The 2024 Toyota Mirai: A Hydrogen-Powered Sedan That’s Beyond Zero

What are the benefits of the Toyota Mirai?

The new Toyota Mirai has several advantages over conventional cars and even some BEVs. Here are some of them:

• Zero emissions: The Mirai does not emit any harmful pollutants or greenhouse gases, making it an environmentally friendly choice. The Mirai also has a positive impact on the air quality, as it purifies the oxygen that passes through the fuel cell stack.
• Long range: The Mirai has an EPA-estimated driving range of 402 miles for the XLE trim and 357 miles for the Limited trim. That’s more than most BEVs on the market and comparable to some gasoline cars. The Mirai also has a large fuel tank capacity of 11.4 pounds of hydrogen, which gives it a long driving autonomy.
• Quick refueling: The Mirai can be refueled in about five minutes at a hydrogen station, similar to a gasoline car. This is much faster than charging a BEV, which can take hours depending on the battery size and the charger type. The Mirai also does not suffer from range anxiety, as it does not lose power or performance in cold weather or at high speeds.
• Luxurious features: The Mirai is equipped with a host of premium features, such as a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 14-speaker JBL sound system, a head-up display, a wireless smartphone charger, a digital key, and a panoramic sunroof. The Mirai also offers a comfortable and quiet ride thanks to its smooth electric powertrain, adaptive suspension, and acoustic glass. The Mirai’s interior is crafted with high-quality materials, such as synthetic leather, soft-touch surfaces, and wood-like accents.
• Generous incentives: The Mirai comes with a $15,000 fuel credit over three to six years, depending on whether you lease or purchase. This covers the cost of hydrogen fuel, which is currently more expensive than gasoline or electricity. The Mirai also comes with 21 days of complimentary vehicle rentals for when you need to travel outside of the hydrogen network. Additionally, the Mirai qualifies for federal, state, and local incentives, such as tax credits, rebates, and HOV lane access.

What are the challenges of the Toyota Mirai?

The new Toyota Mirai is not without its drawbacks. Here are some of the challenges that the Mirai faces:

• Limited availability: The Mirai is only sold in California and Hawaii, the only two states that have a sufficient number of hydrogen stations. As of January 2021, there were 43 hydrogen stations in California and one in Hawaii, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. That’s a small fraction of the more than 150,000 gasoline stations and 40,000 public charging stations in the country. The Mirai is not practical for people who live outside of these regions or who need to travel long distances.
• High cost: The Mirai is not a cheap car. The base XLE trim starts at $49,500, while the top Limited trim starts at $66,000. That’s more than some luxury sedans, such as the BMW 5 Series or the Mercedes-Benz E-Class. The Mirai is also more expensive than some BEVs, such as the Tesla Model 3 or the Hyundai Kona Electric. The Mirai’s high price is partly due to the cost of the fuel cell technology, which is still not mass-produced or widely adopted.
• Low performance: The Mirai is not a fast car. It has a single electric motor that produces 182 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. That’s enough for everyday driving but not for spirited driving. The Mirai can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 9.2 seconds, according to Toyota. That’s slower than some gasoline cars and most BEVs in its class. The Mirai also has a top speed of 108 mph, which is lower than the average car. The Mirai’s performance is limited by the power output of the fuel cell stack, which is not as high as a battery pack.