Rajan Wilcox
Toyota's hydrogen-powered car, the Mirai, is an electric vehicle that uses hydrogen fuel cells to generate electricity and power the car. The Mirai is part of Toyota's commitment to carbon neutrality and its vision of a hydrogen-based society. The car runs on hydrogen and emits only water vapour, making it an eco-friendly alternative to traditional internal combustion engines. The Mirai's hydrogen fuel tanks are made of carbon fibre, ensuring their strength and durability, and the car offers a range of 300-430 miles on a full tank. With its innovative design and technology, the Mirai is leading the way for hydrogen-powered vehicles and a more sustainable future.
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What You'll Learn
Hydrogen fuel cell technology
The Mirai runs on hydrogen, with its fuel cell stack and carbon-fiber-reinforced fuel tanks storing hydrogen, which then combines with oxygen from the air in a chemical reaction to generate electricity, powering the car. This process only emits water vapour, making it a zero-emission vehicle and contributing to Toyota's "Beyond Zero" vision for carbon neutrality.
The Mirai's performance is impressive, accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in 9.0 seconds and delivering a passing time of 3 seconds from 25 to 40 mph. Its range is approximately 300-400 miles on a full tank, and refueling takes just 3 to 5 minutes. The car's exterior design is sleek and modern, and it offers a spacious interior, although some reviewers have noted that the interior space could be improved.
Toyota has continuously improved the Mirai's fuel cell system, introducing the third generation (3rd Gen FC System) in 2025. This new system offers improved durability, fuel efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. It is designed to meet the needs of both passenger vehicles and heavy-duty commercial vehicles, with plans to introduce it in markets like Japan, Europe, North America, and China.
Beyond the Mirai, Toyota has also applied its hydrogen fuel cell technology to other applications, including buses, railroads, and stationary power generators. The company is committed to creating a ""hydrogen society"" and has initiatives in creating, transporting, storing, and using hydrogen. Toyota's Woven City project, a prototype city at the base of Mount Fuji, aims to be powered solely by hydrogen fuel cells, showcasing the potential for a fully hydrogen-based future.
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Hydrogen as a fuel source
Hydrogen fuel cell technology is a potential game-changer for the transportation industry, particularly for vehicles that are unsuitable for plug-in battery solutions, such as planes and heavy-duty trucks. Hydrogen is a light alternative to heavy batteries and can be produced domestically from diverse resources like natural gas, coal, solar energy, wind, and biomass.
One of the main advantages of hydrogen energy is that it can be a clean energy source. Unlike fossil fuels, which emit pollutants and greenhouse gases when burned, hydrogen only produces water vapour when used as a fuel. Hydrogen made with renewable energy sources is known as green hydrogen and has near-zero emissions. On the other hand, hydrogen made from fossil fuels, such as natural gas, is called grey hydrogen.
The use of hydrogen as a fuel source in the transportation sector can significantly reduce carbon dioxide emissions. Hydrogen-powered fuel cell electric vehicles emit none of the harmful substances emitted by gasoline and diesel engines, such as nitrogen oxides, hydrocarbons, and particulate matter. Additionally, hydrogen can be used to store renewable energy for an extended period, addressing the issues of intermittency and storage that renewables currently face.
However, there are also several disadvantages to using hydrogen as a fuel source. One significant drawback is the high cost of producing and storing hydrogen. Compressing hydrogen, for example, is an expensive process. Additionally, there is a lack of infrastructure to support the widespread use of hydrogen as a fuel source, with a limited number of hydrogen fuelling stations available. Hydrogen also has a low volumetric energy density, which means that it requires more space for storage compared to other fuels.
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Toyota's Fuel Cell System (TFCS)
The TFCS is at the heart of Toyota's Mirai model, a hydrogen fuel cell car that runs on electricity generated through a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen. The hydrogen is stored in carbon-fiber-reinforced fuel tanks, which have been rigorously tested for strength and safety. The TFCS is more energy-efficient than internal combustion engines, emitting no CO2 or harmful substances during operation. It offers improved acceleration and performance compared to traditional engines, with a passing time of 3 seconds from 40 to 64 km/h (25 to 40 mph).
The Mirai's refueling process is designed to be quick and safe, taking between 3 and 5 minutes to fill up with hydrogen. Toyota has also addressed range concerns, with the Mirai capable of traveling up to 480 km (300 miles) on a full tank. The TFCS's efficiency and performance are further enhanced by the use of Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive technology, which includes the electric motor and power control unit from its hybrid vehicles. This hybrid technology works in conjunction with the fuel cell, providing additional power when needed, such as during sudden acceleration.
Toyota has continuously improved the TFCS since its debut, with the third-generation system (3rd Gen FC System) offering increased durability, fuel efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. The 3rd Gen FC System is designed for use in both passenger vehicles and heavy-duty commercial applications, showcasing Toyota's commitment to creating a hydrogen society and reducing carbon emissions. The company has also supplied FC systems for buses, railroads, and stationary power generators, demonstrating the versatility and potential of hydrogen fuel cell technology.
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Hydrogen refuelling
As of 2024, there were 54 retail hydrogen stations in the United States, with over 20 more in various stages of planning or construction. Most of these stations are in California, with one in Hawaii. The rollout of hydrogen vehicles, such as the Mirai, is being matched with the development of hydrogen refuelling stations. This is to give customers the confidence that they can drive as they would with a petrol or diesel car and have access to fuel wherever they go.
The expansion of hydrogen infrastructure is being supported by the addition of hydrogen fuel at existing petrol stations, particularly in northern and southern California. Mobile hydrogen refuellers, which store liquefied or compressed hydrogen and dispensing equipment on a trailer, are also being developed to further support the expansion of hydrogen infrastructure.
Toyota is actively collaborating with partners across various industries to promote the creation, transportation, storage, and use of hydrogen. The company has also developed a new, third-generation fuel cell system, which offers improved fuel efficiency and durability, as well as a significant reduction in costs. This new system will be expanded for use in heavy-duty commercial vehicles, passenger vehicles, and general-purpose applications such as buses, railroads, and stationary power generators.
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Hydrogen's environmental benefits
Hydrogen fuel has the potential to bring significant environmental benefits. Hydrogen is a clean energy source that can be produced from renewable sources such as solar and wind power. When used to power vehicles, hydrogen holds the promise of helping to strengthen national energy security, conserve petroleum, and diversify transportation energy options.
One of the key advantages of hydrogen fuel is its potential to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change. Hydrogen fuel cells emit zero carbon dioxide and produce only water as a by-product, making them a more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional internal combustion engines. This can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the impacts of climate change.
Another benefit of hydrogen fuel is its ability to decarbonize heavy industry. Green hydrogen can produce high-temperature heat to power industrial processes while emitting zero greenhouse gases. This can be particularly beneficial for sectors with difficult-to-tackle emissions, such as steel manufacturing. By using hydrogen instead of fossil fuels, industries can significantly reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to global efforts to address the climate crisis.
Additionally, hydrogen fuel can enhance energy security and diversification. Hydrogen can be produced domestically from various resources, including natural gas, coal, solar energy, wind, and biomass. This reduces reliance on imported fossil fuels and strengthens a country's energy independence. Furthermore, hydrogen can be used in fuel cell electric vehicles, providing a more sustainable and resilient transportation option.
While hydrogen offers environmental benefits, it is important to manage and use it properly. Hydrogen is a leak-prone gas, and if too much escapes, it can reduce its climate benefits. Measures must be implemented to prevent hydrogen leaks and other emissions, ensuring that hydrogen energy systems are safe and environmentally friendly.
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Frequently asked questions
Hydrogen is the fuel for the Toyota Mirai, a hydrogen fuel cell car.
Hydrogen from the fuel tank and air entering from the intake grille meet in the Fuel Cell Stack. Then a chemical reaction involving the oxygen and hydrogen creates electricity, powering the car.
The only by-product of the Toyota Mirai is water.
