Is the Toyota Mirai hydrogen safe?

Yes. The Mirai is designed with multiple safety layers to manage hydrogen safely, including reinforced high‑pressure tanks, leak-detection systems, automatic shutoffs, and crash-tested protection. Hydrogen’s properties mean leaks dissipate quickly when containment is proper and regulated.

Hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles like the Mirai convert hydrogen into electricity aboard the car to power an electric motor, rather than burning fuel in an engine. This design presents distinct safety considerations—primarily around high-pressure storage and gas leaks—yet it has been developed to meet stringent automotive safety standards and industry guidelines. This article reviews how the Mirai stores hydrogen, the safety features in place, regulatory context, and practical considerations for owners and prospective buyers.

How the Mirai stores and uses hydrogen

The Mirai relies on high-pressure hydrogen storage and a fuel-cell system to generate electricity for propulsion. In normal operation there is no combustion inside the engine bay; instead, hydrogen reacts with oxygen in the fuel cell stack to create electricity, with water as a byproduct. The hydrogen is kept under intense pressure in robust tanks located under the vehicle for balance and crash protection.

Hydrogen storage and safety design

The Mirai stores hydrogen in multiple high-pressure tanks that are designed to withstand severe temperature and impact conditions. These tanks use carbon-fiber composite shells with protective outer casings and are positioned to maximize protection during a crash. The system includes automatic controls to shut off hydrogen flow if a leak is detected, and an onboard venting mechanism to release any hydrogen gas safely away from the passenger cabin if necessary. In addition, the fuel-cell stack and related components are engineered with containment and isolation features to limit risk in the event of an incident.

Key safety features guard the Mirai’s hydrogen system:

• High‑pressure storage tanks designed to withstand severe crashes and environmental stress, with protective housing.


• Redundant safety valves and an automatic shut‑off valve to block hydrogen flow when a leak is detected.


• Hydrogen leak sensors throughout the vehicle and a venting system to direct released gas away from people and ignition sources.


• Strategic tank placement and reinforced underbody protection to shield storage from impact and heat.


• Isolating valves and safeguards for the fuel-cell stack to minimize risk in abnormal conditions.


• Onboard diagnostics that monitor pressure, temperature, and system integrity, and alert the driver or service network if action is needed.

These elements collectively address the unique safety challenges of containing and handling high‑pressure hydrogen in a passenger car, complementing the Mirai’s other safety systems like airbags and active driver-assistance features.

Regulatory and independent assessments

Hydrogen vehicles, including the Mirai, are subject to the same general motor-vehicle safety standards as gasoline-powered cars, with additional codes and guidelines tailored to hydrogen storage and fueling. Regulators and industry groups emphasize crash testing, leak prevention, and safe venting as core requirements. Toyota has publicly described the Mirai as meeting applicable safety standards for its markets, and the vehicle has undergone standard federal and international safety evaluations as part of its certification process.

• Compliance with applicable national and international vehicle safety standards (the U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards and equivalent regulations elsewhere) for overall crashworthiness and occupant protection.


• Standards and codes related to hydrogen storage, piping, and fuel systems—often informed by bodies such as NFPA, ISO, SAE, and other regional regulators—to address leaks, ignition risk, and safe operation.


• Guidelines for fueling infrastructure and vehicle integration that emphasize proper venting, leak detection, and remote monitoring where applicable.


• Independent safety analyses and industry oversight that compare hydrogen vehicles’ risk profiles to those of conventional vehicles, generally noting similar or lower risk when designed to standard automotive safety practices.

Across markets, the consensus from manufacturers and safety authorities is that hydrogen vehicles like the Mirai can operate safely within the framework of established safety standards and best practices. As with any vehicle, proper maintenance, servicing by authorized technicians, and following fueling and storage guidelines are essential to sustaining safety over the vehicle’s life.

Practical considerations for owners and buyers

If you’re considering a Mirai or another hydrogen‑fueling vehicle, here are safety-oriented considerations to keep in mind:

• Fueling safety and availability: Hydrogen fueling requires dedicated stations with appropriate safety provisions. Availability varies by region, though networks are expanding in many markets with standardized refueling procedures and safety protocols.


• Refueling time: Refueling a Mirai with hydrogen typically takes only a few minutes, similar in experience to refueling a conventional gasoline vehicle at a compatible station.


• Maintenance and inspections: High‑pressure storage tanks and fuel‑cell systems require periodic inspection and service by qualified technicians to ensure integrity and performance.


• Home and garage safety: If you refuel at home or in a private garage where permitted, install proper ventilation and follow local codes and fire-safety guidelines. Read manufacturer recommendations for storage and handling of hydrogen equipment.


• Warranty and lifecycle: The Mirai’s hydrogen tanks and fuel-cell system are designed for long-term use with manufacturer-backed warranties and service programs; discuss coverage specifics with a Toyota dealer when considering purchase or leasing.

In practice, the Mirai’s safety comes from a combination of robust hardware, rigorous testing, and clear regulatory and industry standards. Prospective buyers should verify station availability in their area, understand the local support network, and review the vehicle’s warranty and service options to ensure continued safety throughout ownership.

Summary

The Toyota Mirai is designed to be safe through its high‑pressure hydrogen storage, leak detection, automatic shut-off mechanisms, crash protection, and conformity with national and international safety standards. While hydrogen adds unique safety considerations compared with conventional fuels, the Mirai’s architecture reflects industry best practices intended to minimize leaks, manage heat and pressure, and protect occupants. As hydrogen infrastructure grows and safety codes evolve, the Mirai remains a demonstration of how modern automotive design addresses the realities of hydrogen as a clean-energy carrier—emphasizing prevention, containment, and rapid response in the rare event of a fault.

Is the Toyota hydrogen car safe?

It's as safe as any other Toyota vehicle. The fact that it is powered by hydrogen has absolutely no effect on its inherent safety.

What is the lawsuit against Toyota Mirai?

Toyota faces legal action over lack of hydrogen fuel infrastructure. California Mirai owners filed a class-action lawsuit against Toyota seeking $5.7 billion in damages. Plaintiffs allege Toyota concealed reliability issues and misrepresented hydrogen infrastructure.

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 there anything wrong with Toyota Mirai?

Suffice it to say that station reliability was the biggest pain point in our time with the Mirai. For the first few months, we found that if one station went down, cars would flock to nearby stations, and they in turn would run out of fuel or drop from the strain of constant use.