What type of hydrogen is used in Toyota Mirai?
The Toyota Mirai, a pioneering hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV), utilizes a specific type of hydrogen to generate electricity and power its electric motor. This article delves into the details of the hydrogen used in the Mirai, shedding light on the technology behind this eco-friendly mode of transportation.
Hydrogen Fuel Cells in the Toyota Mirai
The Toyota Mirai is powered by a hydrogen fuel cell system, which converts hydrogen gas into electricity to drive the vehicle's electric motor. The key component in this process is the fuel cell, which is responsible for the electrochemical reaction that generates the electricity.
The type of hydrogen used in the Toyota Mirai is compressed hydrogen. This means the hydrogen gas is stored under high pressure, typically around 700 bar (10,000 psi), in specialized tanks within the vehicle. The compressed hydrogen is then fed into the fuel cell, where it undergoes a reaction with oxygen to produce electricity, water, and heat.
The Advantages of Compressed Hydrogen
The use of compressed hydrogen in the Toyota Mirai offers several advantages:
- High Energy Density: Compressed hydrogen has a higher energy density compared to other alternative fuels, allowing the Mirai to achieve a respectable driving range of up to 402 miles (647 km) on a single tank.
- Rapid Refueling: Refueling a Mirai with compressed hydrogen takes only a few minutes, similar to the time required to refuel a traditional gasoline-powered vehicle.
- Zero Emissions: The only byproduct of the fuel cell's electrochemical reaction is water, making the Toyota Mirai a truly zero-emission vehicle.
These advantages have contributed to the Mirai's growing popularity as a sustainable transportation option, particularly in regions with a well-developed hydrogen refueling infrastructure.
The Future of Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles
As the world continues to seek cleaner and more efficient modes of transportation, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles like the Toyota Mirai are poised to play a significant role. The use of compressed hydrogen in the Mirai is just the beginning, and as the technology continues to evolve, we may see even more advancements in the field of hydrogen-powered vehicles.
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.
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.
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) |
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
