Is Toyota Mirai electric or hybrid?
The Toyota Mirai is a hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV), not a hybrid. It runs on hydrogen gas and produces electricity through a fuel cell, which then powers an electric motor to drive the wheels. Unlike traditional hybrid vehicles that combine a gasoline engine with an electric motor, the Mirai is a pure electric vehicle that uses hydrogen as its energy source.
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 vehicle. This process produces no direct emissions, making the Mirai a zero-emission vehicle.
How Does the Toyota Mirai Work?
The Mirai's fuel cell system works as follows:
- Hydrogen gas is stored in high-pressure tanks on the vehicle.
- The hydrogen passes through the fuel cell stack, where it reacts with oxygen to produce electricity.
- The electricity generated powers an electric motor that drives the wheels.
- The only byproduct of this process is water vapor, which is emitted from the vehicle.
Unlike traditional hybrid vehicles that use both a gasoline engine and an electric motor, the Mirai is a pure electric vehicle that relies solely on its hydrogen fuel cell system for power.
Benefits of the Toyota Mirai
The key benefits of the Toyota Mirai include:
- Zero Emissions: The Mirai produces no direct emissions, making it an environmentally-friendly option.
- Refueling Speed: Hydrogen refueling takes only a few minutes, similar to refueling a traditional gasoline vehicle.
- Long Range: The Mirai has an EPA-estimated range of up to 402 miles on a full tank of hydrogen.
While hydrogen fuel cell vehicles like the Mirai are still a relatively new technology, they offer a promising alternative to traditional gasoline and hybrid vehicles for those seeking a zero-emission driving experience.
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.
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.
Is hydrogen fuel better than electric?
Electric is more efficient and has way better existing infrastructure but hydrogen has way higher energy density.
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.
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.
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.
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 fuel does the Toyota Mirai run on?
hydrogen
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 much is the Toyota Mirai hybrid?
The price of the 2025 Toyota Mirai is expected to start around $52,000 and go up to $69,000 depending on the trim and options.
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.
