What are the disadvantages of Toyota Mirai?
The Toyota Mirai is a hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) that has been touted 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 its early stages, with only a few hundred stations currently operational worldwide. This makes it challenging for Mirai owners to reliably refuel their vehicles, especially when traveling long distances.
High Upfront Cost
The Toyota Mirai has a significantly higher upfront cost compared to traditional gasoline-powered vehicles or even other electric vehicles. The base model Mirai starts at around $50,000 in the United States, which is well above the average price of a new car. This high cost can be a significant barrier for many consumers, especially those on a tight budget.
Limited Driving Range
While the Toyota Mirai has a longer driving range than some battery-electric vehicles, it still falls short of the range offered by many gasoline-powered cars. The Mirai has an EPA-estimated range of around 402 miles on a full tank of hydrogen. This range can be further reduced by factors such as driving conditions, weather, and the use of climate control systems.
Maintenance and Repair Challenges
Maintaining and repairing a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle like the Toyota Mirai can be more complex and expensive than a traditional gasoline-powered car. The specialized components and technology used in the Mirai may require specialized knowledge and equipment, which can be difficult to find at many automotive repair shops. This can lead to higher maintenance and repair costs for Mirai owners.
Environmental Concerns
While the Toyota Mirai is considered a "zero-emission" vehicle, the production and distribution of hydrogen fuel can have significant environmental impacts. The most common method of producing hydrogen is through a process called steam methane reforming, which involves the use of natural gas and can result in greenhouse gas emissions. This raises questions about the overall environmental benefits of the Mirai compared to other electric or hybrid vehicles.
In conclusion, the Toyota Mirai offers some potential advantages, but it also has several notable disadvantages that potential buyers should carefully consider before making a purchase decision.
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 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.
How long do hydrogen engines last?
LONG ANSWER
The automakers also provide warranties for all key fuel cell components, including the fuel cell stack, compressor, hydrogen Page 16 tanks, battery packs, and fueling control units. The fuel cell stacks are designed to last the lifetime of the vehicle, about 150,000–200,000 miles.
What is the controversy with Toyota Mirai?
The lawsuit alleges Toyota misled prospective buyers by claiming that "hydrogen fuel is available and that refueling the Mirai is seamless," comparing it to the ease of refueling a gasoline vehicle.
What is the most common problem with the Toyota Mirai?
Mirai owners and lessees report frequent struggles finding compatible refueling stations, often requiring long drives. Even reaching a station doesn't guarantee success, as issues with broken equipment or incompatible fuel cards can leave them stranded.
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.
What kind of maintenance does a Mirai need?
The Mirai has regular 5,000-mile maintenance intervals just like a traditional vehicle; however, since there is no oil to change, most maintenance intervals are composed of inspections to help ensure your Mirai is staying in top condition.
What is the Toyota Mirai lawsuit?
Toyota wastes millions of dollars and pollutes the environment with its hydrogen-fueled Mirai vehicle, a new class action lawsuit alleges. A group of consumers from California claim Toyota “spins a web of lies” about the Mirai while exerting “unprecedented nefarious control over Californians.”
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 is the life expectancy of a Toyota Mirai?
approximately 150,000 to 200,000 miles
With that said, this means that the Toyota Mirai is expected to have a lifespan of approximately 150,000 to 200,000 miles. This estimation is based on the durability of the fuel cell stacks and Toyota's reputation for making reliable, long-lasting vehicles.
