a Fuel Cell Vehicle?
Fuel cell vehicles like the Toyota Mirai offer several advantages over traditional gasoline-powered cars and even some electric vehicles:
- Fast Refueling: Refueling a hydrogen tank takes only about 5 minutes, similar to filling up a gas tank.
- Environmental Benefits: With zero emissions, fuel cell vehicles contribute to cleaner air and reduced greenhouse gases.
- Innovative Technology: Driving a fuel cell vehicle means being at the forefront of automotive innovation.
As the automotive industry continues to evolve, vehicles like the Toyota Mirai are paving the way for a more sustainable future. If you have any questions about maintaining or repairing fuel cell vehicles, feel free to reach out to Kevin's Autos for expert advice and service!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the power output of a fuel cell?
The amount of power produced by a fuel cell depends on several factors, including fuel cell type, cell size, temperature at which it operates, and pressure at which the gases are supplied to the cell. A single fuel cell produces less than 1.16 volts—barely enough electricity for even the smallest applications.
What is the MPG of a hydrogen fuel cell?
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.
How many kWh is a Toyota Mirai battery?
The Mirai has a 245V (1.6 kWh) sealed nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) traction rechargeable battery pack, similar to the one used in the Camry hybrid.
Can a hydrogen fuel cell power a home?
You can power your home using hydrogen fuel cell technology. Carbon-free and cost-effective. Clean, reliable power for your home.
How much DC output does a Toyota Mirai have?
The Toyota Mirai is equipped with two power supply units: a DC power source that can supply up to 9kW of power to a home, and an AC power source that can be used like a regular household outlet.
What is a disadvantage of hydrogen fuel cells?
Expensive to manufacture due the high cost of catalysts (platinum) Lack of infrastructure to support the distribution of hydrogen. A lot of the currently available fuel cell technology is in the prototype stage and not yet validated. Hydrogen is expensive to produce and not widely available.
How much power can a hydrogen fuel cell generate?
The membrane allows only protons to pass through and is called a proton exchange membrane, or PEM. In order to work properly the membrane must be kept moist. A typical hydrogen fuel cell produces 0.5 V to 0.8 V per cell. To increase the voltage individual cells can be connected in series.
What limits the power output of a hydrogen engine?
Typically hydrogen engines are designed to use about twice as much air as theoretically required for complete combustion. At this air/fuel ratio, the formation of NO x is reduced to near zero. Unfortunately, this also reduces the power output to about half that of a similarly sized gasoline engine.
How many kWh is a Mirai battery?
The Mirai has a 245V (1.6 kWh) sealed nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) traction rechargeable battery pack, similar to the one used in the Camry hybrid.
What is the power output of the Toyota Mirai fuel cell?
| FC stack | Name | Toyota FC Stack |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum output | 114 kW (155 DIN hp) | |
| Humidification system | Internal circulation (humidifier-less) | |
| Number of tanks | 2 | |
| High-pressure hydrogen tank | Nominal working pressure | 70 MPa (approx. 700 bar) |
