What are the disadvantages of the Toyota Mirai?
The Toyota Mirai is a hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) that has gained attention as a promising alternative to traditional gasoline-powered cars. However, the Mirai also has several notable disadvantages that potential buyers should consider.
Limited Hydrogen Fueling Infrastructure
One of the primary drawbacks of the Toyota Mirai is the limited availability of hydrogen fueling stations. Hydrogen fueling infrastructure is still in the early stages of development, with only a few hundred stations currently operational worldwide, mostly concentrated in California. This lack of fueling options can make it challenging for Mirai owners to conveniently refuel their vehicles, limiting the car's practicality and usability.
High Upfront Cost
The Toyota Mirai has a significantly higher upfront cost compared to traditional gasoline-powered vehicles. The base model of the Mirai starts at around $50,000 in the United States, which is substantially more expensive than many popular mid-size sedans. While government incentives and tax credits can help offset the initial cost, the Mirai's high price tag may be a deterrent for some consumers.
Limited Driving Range
The Toyota Mirai has a limited driving range of around 300 miles on a full tank of hydrogen. This range is lower than many battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) and some traditional gasoline-powered cars. The limited range can be a concern for drivers who regularly undertake long-distance trips or live in areas with sparse hydrogen fueling infrastructure.
Maintenance and Repair Costs
Maintaining and repairing a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle like the Mirai can be more expensive than a traditional gasoline-powered car. The specialized components and technology used in the Mirai may require specialized knowledge and equipment, leading to higher maintenance and repair costs. This can be a significant factor for consumers considering the long-term ownership costs of the vehicle.
Conclusion
While the Toyota Mirai represents an innovative approach to sustainable transportation, it also has several notable disadvantages that potential buyers should carefully consider. The limited hydrogen fueling infrastructure, high upfront cost, limited driving range, and potentially higher maintenance and repair costs are all factors that may make the Mirai less appealing to some consumers. As hydrogen technology and infrastructure continue to evolve, these disadvantages may be addressed, but for now, they remain important considerations for anyone interested in purchasing a Toyota Mirai.
How long does a Toyota Mirai tank last?
The Mirai refueling takes between 3 and 5 minutes, and Toyota expected a total range of 480 km (300 miles) on a full tank.
What are the problems with Toyota Mirai hydrogen?
However, Mirai owners report frequent difficulties in finding compatible refueling stations, often requiring long drives and facing equipment malfunctions or fuel card issues that can leave them stranded. These problems, they argue, render the car practically "unusable" for everyday driving.
What is the lawsuit against Toyota Mirai?
The Toyota Mirai lawsuit looks to cover all California taxpayers from 2011 “or as soon as Toyota began to receive benefits from the State of California for hydrogen” while not producing clean hydrogen and “blocking clean hydrogen paid for by taxpayers from entering the market.”
Is Toyota Mirai a flop?
The hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle was never a strong seller, but that didn't stop the company from investing in the technology. Two years later, though, Toyota is singing a different tune. The Mirai has not been successful, with the company deciding to develop the technology for commercial vehicles.
Are Toyota Mirai reliable to buy?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2024 Toyota Mirai is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2024 Mirai and gave it a 7.2 out of 10. Our consumer reviews show that the 2024 Mirai gets an average rating of 3 stars out of 5 (based on 24 reviews).
What are two dangers of hydrogen cars?
Hydrogen vehicle hazards
Potential hazards are due to fire, explosion of toxicity. The latter can be ignored since neither Page 4 hydrogen nor its fumes in case of fire are toxic. Hydrogen as a source of fire or explosion may come from the fuel storage, from the fuel supply lines or from the fuel cell.
