Toyota Mirai (2nd generation – MY 2025)
Toyota’s hydrogen flagship is a rear-wheel-drive sedan built on the GA-L platform shared with the Lexus LS. Three carbon-fibre tanks (5.6 kg of H₂ at 700 bar) form a “T” in the floor, feeding a 128 kW fuel-cell stack. The stack charges a small 1.6 kWh nickel-metal-hydride battery and drives a rear motor rated at 182 hp / 300 Nm.
| Key figure | Value |
|---|
| 0-100 km/h | 9.2 s |
| Top speed | 175 km/h (limited) |
| WLTP range | 650 km |
| H₂ consumption | 0.79 kg/100 km |
| Re-fuel time | 4–5 min |
| Dimensions (L × W × H) | 4 975 × 1 885 × 1 470 mm |
| Kerb mass | 1 890 kg |
| Luggage volume | 321 l |
Line-up: Essence (€ 76 800) and Essence+ (€ 82 900). Five-year road-tax exemption and zero-emission incentives apply, but public hydrogen stations are still limited.
Pros (as voiced by owners and test-drive reports)
| Advantage | Why it matters |
|---|
| True zero tail-pipe emissions | Only water vapour—free access to many low-emission zones and discounted parking. |
| Diesel-like range with 5-min refuels | Ideal for taxi fleets and long-distance users who find slow BEV charging impractical. |
| Premium-class ride | Near-silent powertrain, optional air suspension and ventilated seats create a Lexus-like cabin ambience. |
| Balanced rear-drive handling | Tanks sit low and central, lowering the centre of gravity; steering is precise and the car feels composed in sweeping bends. |
| Long warranties | Fuel-cell covered for 10 years / 1 million km; Relax Plus can extend mechanical cover to 15 years / 250 000 km. |
| Low routine upkeep | 15 000 km service interval; high-mileage taxi operators report 300 000 km with only scheduled maintenance. |
Cons (recurring criticisms)
| Drawback | Typical comment |
|---|
| Sparse refuelling network | Outside a handful of northern stations, trip planning remains tricky. |
| Cost of hydrogen | €14–15 per kg equals roughly €0.11/km—similar to a diesel burning 6 l/100 km. |
| High purchase price | €76 000+ positions the Mirai against plug-in executive sedans offering far more power. |
| Weight and modest performance | Nearly two tonnes and a 9-second sprint don’t excite enthusiasts. |
| Small boot | 321 l with a narrow opening limits large suitcases; rear seats fold to compensate. |
| Residual-value uncertainty | Future resale hinges on how fast the H₂ network expands. |
| Costly bodywork | High-strength steel panels and an aluminium roof push crash-repair quotes above mainstream levels. |
Running-cost sketch (independent workshop estimates)
| Service item | Parts (€) | Labour (€) | Interval |
|---|
| Standard service (reducer oil, FC & cabin filters) | 210 | 110 | 15 000 km |
| Fine-dust fuel-cell air filter | 95 | 40 | 45 000 km |
| Fuel-cell coolant replacement | 65 | 80 | 90 000 km |
| Discs + pads (axle) | 300 | 150 | >80 000 km |
| H₂ sensor / 700-bar valve | 410 | 90 | as needed |
Known issues & fixes
| Issue | Remedy in use |
|---|
| “Check Fuel-Cell” light after long parking | ECU software update plus non-return valve replacement. |
| Vacuum-pump drone in cold weather | Upgraded rubber mounts (retrofit under warranty). |
| Headlamp condensation | Improved seals from MY 2023; lamp replaced if moisture depth > 5 mm. |
| False H₂-pressure alarms at dispenser | Redesigned filler-neck cap with dual O-rings. |
Verdict
For drivers with reliable access to one of the few national hydrogen stations, the Mirai delivers limousine-level silence, diesel-beating range and pit-stop refuelling while emitting nothing but water. Routine servicing is simpler and cheaper than on most large plug-in hybrids, and long warranties ease ownership anxiety.
Yet three hurdles remain: flagship-level pricing, a still-embryonic fuelling network and hydrogen costs that match diesel economics rather than undercut them. Until those factors shift, the Mirai is best viewed as a technology showcase—perfect for municipal fleets and early adopters—rather than a mass-market alternative to battery EVs or conventional combustion cars.
