What gas does Toyota Mirai use?

The Toyota Mirai is a hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV), which means it uses hydrogen gas as its primary fuel source. Unlike traditional gasoline or diesel-powered cars, the Mirai does not rely on an internal combustion engine. Instead, it uses a fuel cell stack to generate electricity from hydrogen, which then powers an electric motor to drive the wheels.

How the Toyota Mirai Works

The Mirai's fuel cell stack is the heart of the vehicle's powertrain. It combines hydrogen gas from the onboard storage tanks with oxygen from the air to produce electricity through an electrochemical reaction. This electricity then powers an electric motor, which propels the car forward. The only byproduct of this process is water, making the Mirai a zero-emission vehicle.

To refuel the Mirai, the driver simply needs to pull up to a hydrogen fueling station and connect the car to the dispenser, much like refueling a traditional gasoline-powered vehicle. The entire refueling process takes about 5 minutes, allowing the Mirai to achieve a driving range of up to 402 miles on a full tank of hydrogen.

Benefits of Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technology

• Zero Emissions: Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles like the Mirai produce no direct emissions, making them a clean and environmentally-friendly transportation option.


• Rapid Refueling: Hydrogen can be refueled much faster than the charging time required for battery-electric vehicles, providing a more convenient refueling experience.


• Long Range: The Mirai's hydrogen fuel cell system allows for a driving range comparable to traditional gasoline-powered vehicles, addressing range anxiety concerns.

While hydrogen fuel cell technology is still relatively new and the infrastructure for hydrogen fueling stations is still developing, the Toyota Mirai represents a promising step towards a more sustainable and emissions-free future for personal transportation.

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. 

What fuel does the Toyota Mirai run on?

The Toyota Mirai runs on hydrogen gas as its fuel. It is a fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) that uses compressed hydrogen to generate electricity, with water as the only emission. The hydrogen is pumped into the vehicle at fueling stations and combines with oxygen from the air in the fuel cell stack to create electricity for the motor.
 

• Fuel type: Compressed hydrogen gas. 
• How it works: Hydrogen is stored in high-pressure tanks and combines with oxygen from the air inside the fuel cell stack to produce electricity. 
• Emissions: The only byproduct is water. 
• Refueling: Refueling is similar to a traditional gasoline car and takes about five minutes, though the hydrogen infrastructure is limited. 

Where do you fill up a hydrogen car?

You fill up a hydrogen car at a hydrogen fueling station, which are often co-located at existing gas stations or found on major highways. You can find station locations using online maps from resources like the U.S. Department of Energy's Alternative Fuels Data Center, the Hydrogen Fuel Cell Partnership (h2fcp.org), or specific apps like PlugShare. 
How to find and use a hydrogen station

• Locate a station: Use online station finders like the Department of Energy's Alternative Fuels Data Center or the Hydrogen Fuel Cell Partnership website to map stations by location or along a route. Automaker apps, such as the one for the Toyota Mirai, can also help, notes Toyota Support. 
• Use the dispenser: The process is similar to filling a gasoline car, but you'll use a different nozzle and hose designed for hydrogen. 
• Pay for fuel: Most public stations accept payment at the point of sale, much like a traditional gas station. 

Current limitations

• Limited availability: Hydrogen fueling stations are still limited in number and are not yet available everywhere. 
• Regional concentration: The network is most developed in specific regions, such as California, but is expanding into more urban areas and along major highways. 
• Reliability concerns: Some stations have experienced issues with reliability and fuel supply, though the infrastructure is growing. 

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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.