What fuel cell does Toyota Mirai use?
The Toyota Mirai uses a Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cell stack as the core of its hydrogen propulsion system, converting hydrogen into electricity to drive the electric motor with water vapor as the only emission.
What PEM fuel cells are and why they suit the Mirai
PEM stands for proton exchange membrane. These fuel cells use a solid polymer electrolyte to conduct protons from the anode to the cathode while hydrogen and air react to produce electricity, heat, and water. They operate at relatively low temperatures, respond quickly to changing power demands, and are well-suited for automotive use. In the Mirai, the PEM stack is integrated into Toyota’s Fuel Cell System (TFCS) to provide primary propulsion energy in tandem with energy management hardware.
The Toyota Fuel Cell System in the Mirai
These are the principal hardware elements that power the Mirai’s hydrogen-to-electric energy conversion and drive system.
Here are the core components that make up the Mirai's fuel-cell system and drive hardware:
- Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cell stack — the energy-generating core that converts hydrogen into electricity
- Hydrogen storage system — high-pressure tanks typically mounted in the rear, pressurized to around 700 bar
- Power electronics and high-voltage battery — manage the flow of energy between the fuel cell, battery, and electric motor for smooth power delivery
- Electric drive motor — converts electrical energy into torque to propel the vehicle
- Thermal management system — maintains optimal temperatures for the stack and related components
Together, these parts enable the Mirai to operate as a hydrogen-powered electric vehicle with water vapor as the sole tailpipe emission.
Hydrogen storage and fueling basics
The Mirai stores hydrogen in high-pressure tanks designed to safeguard safety and maximize range. Fueling is performed at hydrogen refueling stations, with typical fill times of just a few minutes, comparable to refueling a gasoline vehicle. Depending on the model year and market, the Mirai’s effective range on a full fill can vary, but the system is designed to offer hundreds of miles per tank and quick replenishment compared with battery electric vehicles in some conditions.
Performance and practical considerations
The PEM-based fuel cell system delivers electrical power to the vehicle’s motor, providing smooth, quiet acceleration and regenerative capabilities through the vehicle’s control systems. Toyota has iterated the Mirai across generations to improve efficiency, range, and cold-weather operation, while maintaining the core PEM technology that defines its hydrogen propulsion.
Summary
The Toyota Mirai is powered by a Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cell stack integrated into Toyota’s Fuel Cell System. This technology uses hydrogen from high-pressure storage to generate electricity for the electric drivetrain, with water vapor as the only significant emission. The system combines the PEM stack with energy storage, power electronics, and a high-pressure hydrogen tank to deliver a practical, fast-refueling hydrogen vehicle.
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 big are the fuel cells in the Toyota Mirai?
Each stack comprises 370 (single-line stacking) cells, with a cell thickness of 1.34mm (0.05 in) and weight of 102 grams (3.6 oz). The compact Mirai FC stack generates about 160 times more power than the residential fuel cells on sale in Japan.
What type of fuel cell is Toyota using?
Toyota fuel cells use PEM (Proton Exchange Membrane) technology. A proton exchange membrane fuel cell transforms the chemical energy liberated during the electrochemical reaction of hydrogen and oxygen to electrical energy. It produces no emissions, except water.
What fuel does Toyota Mirai use?
The Toyota Mirai uses liquid hydrogen as its fuel, which is stored in high-pressure tanks onboard the vehicle. It is a fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV), meaning the hydrogen is converted into electricity to power the car, with the only emission being water.
- Fuel source: The Mirai's power comes from a fuel cell system that uses hydrogen to generate electricity.
- Storage: The hydrogen is stored in two high-pressure tanks within the vehicle.
- Process: Oxygen from the air combines with the hydrogen in the fuel cell, producing electricity, water, and heat.
- Emissions: The vehicle's only byproduct is water, making it a zero-emission vehicle during operation.
