Which component does Mirai use to generate electricity?
The Mirai generates its electricity primarily through a hydrogen fuel cell stack, not a traditional internal combustion engine.
Primary electricity generator
The Toyota Mirai’s main source of electrical power is a hydrogen fuel cell stack. This stack uses a proton-exchange membrane (PEM) to combine hydrogen from onboard tanks with oxygen from the air, producing electricity, heat, and water as byproducts. The electricity powers the electric motor and can also be stored briefly in a small battery for smoothing power delivery and regenerative braking.
How a PEM fuel cell works
Inside the stack, hydrogen is fed to the anode where it splits into protons and electrons. The membrane allows protons to pass through, while electrons travel through an external circuit to do useful work before recombining with oxygen and water at the cathode. This electrochemical reaction generates direct current electricity that drives the vehicle’s motor.
Energy storage and management
Beyond the fuel cell stack, Mirai incorporates a compact high-voltage battery to store energy recovered from braking and to provide immediate power bursts during acceleration. The battery helps smooth output and ensures quick responsiveness, while the fuel cell continuously replenishes the battery during driving.
Additional powertrain components
Hydrogen is stored in high-pressure tanks, and the system includes air intake for the fuel cell, power electronics to convert and route electricity, and a vehicle control system that optimizes when the fuel cell runs versus when the battery supplies energy.
Summary
In the Toyota Mirai, the core generator of electricity is a hydrogen fuel cell stack (PEM). This stack converts hydrogen and ambient oxygen into electrical power, while a small battery stores energy and smooths delivery to the electric motor, confirming Mirai as a hydrogen fuel-cell electric vehicle (FCEV).
