What is the name of Toyota hydrogen car?
Hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles are a niche but growing area of zero-emission mobility. Toyota has pursued a flagship hydrogen car as part of its broader sustainability strategy.
The hydrogen-powered Toyota sedan is named Mirai.
In this article, we explain the origin of the name, what the car does, and how Mirai fits into Toyota's plans and the broader hydrogen ecosystem.
Origins and meaning of the name Mirai
Mirai is a Japanese word that translates to "future." Toyota chose this name to emphasize its belief that hydrogen fuel-cell technology could play a central role in clean transportation. The name has been associated with Toyota's hydrogen program since the first-generation Mirai debuted in the mid-2010s and has carried into the current generation.
Below are key facts that help situate the name within Toyota’s lineup and the technology it represents.
- Mirai is Toyota’s signature hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle for passenger use.
- The name signals a forward-looking approach to zero-emission mobility.
- “Mirai” branding has continued across model updates and market introductions in select regions.
- It stands alongside Toyota’s broader electrification efforts, including battery-electric and hybrid technologies.
- Hydrogen cars like Mirai rely on a fuel-cell stack to generate electricity from hydrogen and oxygen, with water vapor as the primary emission.
These points illustrate how the name mirrors Toyota’s aspirations for hydrogen as part of a diverse clean-energy strategy.
How the Mirai works
The Mirai uses a hydrogen fuel-cell system to generate electricity, which then powers an electric motor. A battery buffer helps manage power delivery, and the vehicle uses hydrogen stored in high-pressure tanks alongside ambient oxygen from the air.
Key mechanism summary:
- Hydrogen is stored in high-pressure tanks on the vehicle.
- Hydrogen flows into a fuel-cell stack where it reacts with oxygen to produce electricity and water vapor.
- Electric motors drive the wheels using the electricity produced by the fuel cell, with battery buffering handling peak demand.
- The only tailpipe emission is water vapor, making Mirai a zero-emission passenger car in operation.
- Refueling with hydrogen takes roughly the same time as refueling a conventional gasoline car—brief and typically around 3 to 5 minutes, depending on station availability.
These points summarize the core technology that makes Mirai distinct among zero-emission options.
Range, fueling, and market availability
Mirai’s practical use depends on fueling infrastructure, which is more limited than for conventional or battery-electric vehicles. In favorable conditions, the car offers a substantial driving range on a full hydrogen fill, with regional differences based on tank size and driving conditions.
Operational highlights to keep in mind:
- Typical real-world range is around 400 miles (about 650 kilometers) on a full hydrogen fill, varying with driving style and conditions.
- Hydrogen fueling times are comparable to gasoline, generally a few minutes per fill, not hours.
- As of now, Mirai is available in select markets, including Japan, the United States (notably California), and parts of Europe, where hydrogen stations exist.
- Infrastructure challenges remain a key factor in broader adoption of Mirai and other hydrogen vehicles.
These considerations explain why Mirai operates in a limited but growing set of regions and how infrastructure shapes its practicality.
Model updates and current status
Since the initial rollout, Toyota has refreshed the Mirai to improve efficiency, range, and user experience. The car remains Toyota’s flagship hydrogen passenger car, with ongoing development aligned to hydrogen infrastructure expansion and energy policy in key markets.
Recent trends and status include:
- The first Mirai generation debuted in 2014–2015, establishing the vehicle as Toyota’s hydrogen pioneer.
- A second-generation Mirai arrived for model years around 2020–2021, offering longer range and updated design and tech.
- Continued refinements through 2024–2025 focus on efficiency, reliability, and compatibility with hydrogen stations in participating regions.
- Toyota collaborates with partners and governments to expand refueling networks and support hydrogen ecosystems that enable wider adoption of Mirai and other fuel-cell vehicles.
Taken together, these updates show how Mirai has evolved while remaining a core element of Toyota’s hydrogen strategy.
Industry context and outlook
Hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles occupy a distinct niche in the broader push toward low- and zero-emission transport. Mirai demonstrates hydrogen’s potential for long-range, quick-refuel capability, but widespread adoption hinges on expanding fueling infrastructure, reducing costs, and achieving a favorable energy mix for hydrogen production.
Industry context highlights include:
- Hydrogen offers rapid refueling and long-range potential, appealing for fleets and certain driving patterns.
- Infrastructure development, including hydrogen production, distribution, and station networks, remains a decisive factor for adoption.
- Competition includes battery-electric vehicles (BEVs), with BEVs currently enjoying broader charging networks in many regions.
- Policy incentives, industry partnerships, and energy-sector reforms will shape how Mirai and other hydrogen cars fit into the future mobility mix.
These factors help explain where Mirai sits within the broader transition to cleaner transportation and how Toyota envisions hydrogen playing a role alongside other zero-emission technologies.
Summary
The name of Toyota’s hydrogen car is Mirai, a term meaning “future” in Japanese. Mirai embodies Toyota’s pioneering approach to hydrogen fuel-cell technology, offering a zero-emission driving experience with a long range and quick refueling, but it also faces infrastructure and market-development challenges. As Toyota continues to refine the model and support hydrogen ecosystems, Mirai remains a centerpiece of the automaker’s strategy for a diversified, low-emission future.
What is the name of the Toyota hydrogen car?
Toyota Mirai
Toyota Mirai Price: Toyota retails the hydrogen fuel cell electric sedan from Rs 60 lakh (ex-showroom) in other countries.
Is Toyota Mirai discontinued?
No, the Toyota Mirai is not discontinued, but its lineup is being streamlined for the 2025 model year. Toyota is dropping the Limited trim, leaving the XLE as the only option, and is also adding more standard features to the XLE trim.
- Trim simplification: For 2025, the Mirai is exclusively available in the XLE trim.
- Standard features: The XLE trim now includes new standard equipment like a 360-degree camera, front and rear parking sensors, heated exterior mirrors, and ambient interior footwell lighting.
- Continued production: The Mirai continues to be produced as a hydrogen fuel-cell electric vehicle (FCEV).
How much does a Toyota Mirai cost?
about $51,795
The least-expensive 2025 Toyota Mirai is the 2025 Toyota Mirai XLE 4dr Sedan (electric (fuel cell) CVT). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $51,795. Other versions include: XLE 4dr Sedan (electric (fuel cell) CVT) which starts at $51,795.
Why is Toyota Mirai so cheap?
The Toyota Mirai is not "cheap" at its MSRP, but it appears cheap because of heavy discounts, including significant price reductions from Toyota, federal tax credits, state rebates, and free hydrogen fuel cards. The high cost of hydrogen fuel after the initial fuel card runs out, low demand due to poor infrastructure, and rapid depreciation also contribute to the low prices seen on the used car market.
Factors making new Mirais seem cheap
- Heavy Manufacturer Discounts: Toyota has offered substantial discounts, including the $15,000 fuel card and $35,000 off the sticker price, making the effective initial cost very low.
- Incentives: In addition to manufacturer incentives, buyers can receive state rebates and 0% financing, further reducing the upfront cost.
- Included Fuel: The value of the free hydrogen fuel card, which covers fuel costs for a number of years or until it's depleted, is factored into the total deal and can make the effective price seem even lower.
Factors making used Mirais cheap
- High Running Costs: After the free fuel card is used up, the cost of hydrogen fuel is extremely expensive, making it much more expensive to drive than an electric vehicle or a gasoline car.
- Lack of Infrastructure: The limited number of hydrogen fueling stations, particularly outside of specific areas like California, makes the car inconvenient to own and refuel.
- Poor Demand and Depreciation: Low sales have led to high depreciation rates. When incentives end, the value of the car drops significantly, making used models much cheaper.
