Toyota’s Decision on the Mirai
Toyota has not officially announced the discontinuation of the Mirai. However, the company has admitted that the Mirai has not been as successful as anticipated and has shifted its focus towards developing the technology for commercial vehicles, acknowledging the challenges related to the small number of hydrogen fueling stations for passenger vehicles .
Sales Performance and Future Plans
The first-generation Mirai never surpassed 2,000 sales, but the second-generation has exceeded that mark every year since 2021, with sales dipping in 2022 but rebounding in 2023. Toyota has sold 2,604 Mirai sedans through September 2023, up over 80 percent compared to the first nine months of 2022. Despite this, Toyota has not confirmed any plans to discontinue the Mirai and is continuing to refine hybrid fuel-cell technology for passenger vehicles.
Market Context
It’s important to note that the Mirai is currently only available in California due to the limited availability of hydrogen infrastructure in the US, and it’s the only fuel cell electric car from a major manufacturer available in the country . While there have been discussions about Toyota’s potential focus on developing a hydrogen-powered SUV, there is no definitive confirmation that it will replace the Mirai.
In conclusion, while Toyota has acknowledged the challenges and limited success of the Mirai, there is no official confirmation of its discontinuation. The company continues to invest in and refine hybrid fuel-cell technology for passenger vehicles, and the Mirai remains available for sale in California.
Contents
- What is the life expectancy of a Toyota Mirai?
- Are hydrogen cars a failure?
- Is there a downside to hydrogen cars?
- Will there be a 2024 Toyota Mirai?
- Is Toyota abandoning hydrogen?
- Why hydrogen cars are not the future?
- Why did Toyota Mirai fail?
- Are hydrogen cars better than electric?
- Is Toyota still making the Mirai?
- Why are hydrogen cars being ignored?
What is the life expectancy of a Toyota Mirai?
How hydrogen vehicle engines work is complex but fascinating, and the Toyota Mirai is at the forefront of the technology. So, how long can you expect this system to last? According to the H2 California Fuel Cell Partnership, the fuel cells should reach between 150,000 and 200,000 miles.
Are hydrogen cars a failure?
Unfortunately, a hydrogen fuel cell offers few advantages over a battery, with several deal-breaking disadvantages. The problems that show no sign of really being overcome include cost, lack of infrastructure and relative inefficiencies in delivering hydrogen to customers.
Is there a downside to hydrogen cars?
More energy- and labor-intensive to store and transport hydrogen than gasoline or diesel fuel. Fuel cells are expensive to replace. Safety concerns over hydrogen flammability and electrical shock. Maintenance costs remain unclear.
Will there be a 2024 Toyota Mirai?
Cutting-edge efficiency.
When fully fueled with hydrogen, the 2024 Mirai XLE has an impressive EPA-estimated 402-mile driving range rating * and the 2024 Mirai Limited has an EPA-estimated 357-mile driving range rating.
Is Toyota abandoning hydrogen?
Major car manufacturer Toyota has confirmed that it remains committed to hydrogen vehicles, as well as confirming that it would boost production of electric cars.
Why hydrogen cars are not the future?
There is a severe lack of infrastructure for hydrogen cars, with refuelling stations few and far between. This scarcity makes it difficult for consumers to refuel their vehicles, limiting the practicality and convenience of owning a hydrogen fuel car.
Why did Toyota Mirai fail?
Chief technology officer Hiroki Nakajima told the Japan Mobility Show in Tokyo (formerly the Tokyo Motor Show) that that the Mirai has never taken off due to the small numbers of H2 fuelling stations — a problem that is less significant for trucks. “We have tried Mirai but not been successful,” said Nakajima.
Are hydrogen cars better than electric?
Efficiency. Converting hydrogen into electricity in a fuel cell is a complex process, so a hydrogen car is already at a disadvantage compared to an EV. In fact, even though hydrogen cars are more energy efficient than ICE cars, EVs still outdo them in the efficiency stakes.
Is Toyota still making the Mirai?
Toyota has given the hydrogen-powered Mirai a few updates for 2024, most notably the new Beyond Zero badge first seen on the Prius. The Mirai had its best sales year in 2023, but Toyota still only moved 2737 examples of its fuel-cell sedan.
Why are hydrogen cars being ignored?
Another barrier to the adoption of hydrogen fuel cars is the high cost of production and storage. Hydrogen gas is primarily obtained through electrolysis, which requires a significant amount of energy. Currently, most hydrogen is produced using fossil fuels, which defeats the purpose of reducing carbon emissions.