Is the Toyota hydrogen engine real?
Aptly named after the Japanese word for future, the Toyota Mirai set a new standard in hydrogen innovation as the world’s first mass-produced light-duty fuel cell vehicle. In 2021, the second-generation Mirai introduced more powerful, compact solid-polymer electrolyte fuel cells. A major selling point of the Toyota Mirai is its hydrogen fuel system, which powers the car. However, several owners have reported issues with the fuel system, including leaks and poor fuel efficiency. Sometimes, the fuel cell fails to perform as expected, leading to a loss of power and driving range.On Thursday, a judge could advance a lawsuit against Toyota filed by owners of the company’s hydrogen-powered Mirai, a vehicle that drivers say is a nightmare to own, as there isn’t enough reliable infrastructure to keep the cars fueled, among other issues.The Toyota Mirai, a cutting-edge hydrogen fuel cell vehicle, comes with a higher-than-average insurance cost due to its advanced technology and limited repair infrastructure. On average, insuring a 2025 Toyota Mirai with full coverage costs around $2,897 annually, or about $241 per month.The Toyota Mirai just can’t catch a break. In 2025, Toyota sold only 210 Mirais, a 57.
Do hydrogen cars require special maintenance?
Hydrogen vehicles require less frequent service than internal combustion engine (ICE) cars. Like battery electric vehicles (BEVs), they eliminate oil changes, spark plugs, and exhaust system repairs. However, FCEVs still include mechanical components that need regular attention. One kg of hydrogen contains about the same energy as a gallon of gasoline. Today a fuel-cell electric vehicle with 1 kg of hydrogen can drive approximately 60 miles, compared to conventional vehicles, which get about 25 miles on a gallon of gasoline.The future of sustainable transportation may not be an exclusive competition between hydrogen and electric vehicles. Instead, there is growing recognition that both technologies could coexist, offering consumers choices that align with their needs and preferences.They still have a battery of course, but it’s much smaller than an EV’s. The trouble is, a battery EV is more efficient than a hydrogen car. So, as a rule a battery-electric car needs less energy than a hydrogen vehicle to go the same distance. Using less energy to do the same job is more sustainable.A hydrogen car consumes an average of 0. So, for every 100 km driven, it uses less than 1 kg of hydrogen.
What is the lifespan of a hydrogen car?
For example, many automakers of passenger cars aim for a fuel cell stack lifespan of at least 5,000 hours or approximately 150,000-200,000 miles. In the heavy-duty category, many bus fuel cell stacks (power plant) have reached lifetimes of 20,000 hours and more, with a goal of 30,000 hours by 2030. The fuel cell stacks are designed to last the lifetime of the vehicle, about 150,000–200,000 miles.
What are the disadvantages of hydrogen engines?
Hydrogen cars run on hydrogen fuel cells and are eco-friendly, but they have several drawbacks such as limited availability, high cost, complex manufacturing, fuel storage and delivery issues, and scarce refuelling infrastructure. Most hydrogen cars today offer a driving range of between 300 and 400 miles on a full tank. Because the refueling process takes only a few minutes, it offers a fast and convenient experience similar to filling up a gasoline vehicle.When there’s fuel enough to run them, hydrogen-powered cars can go farther and refuel much faster than EVs of the same size. Hydrogen fuel cell cars aren’t as clean or efficient as battery EVs, however, and developing a reliable, affordable and widespread fueling infrastructure is a big problem right now.Hydrogen fueling is no more complicated or time-consuming than filling a standard car with gas. See how fuel cells differ from other electric car types. Most hydrogen fueling stations are located at existing gas stations, using dispensers that look very similar, but have a different nozzle and hose.Fueling is Easy and Fast Fuel cell electric cars typically go 300 miles or more on a full tank of hydrogen, with the ability to refuel in 3 to 5 minutes. Hydrogen fueling is no more complicated or time-consuming than filling a standard car with gas.Refueling Costs: What Does Hydrogen Cost? Hydrogen is sold by the kilogram, and most fuel cell vehicles hold about 5 to 6 kilograms. The cost per kilogram varies by region but typically ranges from $12 to $16. A full tank usually costs around $70 to $90 and provides 300 to 400 miles of range.
Is hydrogen a better fuel than petrol?
At 120 megajoules per kilogram (MJ/kg), hydrogen is around 3X more energy dense than commonly used fuels like gasoline (44 MJ/kg). By 2024, China had become the world’s leading hydrogen producer, reaching an annual production of 36. While green hydrogen accounted for only 125,000 mt of the total annual hydrogen production in China, the country accounted for nearly half of the global output.Electrolysis-based hydrogen capacity, in kilotonnes per year China is currently the world’s largest consumer and producer of hydrogen.
What is the mileage of 1 kg hydrogen car?
Mileage usually varies because of driving patterns, models, and road conditions. Still, you can expect 250 kms on one kilogram of hydrogen. One kg of hydrogen contains about the same energy as a gallon of gasoline. Today a fuel-cell electric vehicle with 1 kg of hydrogen can drive approximately 60 miles, compared to conventional vehicles, which get about 25 miles on a gallon of gasoline.
How much is 1 kg of hydrogen fuel?
Blue hydrogen —produced from natural gas paired with carbon capture and storage — costs between US$5 to 7 per kg in the US, and $7 to 11 in Europe and Australia. Green hydrogen produced through electrolysis using renewable power costs US$10-15 per kg , depending on availability. Hydrogen produced using clean energy costs four times as much as hydrogen made from natural gas, according to BNEF. And it’s hard to build the infrastructure to supply hydrogen—not just plants to make it but pipelines to move it—when the demand may not materialize for years.Other applications, such as light duty vehicles and heating in buildings, are no longer part of the future hydrogen economy, primarily for economic and environmental reasons. Hydrogen is challenging to store, to transport in pipelines, and to use.One of the biggest disadvantages of hydrogen energy is the cost of producing and storing hydrogen. Currently, the process of electrolysis is relatively expensive and energy intensive. Additionally, hydrogen is a gas at room temperature and must be stored in high-pressure or cryogenic tanks.No, it’s unlikely that hydrogen cars will replace electric vehicles (EVs). They offer fast refuelling and longer ranges, but EVs benefit from an extensive charging infrastructure and lower costs.