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Toyota is one of very few global manufacturers currently invested in multiple fuel and energy sources for its cars. Gasoline and electrification are two of its biggest projects, but it has also shown a strong dedication to developing hydrogen. The Toyota Mirai is one of few hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles sold in the U.S., all of which are sold to the Californian market, as this is the only area with a comprehensive hydrogen fueling network.
The Mirai is one of the most niche cars you can consider if you’re in the market for a zero emissions option. The four-door liftback sedan has many pros and cons attached to it, but the big question is whether it is a cost-effective option. Hydrogen is a fairly costly fuel option, because of its intricate production and demanding storage, but it may translate to noteworthy savings in the long run.
In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from Toyota and other authoritative sources, including Car and Driver, Edmunds, and The Department of Energy.
Why Toyota Is Hellbent On Keeping The Hydrogen-powered Mirai Alive Despite Its Poor Sales
In eight years, the Mirai only sold 14,000 examples. However, Toyota is keeping it alive, and pushing for more hydrogen vehicles, here’s why.
The 2024 Toyota Mirai Starts At $50,190
The 2024 Toyota Mirai starts at $50,190. The base trim is a highly specified XLE, so it is crammed with comfort, convenience, entertainment, and safety features. At this price, it does make the hydrogen option a very inaccessible product, as there are many similar-sized EVs boasting lower starting prices.
As already stated, the Mirai is a very niche car option and does not generate much success for Toyota in the North American market. In 2023, Toyota sold an impressive 2,248,477 units. 2,737 of these were Mirais. It’s worth noting that this was an all-time best for the moniker, even outperforming the Supra by 85 examples.
The Toyota Mirai Costs $200 To Refill
True Zero is currently the lead hydrogen supplier in California, and currently charges $36 for a kilogram. 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.
The Toyota Mirai Covers 402 Miles On A Full Tank
You would think that you’d be able to travel a fair distance on this tank, but Toyota claims the Mirai will only cover 402 miles in XLE guise, and 357 miles in Limited specification with the bigger wheel options. The EPA has not tested the Mirai, but Toyota claims the XLE returns 76/71/74 MPGe on the city/highway/combined cycle. The Limited returns a 67/64/65 MPG claim.
Toyota Mirai Energy Consumption
|
Range |
Fuel economy rating |
Hydrogen tank capacity |
|
|
XSE |
402 miles |
76/71/74 MPGe |
11.9 gallons |
|
Premium |
357 miles |
67/64/65 MPGe |
11.9 gallons |
Unfortunately, the Mirai proved to barely crest 300 miles in testing, further hurting its value factor. At the time of this test, hydrogen was only $17 per kg, reflecting a drastic increase in price over the last year. Based on this tested range, you can expect Toyota’s complementary hydrogen to cover you for a total of 22,500 miles, which should be enough for the average Californian.
Even Tesla’s SEXY Range Don’t Have This Feature That The Hydrogen-powered Toyota Mirai Does
The Toyota Mirai has capabilities that will leave you speechless. Here’s one important feature that it has but not Tesla EVs, except the Cybertruck.
The Toyota Mirai Doesn’t Produce Tailpipe Emissions
The benefit of hydrogen is that there are no tailpipe emissions, whatsoever, so if you are an eco-conscious consumer, this is going to be one of the more fulfilling cars you can consider. As a result, you get access to the HOV carpool sticker. The Mirai also needs just five minutes to refuel, which is significantly faster than a conventional EV.
Toyota Mirai’s Hydrogen Emissions
- Toyota’s hydrogen fuel cell vehicles emit only water vapor as a byproduct, making them zero-emission vehicles.
- The water vapor produced from Toyota’s hydrogen vehicles is clean and does not contribute to air pollution.
- Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles offer a solution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, as they do not emit CO2 during operation.
- Toyota’s commitment to hydrogen technology aligns with its vision for sustainable mobility and reducing environmental impact.
- The absence of traditional tailpipe emissions in Toyota’s hydrogen vehicles contributes to improved air quality and public health.
- Toyota continues to invest in hydrogen fuel cell technology to expand its lineup of zero-emission vehicles and promote widespread adoption.
The Mirai converts hydrogen into electricity by mixing it with air sourced from the intake system. This chemical reaction results in electricity, some of which is stored in the car’s 1.2 kWh battery pack. The only byproduct of this chemical reaction is water. Hydrogen is a highly combustible element, so Toyota has gone out of its way to ensure the tank is as safe as can be. It is covered with leak-detecting sensors, which automatically trigger the valves to close if any danger becomes present.
The Toyota Mirai Has A 0.29 Drag Coefficient
The Mirai is an appealing package, but its drastic refueling costs and substandard performance don’t paint a positive and cost-effective picture. The single permanent-magnet motor generates a mere 182 horsepower, resulting in a tested 9.1-second 0-60 MPH time and 106 MPH top speed. Tests also indicate a meager 17-second quarter-mile time.
Toyota Mirai Exterior Dimensions
|
Length |
195.8 inches |
|
Width |
74.2 inches |
|
Height |
57.9 inches |
|
Wheelbase |
114.9 inches |
|
Front Track |
63.3 inches |
|
Rear Track |
63.1 inches |
|
Curb Weight |
4,225-4,335 pounds |
(Specifications sourced from Toyota
Toyota handed design responsibilities to its Lexus division, which is why it bears so many similarities to the current-generation Lexus ES. The Mirai is criticized for many things, but its exterior aesthetics is one area where people agree it excels. The sleek design also benefits from a good 0.29 drag coefficient rating, aiding its overall efficiency.
How Toyota Plans To Revolutionize The Trucking Industry With Hydrogen Fuel Cells
Toyota is working with PACCAR, one of the biggest companies in the trucking industry, to make hydrogen-powered trucks.
The Cost Of Hydrogen In The U.S.
- Hydrogen production costs in the U.S. vary widely depending on the method, with electrolysis being one of the most expensive.
- Renewable energy sources like solar and wind are driving down the cost of green hydrogen production.
- Infrastructure costs for hydrogen refueling stations remain high but are decreasing as adoption grows.
- Incentives and subsidies play a significant role in offsetting hydrogen production and infrastructure costs.
- Scaling up production and implementing cost-efficient distribution systems are crucial for reducing hydrogen costs.
- Research and development efforts aim to innovate technologies and processes to further decrease the cost of hydrogen in the USA.
These prices may seem a bit extreme, but you’ll be elated to learn that Toyota covers the cost of fuel for the first six years of ownership. If you lease the car, you only get three years worth of fuel. In both cases, refueling is limited to a total of $15,000.
The U.S. Has Just Over 50 Hydrogen Fueling Stations
There are currently 59 hydrogen stations you can access in the U.S., all of which are located in California, but only in the most popular areas like San Francisco and Los Angeles. You will find two stations in Sacramento and one just outside Truckee. But, what comes as a big blow is Shell shutting down seven hydrogen stations recently. The already low number of hydrogen stations further took a hit that not just affects the owners, but also automakers that are deeply invested in hydrogen tech.
Hydrogen Stations In The U.S.
- The number of hydrogen refueling stations in the USA is growing steadily, primarily in California but also expanding to other states.
- California leads the nation in hydrogen station deployment, with plans to build a comprehensive network to support fuel cell vehicle adoption.
- Public and private partnerships play a crucial role in funding and developing hydrogen refueling infrastructure across the country.
- Hydrogen station locations are strategically chosen to support key transportation corridors and urban centers.
- The availability of hydrogen stations influences consumer confidence and adoption of fuel cell vehicles.
- Continued investment in hydrogen infrastructure is essential to support the growth of the hydrogen economy and decarbonize transportation in the USA.
The Department of Energy confirms that suppliers are busy working on 50 additional hydrogen stations for FCEV owners. Five of these will be located in northeastern states, further improving the viability of hydrogen cars for American road users. The DoE is currently running an H2USA campaign, which involves federal agencies, automakers, hydrogen providers, fuel cell developers, national laboratories, and additional stakeholders to advance hydrogen supply across the country. While admirable, it’s clear that the uptake is not as urgent as electric car charging stations, of which there are already well over 160,000.
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