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Is the Toyota Mirai fully hydrogen?

The Toyota Mirai is a hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV), which means it is primarily powered by hydrogen rather than traditional gasoline or diesel. The Mirai is considered a fully hydrogen-powered car, as its primary source of energy comes from the hydrogen stored in its onboard tanks.


What is a Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV)?


An FCEV, like the Toyota Mirai, uses a fuel cell to generate electricity from hydrogen, which then powers an electric motor to drive the wheels. The fuel cell combines hydrogen from the vehicle's storage tanks with oxygen from the air to produce electricity, with water vapor as the only byproduct. This makes FCEVs a zero-emission alternative to traditional internal combustion engine vehicles.


How the Toyota Mirai Works


The Mirai has a hydrogen fuel cell stack that converts the stored hydrogen into electricity to power the electric motor. The only waste product is water, which is expelled from the vehicle as it drives. The Mirai can be refueled at specialized hydrogen fueling stations, similar to how traditional gasoline or diesel vehicles are refueled.


Key Features of the Toyota Mirai



  • Hydrogen Fuel Tanks: The Mirai has two high-pressure hydrogen storage tanks that can hold up to 5.6 kg of hydrogen.

  • Fuel Cell Stack: The fuel cell stack generates electricity from the hydrogen, powering the electric motor and charging the battery.

  • Electric Motor: The electric motor drives the wheels, providing the Mirai's propulsion.

  • Battery: A small lithium-ion battery stores energy and assists the fuel cell during acceleration and high-power demand.


In summary, the Toyota Mirai is considered a fully hydrogen-powered vehicle, as its primary source of energy comes from the hydrogen stored in its onboard tanks, which is then converted into electricity to power the electric motor and drive the vehicle.

Is there a downside to hydrogen cars?


More energy- and labor-intensive to store and transport hydrogen than gasoline or diesel fuel. Fuel cells are expensive to replace. Safety concerns over hydrogen flammability and electrical shock. Maintenance costs remain unclear.



Can you put regular gas in a Toyota Mirai?


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.



How much does it cost to fill up a Mirai with hydrogen?


The Toyota Mirai Costs $200 To Refill
The Mirai accommodates 5.6 kg of hydrogen in its 142.2-liter tank, meaning you'll have to spend $201.60 to refuel. This is an obscene amount that both fossil fuels and electricity drastically outprice.



Is Toyota Mirai electric or hydrogen?


In essence, the Mirai is a “plug-less” electric vehicle. Instead of having to charge a battery in a BEV which can take several hours, the Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) driver simply fills the tank with hydrogen, just as millions of drivers do every day with gas vehicles.



How long does a tank of hydrogen last on a Toyota Mirai?


The system accelerates Mirai from 0 to 97 km/h (0 to 60 mph) in 9.0 seconds and delivers a passing time of 3 seconds from 40 to 64 km/h (25 to 40 mph). The Mirai refueling takes between 3 and 5 minutes, and Toyota expected a total range of 480 km (300 miles) on a full tank.



Why hydrogen cars are not the future?


Why are hydrogen cars not the future? Many drawbacks, such as fewer refueling stations, expensive maintenance, and inefficient fuel cells, can lead you to determine that hydrogen cars will not take over the current market of EVs in the future.



Does Toyota Mirai run on water?


The Mirai, though it's powered by electricity, isn't a traditional EV. Its hydrogen fuel cell relies on the chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen to produce electricity, which it stores in a battery and uses to power an electric motor. The result is a car that drives like most EVs and emits only water.



Is hydrogen cheaper than gas?


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.



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.



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.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.