What type of hydrogen tank does the Toyota Mirai have?
The Toyota Mirai relies on high‑pressure, multi‑tank hydrogen storage made from carbon‑fiber reinforced composites, designed for roughly 70 MPa (700 bar) service pressure. This setup enables practical range while prioritizing safety and efficiency.
Hydrogen storage system in the Mirai
The Mirai is Toyota’s flagship hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle, pairing its electric motor with an on‑board hydrogen storage system. The tanks must store enough fuel to deliver a usable driving range while remaining lightweight and resilient against impacts and thermal stress. Over the years, Toyota has refined the system, but the core approach remains high‑pressure, composite storage that supports rapid refueling and safe operation.
Tank technology and specifications
Details about the tanks include construction material, pressure rating, capacity, and how they are arranged in the vehicle.
- Tank type: carbon‑fiber reinforced composite (CFRP) high‑pressure tanks.
- Service pressure: 70 MPa (700 bar).
- On‑board hydrogen capacity: commonly around 5 kilograms, enabling practical driving range (exact figures vary by generation and trim).
- Configuration: multiple tanks integrated into the vehicle structure; the exact number and layout can vary by generation and model year.
- Safety features: robust containment with pressure relief mechanisms and controlled venting as part of the storage system.
In essence, the Mirai’s hydrogen storage system centers on high‑pressure, carbon‑fiber tanks arranged within the underbody and rear areas of the car. This design supports a balance between range, weight, and safety, aligning with industry standards for fuel‑cell vehicles.
Why this matters for drivers
Higher‑pressure tanks allow more hydrogen to be stored in a compact space, helping maximize range without adding excessive weight. Refueling remains relatively quick, comparable to gasoline vehicles, and reductions in weight and improvements in tank materials have contributed to better efficiency over successive Mirai generations.
Summary
The Toyota Mirai uses high‑pressure, multi‑tank hydrogen storage made from carbon‑fiber composites, rated for about 70 MPa (700 bar). The system typically comprises several tanks (often three) arranged within the vehicle’s structure, capable of storing about 5 kilograms of hydrogen, with safety features and a design philosophy focused on safety, refueling ease, and efficiency.
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.
How much is a full tank of hydrogen for a Toyota Mirai?
A full tank of hydrogen for a Toyota Mirai can cost around $201.60 at recent California prices, which is approximately 50 cents per mile based on the automaker's claimed range. The cost depends on the fuel price per kilogram, which can fluctuate, but the vehicle's 5.6 kg tank is consistently expensive to fill.
- Current Cost: Approximately $201.60 per fill-up, assuming a price of $36 per kilogram of hydrogen.
- Cost per Mile: This works out to about $0.50 per mile based on the estimated range.
- Included Fuel: New Mirai purchases often come with a $15,000 prepaid fuel card, which can cover about two years of fuel or roughly 65 tank refills, significantly offsetting the initial cost.
What is the pressure in the hydrogen tank on a Toyota Mirai?
700 bar
The hydrogen that powers the Mirai is stored at a high pressure of 700 bar in two compact, lightweight tanks.
How big is the hydrogen tank on the Mirai?
The Toyota Mirai has a total internal volume of about 122.4122.4122.4 liters, which holds approximately 5.65.65.6 kg of hydrogen, according to Toyota Global Newsroom and Toyota UK Magazine. The hydrogen is stored in two carbon-fiber-reinforced tanks with a combined volume of 122.4122.4122.4 liters, composed of a front tank (606060 liters) and a rear tank (62.462.462.4 liters).
- Total internal volume: 122.4122.4122.4 liters
- Hydrogen storage capacity: Approximately 5.65.65.6 kg (for the newer models), which is a bit more than the 5.05.05.0 kg in the earlier models
- Tank material: Carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic
- Storage pressure: 707070 MPa (about 10,00010 comma 00010,000 psi)
