Who makes the hydrogen tanks for Toyota Mirai?
The Toyota Mirai, a groundbreaking hydrogen fuel cell vehicle, has been at the forefront of sustainable automotive technology. One of the key components of this innovative car is its hydrogen storage system. In this article, we’ll explore who manufactures the hydrogen tanks for the Toyota Mirai and why these tanks are critical to the vehicle's performance and safety.
The Manufacturer Behind Toyota Mirai's Hydrogen Tanks
The hydrogen tanks used in the Toyota Mirai are manufactured by Toyota themselves, in collaboration with specialized suppliers. Toyota has invested heavily in the development of high-pressure hydrogen tanks to ensure they meet the highest standards of safety, durability, and efficiency. These tanks are designed to store hydrogen at pressures of up to 70 MPa (megapascals), which is essential for providing the Mirai with its impressive range.
To achieve this, Toyota employs advanced carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer materials in the construction of the tanks. This ensures that the tanks are lightweight yet incredibly strong, capable of withstanding extreme conditions and rigorous safety testing.
Why Hydrogen Tank Design Matters
The design and manufacturing of hydrogen tanks are critical for several reasons:
- Safety: Hydrogen is a highly flammable gas, so the tanks must be able to withstand high pressures and prevent leaks under all circumstances.
- Efficiency: High-pressure storage allows for more hydrogen to be stored in a smaller space, increasing the vehicle's range without compromising interior space.
- Durability: The tanks must endure years of use, including exposure to temperature fluctuations, vibrations, and potential impacts.
Toyota's Commitment to Hydrogen Technology
Toyota’s in-house development of hydrogen tanks reflects their commitment to advancing hydrogen fuel cell technology. By controlling the manufacturing process, Toyota ensures that the tanks meet their exacting standards and contribute to the overall reliability of the Mirai. This approach also allows Toyota to innovate and improve the technology over time, further solidifying their leadership in the hydrogen vehicle market.
Conclusion
The hydrogen tanks in the Toyota Mirai are a testament to Toyota's dedication to safety, innovation, and sustainability. By manufacturing these tanks in collaboration with expert suppliers and using cutting-edge materials, Toyota has created a storage system that is both efficient and reliable. As hydrogen fuel cell technology continues to evolve, Toyota’s expertise in this area will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping the future of clean transportation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main problem with hydrogen cars?
Difficult to transport, difficult to handle, and is not available at home. Poor conversion efficiency (see below chart) within the vehicle leading to energy losses and high fuel costs. Higher lifetime costs of FCEVs, almost exclusively due to the higher fuel cost.
What type of hydrogen tank does the Toyota Mirai have?
| FC stack | Name | Toyota FC Stack |
|---|---|---|
| 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) | |
| Type | AC synchronous electric generator |
How much is a full tank of hydrogen for a Toyota Mirai?
The Toyota Mirai Costs $200 To Refill
The Mirai accommodates 5.6 kg of hydrogen in its 142.2-liter tank, meaning you'll have to spend $201.60 to refuel. This is an obscene amount that both fossil fuels and electricity drastically outprice.
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.
Who is the manufacturer of Mirai?
The Toyota Mirai is a prime example of the company's commitment to offering zero-emission vehicles. This hydrogen fuel cell powered sedan, combines the advantages of electric mobility with unequalled comfort of use, autonomy, and rapid recharging, demonstrates Toyota's determination to decarbonize.
How long does a tank of hydrogen last on a Toyota Mirai?
If we take the Toyota Mirai as an example, you can refuel it in a matter of minutes (around the same as an ICE car) and it has a range of 400 miles.
Who is the largest producer of hydrogen fuel?
China
China is currently the world's largest consumer and producer of hydrogen. Most of the hydrogen it makes today is fossil-fuel-based, but the country has big plans to scale up its green hydrogen production and use the fuel to decarbonize sectors like steel and chemicals production.
Who makes hydrogen tanks for cars?
Hydrogen Tank Manufacturer Ranking
| Rank | Company | Click Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | Quantum Fuel Systems LLC. | 9.9% |
| 3 | Didon | 8.7% |
| 4 | BNH Gas Tanks LLP | 6.7% |
| 5 | Hylium Industries, Inc. | 5.8% |
What fuel cell does Toyota Mirai use?
The Mirai uses the Toyota Fuel Cell System (TFCS), which features both fuel cell technology and hybrid technology, and includes proprietary Toyota-developed components including the fuel cell (FC) stack, FC boost converter, and high-pressure hydrogen tanks.
Where is the Toyota Mirai manufactured?
In November 2014, Toyota Motor Corporation ushered in the future with the launch of the Toyota “Mirai” fuel cell sedan, followed by the Japan start of sales one month later. Today, Toyota held a production ceremony to mark the milestone of a new age of vehicles at its Motomachi Plant in Toyota City, Japan.
