What type of hydrogen is used in Toyota Mirai?
The Toyota Mirai, a groundbreaking hydrogen fuel cell vehicle (FCV), represents a significant step forward in sustainable automotive technology. One of the most common questions about this innovative car is: what type of hydrogen does it use? In this article, we’ll explore the type of hydrogen used in the Toyota Mirai and why it’s essential for its operation.
Understanding Hydrogen Fuel for the Toyota Mirai
The Toyota Mirai uses compressed hydrogen gas as its fuel source. This hydrogen is stored in high-pressure tanks within the vehicle and is used to generate electricity through a fuel cell stack. The electricity powers the electric motor, which drives the car. The only byproduct of this process is water vapor, making the Mirai an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional internal combustion engine vehicles.
Why Compressed Hydrogen Gas?
Compressed hydrogen gas is the preferred choice for the Toyota Mirai for several reasons:
- Energy Density: Hydrogen gas has a high energy density, allowing the Mirai to achieve a driving range comparable to gasoline-powered vehicles.
- Refueling Speed: Refueling the Mirai with compressed hydrogen gas takes only a few minutes, similar to filling up a conventional gas tank.
- Infrastructure Compatibility: Hydrogen fueling stations are designed to handle compressed hydrogen gas, making it the standard for FCVs like the Mirai.
Hydrogen Production and Sustainability
The hydrogen used in the Toyota Mirai can be produced through various methods, including natural gas reforming and electrolysis of water. Toyota is actively working to promote the use of "green hydrogen," which is produced using renewable energy sources like wind or solar power. This aligns with the company’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions and supporting a sustainable future.
Conclusion
The Toyota Mirai relies on compressed hydrogen gas to power its fuel cell system, offering a clean and efficient alternative to traditional vehicles. As hydrogen production becomes more sustainable and infrastructure expands, vehicles like the Mirai are poised to play a crucial role in the transition to a greener automotive industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
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 are the disadvantages of the Toyota Mirai?
Disappointing Cargo Capacity. The Toyota Mirai needs more cargo and personal item storage, which could be a significant downside for those who need ample space. The trunk offers a limited capacity of just 9.6 cubic feet, which is relatively small for a car of its size.
What type of hydrogen do hydrogen cars use?
Compressed hydrogen
Compressed hydrogen in hydrogen tanks at 350 bar (5,000 psi) and 700 bar (10,000 psi) is used for hydrogen tank systems in vehicles, based on type IV carbon-composite technology. Hydrogen has a very low volumetric energy density at ambient conditions, compared with gasoline and other vehicle fuels.
What is the biggest problem with hydrogen cars?
Hydrogen-powered cars have a chance in the European, American and Asian markets – but much depends on the volume of production and the approach to their use. The biggest problem seems to be the energy cost of producing this raw material. Another important issue is transport.
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 type of hydrogen tank does the Toyota Mirai have?
| FC stack | Name | Toyota FC Stack |
|---|---|---|
| Number of tanks | 2 | |
| High-pressure hydrogen tank | Nominal working pressure | 70 MPa (approx. 700 bar) |
| Tank storage density | 5.7 wt% | |
| Tank internal volume | 122.4 litres (front tank: 60.0 litres; rear tank: 62.4 litres) |
Is there a downside to hydrogen cars?
More energy- and labor-intensive to store and transport hydrogen than gasoline or diesel fuel. Fuel cells are expensive to replace. Safety concerns over hydrogen flammability and electrical shock. Maintenance costs remain unclear.
Does the Toyota Mirai use liquid hydrogen?
At the core of Mirai, hydrogen from the fuel tank and air entering from the intake grille meet in the Fuel Cell Stack. There, a chemical reaction involving the oxygen in the air and hydrogen creates electricity—powering Mirai. In the end, the only by-product is water.
What are the 4 types of hydrogen?
The hydrogen colour spectrum
- Green hydrogen, blue hydrogen, brown hydrogen and even yellow hydrogen, turquoise hydrogen and pink hydrogen.
- Depending on the type of production used, different colour names are assigned to the hydrogen.
- Hydrogen is an invisible gas.
Is the Toyota Mirai hydrogen safe?
It's as safe as any other Toyota vehicle. The fact that it is powered by hydrogen has absolutely no effect on its inherent safety.
