What type of fuel does the Toyota Mirai take?
It runs on hydrogen and uses a fuel-cell stack to generate electricity on-board, powering the electric motor.
The Mirai is Toyota’s hydrogen fuel-cell electric vehicle (FCEV). It stores compressed hydrogen in high-pressure tanks and refuels at dedicated hydrogen stations. Its only tailpipe output is water vapor, making it a zero-emission vehicle in operation.
Fuel type and how it works
The Mirai’s propulsion is powered by electricity produced on-board from hydrogen gas. A proton-exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell combines hydrogen with oxygen to create electricity, which then drives the electric motor. The car also includes a small battery to smooth power delivery and assist with energy recuperation.
Fuel storage and fueling specifics
Key facts about the Mirai’s hydrogen fuel setup are listed below.
- Fuel type: hydrogen gas (H2) used by a fuel cell to generate electricity for the drive motor.
- Storage: high-pressure tanks, typically around 700 bar (70 MPa).
- Tank capacity: commonly about 4–5 kilograms of hydrogen in contemporary Mirai variants.
- Refueling time: roughly 3–5 minutes at a hydrogen fueling station, similar to a gasoline fill in many regions.
- Emissions: only water vapor; no tailpipe pollutants or greenhouse gases at the vehicle level.
In essence, the Mirai’s fuel approach centers on on-board hydrogen storage and rapid refueling at specialized stations, enabling a clean energy ride with familiar refueling times where hydrogen infrastructure exists.
Infrastructure and practical considerations
Hydrogen refueling networks are expanding but remain more limited than gasoline or EV charging networks. Availability varies by country and region, with stronger coverage in places like parts of California, Europe, and Asia. Prospective buyers should check local stations and plan trips accordingly; the vehicle cannot be fueled with gasoline or other fuels.
Summary
The Toyota Mirai uses hydrogen fuel—stored as high-pressure gas in tanks and used by a fuel-cell stack to generate electricity—to power its electric motor. Refueling takes minutes at dedicated hydrogen stations, and the vehicle emits only water vapor during operation.
