Is the Toyota Mirai fully electric?
The Toyota Mirai is not a fully electric vehicle, but rather a hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV). It uses hydrogen gas to generate electricity, which then powers the electric motor and drives the wheels. Unlike a battery-electric vehicle (BEV) that stores energy in a large battery pack, the Mirai generates electricity on-the-go through a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen.
What is the Toyota Mirai?
The Toyota Mirai is a mid-size sedan that was first introduced in 2014. It is one of the first mass-produced hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles available to consumers. The Mirai uses a fuel cell stack to convert hydrogen gas into electricity, which then powers an electric motor to drive the wheels. This process produces no direct emissions, making the Mirai a zero-emission vehicle.
How Does the Toyota Mirai Work?
The Mirai's fuel cell stack is the heart of the vehicle's powertrain. It contains a membrane that allows positively charged hydrogen ions to pass through, while trapping the negatively charged electrons. These electrons are then used to power an electric motor that drives the wheels. The only byproduct of this process is water, which is expelled from the vehicle's tailpipe.
The Mirai stores hydrogen gas in high-pressure tanks, typically at around 10,000 psi. When the driver presses the accelerator, the hydrogen flows into the fuel cell stack, where it reacts with oxygen from the air to generate electricity. This electricity is then used to power the electric motor and charge a small battery pack, which provides additional power during acceleration and hill climbing.
Advantages and Disadvantages of the Toyota Mirai
The main advantage of the Mirai is its zero-emission operation and the ability to refuel quickly, similar to a traditional gasoline-powered vehicle. However, the Mirai also has some drawbacks:
- Limited Hydrogen Fueling Infrastructure: Hydrogen fueling stations are still relatively scarce, especially outside of California, which limits the Mirai's practical range and usability.
- Higher Upfront Cost: The Mirai is more expensive to purchase than a comparable battery-electric vehicle, due to the complex fuel cell technology and hydrogen storage system.
- Lower Efficiency: Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles are generally less efficient than battery-electric vehicles, as the fuel cell conversion process has some energy losses.
Overall, the Toyota Mirai represents an alternative approach to zero-emission transportation, but its success will depend on the continued development of hydrogen fueling infrastructure and cost reductions in fuel cell technology.
How long does it take to charge the Toyota Mirai?
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.
How many miles can a Toyota Mirai go on a full tank?
When fully fueled with hydrogen, the 2024 Mirai XLE has an impressive estimated all-electric driving range of up to 402-miles * and the 2024 Mirai Limited has an estimated all-electric driving range of up to 357-miles.
How far will a Toyota Mirai go on a full tank?
Range, Charging, and Battery Life
Toyota claims that the XLE model is good for 402 miles per fill-up of hydrogen. Going with the Limited model drops that estimate to 357 miles.
Is hydrogen 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 Toyota Mirai run on gas?
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.
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?
Hydrogen-powered cars have a chance in the European, American and Asian markets – but much depends on the volume of production and the approach to their use. The biggest problem seems to be the energy cost of producing this raw material. Another important issue is transport.
What is the downside of hydrogen cars?
Quite expensive: Hydrogen-powered cars are not cheap, and the refueling charge differs considerably among different countries. Production challenges: When it comes to the production of hydrogen, it can be energy-intensive and may rely on various non-renewable sources.
Where do you fill hydrogen cars?
Most hydrogen fueling stations are located at existing gas stations, using dispensers that look very similar, but have a different nozzle and hose. California has more than 60 hydrogen stations, with additional stations in development.
How much does it cost to refill a Toyota Mirai?
The Toyota Mirai Costs $200 To Refill
True Zero is currently the lead hydrogen supplier in California, and currently charges $36 for a kilogram. The Mirai accommodates 5.6 kg of hydrogen in its 142.2-liter tank, meaning you'll have to spend $201.60 to refuel.
