Instead of liquid gasoline, an FCEV uses non-toxic, compressed hydrogen gas as its fuel. Toyota will provide customers who buy or lease a new vehicle up to $15,000 in free hydrogen, just like it did with the first-generation Mirai. An FCEV produces all of its own electricity from hydrogen onboard, emitting just water.
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The Toyota Mirai requires fuel, right?
A new era of zero-emission mobility fueled by hydrogen has arrived with the Mirai.
Although Mirai has an extremely advanced powertrain and uses a new type of fuel, the Mirai is a regular mid-size, four-door sedan that is every bit as practical, safe, and easy to drive as a conventionally powered family car. Although the name Mirai means “future” in Japanese, we know that it has to be accessible and appealing to people today if it is to be successful.
The benefits include a quiet, smooth drive, high performance, and no exhaust emissions other than water vapour. It will travel as far on a full tank of hydrogen as a comparable-sized petrol car, and refueling from empty takes between three and five minutes.
A interaction between hydrogen and oxygen generates energy in the Toyota Fuel Cell System seen in the Mirai.
The fuel is stored in high-pressure tanks and supplied into a fuel cell stack, where the hydrogen and oxygen from the air react to produce electricity. You purchase hydrogen fuel at a filling station in the same way you do gasoline or diesel.
Similar to a gasoline-electric hybrid, the electric current is increased in voltage to power the electric motor, and additional energy is stored in a battery each time the vehicle brakes or slows down.
We are the first company in the world to provide a system with a power density of 3.1 kW per liter thanks to our decades of research and development in hybrid electric technology.
The Toyota Mirai’s method of propulsion
The Fuel Cell Stack is where the hydrogen from the fuel tank and the air coming in through the intake grille meet. There, hydrogen and airborne oxygen react chemically to produce electricity that powers Mirai. The only residual product is water at the end.
Limited Hydro Blue models are offered with 20-in. Aluminum alloy wheels finished in super chrome. Vehicle prototype with options displayed.
To find a filling station, visit the California Fuel Cell Partnership website.
Is the Mirai an electric or a hybrid?
Although the technology in this second-generation fuel-cell vehicle is excellent, its usefulness is extremely limited.
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Toyota has decades of experience with hybrid and fuel-cell vehicles, despite the fact that it is a relative novice to pure electric vehicles. Its Mirai is an electric vehicle, but rather than storing electricity in a sizable battery, it generates electricity from hydrogen and oxygen using fuel-cell technology.
Inside a stack of fuel cells, hydrogen reacts with oxygen from the outside air to produce energy through a chemical reaction. Only water vapor is released. The Hyundai Nexo is the only other fuel-cell vehicle available. Both vehicles are only sold in California.
Is hydrogen less expensive than gas?
Is fuel made of hydrogen less expensive than fuel made of gasoline? We look into how hydrogen is produced in the UK and why it is less expensive to produce than gasoline.
Yes, hydrogen fuel is less expensive to create than gasoline, to give the quick response. In contrast to the dangerous CO2 created by conventional internal combustion engines, the only byproduct of hydrogen fuel is clean water. Hydrogen is not only more energy-efficient than gasoline, but it is also better for the environment. Then again, why don’t we all drive vehicles fueled by hydrogen?
Although using hydrogen cells to power our commutes has numerous benefits, there are also occasions when the drawbacks outweigh the benefits. Despite being the most prevalent chemical element in the universe, hydrogen is not found in nature. Hydrogen, unlike fossil fuels like oil, gas, and coal, must be derived chemically from other sources.
What is the price of a gallon of hydrogen fuel?
Although hydrogen fuel is four times more expensive than gasoline and about $16 per gallon, it is far more efficient than gasoline.
What is the price to fill up a Mirai?
In a perfect world, refueling a hydrogen car should take about the same amount of time as refueling a gasoline or diesel vehicle. Since the fuel is under pressure (up to 10,000 psi), you must lock the nozzle in place, but after you do that, you should be good to go. The pressure at the station, however, may really drop off momentarily if there are multiple automobiles waiting in line for hydrogen, slowing down everyone. If multiple cars use it in a sequence, the nozzle may also freeze, adhering to the cars and making removal more difficult until it thaws out.
Currently, it can be expensive to fill up a car with hydrogen, in part due to the lack of infrastructure. For instance, refueling the Mirai would run you roughly $90 per throw if you had to pay for it (by the kilogram). However, if all goes according to plan, you can drive around releasing only water, which is a pleasant perk.
Watch Tommy’s video below for additional information on the Mirai and what it’s like to live with it:
How long does a hydrogen fuel cell last?
The fuel cell stacks are made to last for roughly 150,000,000,000 miles, or the lifespan of the vehicle. Similar to how parts for vehicles are currently recycled, the fuel cell will be disassembled at the end of its useful life.
How long does a Toyota Mirai’s hydrogen fuel tank last?
A 2021 Toyota Mirai established a Guinness World Record for the longest distance traveled by a fuel-cell vehicle without refueling by traveling 845 miles on a single hydrogen tank. There are a few restrictions on that record, though.
According to a press release from Toyota, the Mirai was primarily driven during rush hour. This allowed drivers to go very slowly, which increases the Mirai’s range. Additionally, it was mostly driven in Southern California loops rather than straight lines. According to Toyota, the record attempt took place during the two days of August 23 and 24, 2021, covering 473 miles on the first day and 372 miles on the second.
This was a very unusual driving style and was not at all practical in the actual world because the crew used hypermiling techniques to optimize range, such as turning off equipment and overinflating the tires.
The Mirai has a tank life of 357 miles in Limited form and 402 miles in XLE form, according to the EPA, with the LE earning higher fuel economy than the Honda Clarity. The figures obtained by Toyota, which are similar to a regular driving range that is more than double the EPA rating, won’t be experienced by most drivers.
Even yet, this is a noteworthy accomplishment all by itself. According to Toyota, the Mirai achieved 152 MPGe and traveled the distance on only 12.4 pounds of hydrogen. On a weight basis, that is less than the weight of two gallons of gas, or more than 420 mpg, with a gallon of fuel weighing roughly 6.3 pounds. The Mirai weights 4,255 pounds, which is significantly less than a comparable battery-electric vehicle for a large, premium sedan.
Additionally, Toyota claims that the Mirai produces “zero emissions” when driving and cleans the air.
A large portion of hypermiling entails, at the very least, traveling very slowly. But it’s a useful mental exercise to consider how much efficiency you might be giving up by adjusting to standard driving speeds and patterns.
If you’re willing to go slow enough in a battery electric car you might go many, many more miles on a charge too. Over the years we’ve written about various hypermilers, like the Jaguar XJ-S driver who managed to extract 36 mpg, or the couple who averaged 67 mpgon a 9,505-mile U.S. road trip in their Jetta TDI.
At least one possible fuel-cell device claims to have a 1,000-mile range while going to great lengths to achieve it. That supercar, the Hyperion XP-1, likewise boasts a stated top speed of 221 mph.
Stunts like the hypermiling one match Toyota’s continuing efforts to advance fuel cells. As part of kits to replace the diesel engines in Class 8 semi trucks, the business recently announced its intention to manufacture fuel-cell modules in the United States. As with previous record runs, this most recent experiment doesn’t really prove much, but the numbers are what matter.
Do hydrogen vehicles use water as fuel?
The term “Aquygen,” which refers to the hydrogen oxygen gas mixture produced by the electrolyzer, was trademarked by the company Hydrogen Technology Applications in 2002. Originally developed as an alternative to oxyacetylene welding, the company claimed to be able to run a vehicle exclusively on water, via the production of “Aquygen,” and it invoked an unproven state of matter called “magnegases” and a debunked theory about magnecules to .[19]
The firm currently promotes “Aquygen” production as a method to increase fuel efficiency[20], making it hydrogen fuel augmentation rather than a water-fueled car. The company no longer claims it can drive a car purely on water.
Where can a hydrogen car be refueled?
On a full tank of hydrogen, fuel cell electric vehicles can go up to 300 miles and can refuel in 3 to 5 minutes. Fueling with hydrogen takes no longer or requires less effort than fueling a regular car.
The majority of hydrogen refueling stations are situated inside of already-existing gas stations and use dispensers with a similar appearance but a different nozzle and hose.
In California, there are an increasing number of hydrogen stations, and more are being built. The network is growing, but the stations that are now available are mostly concentrated in key markets and in places that would facilitate statewide and vacation travel.
Can I fill up a car with hydrogen at home?
A three-car garage-sized space and nearly a million dollars’ worth of equipment would be needed to fill up a hydrogen car at home. Or, you could simply plug an electric vehicle into a power socket.
What drawbacks come with driving a hydrogen vehicle?
- High prices for new vehicles
- elevated depreciation
- Charger issues could arise.
- Lack of infrastructure for hydrogen-powered vehicles
- limited number of vehicle options
- Technology is still developing.
- Large R&D expenditures are required.
- hefty fuel prices
- safety issues
- Making hydrogen might not be environmentally friendly.
In addition to a scarcity of gas stations, many auto repair businesses also lack the expertise necessary for repairs and maintenance because most mechanics are still getting to know this relatively new technology.
As a result, if you experience problems with your hydrogen engine, it could be difficult for you to locate a mechanic.
How long is the Mirai battery good for?
How frequently should a 2022 Toyota Mirai battery be changed? Every 3 to 5 years, however, you should have your battery checked regularly for sharp voltage drops to ensure it’s performing at a reliable level. Unless you have a high-performance battery, car batteries typically carry 12 to 13 volts.