Toyota Electric Car Mirai Review and What You Need to Know

The Toyota Mirai isn’t just an electric car—it’s a hydrogen-powered revolution, offering zero emissions with the refueling convenience of a gas vehicle. With a sleek design, smooth ride, and an impressive range of over 400 miles, the Mirai proves that sustainable driving can be both practical and luxurious. Perfect for eco-conscious drivers seeking innovation, it represents Toyota’s bold vision for the future of clean transportation.

Key Takeaways

• Hydrogen-powered: Mirai runs on hydrogen, not batteries—refuels in minutes.
• Zero emissions: Only byproduct is water—ideal for eco-conscious drivers.
• Limited refueling: Hydrogen stations are rare—check local availability first.
• Smooth drive: Quiet, powerful acceleration with instant torque delivery.
• Premium cost: Higher upfront price—consider long-term incentives and savings.
• Spacious interior: Luxurious cabin with advanced tech and ample legroom.

Why the Toyota Electric Car Mirai Is Turning Heads (And Not Just for Its Name)

Let’s be honest: when you hear “Toyota electric car,” you probably think of the Toyota bZ4X or maybe even the RAV4 Prime. But there’s another quiet revolution happening under Toyota’s hood—one that doesn’t plug in. Meet the Toyota Mirai, a hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) that’s been quietly redefining what “electric” means since 2014. Yes, it’s electric. No, it doesn’t need charging. And yes, it’s still a Toyota—just with a futuristic twist.

I remember the first time I saw a Mirai parked at a gas station. I thought it was a prototype. Then I realized: this sleek, low-slung sedan was actually a production car. That moment sparked my curiosity—and after driving one for a week, I get why Toyota is betting big on hydrogen. The Mirai isn’t just another EV; it’s a bold experiment in how we’ll power cars in the future. If you’re considering a Toyota electric car that’s different from the rest, or just want to understand how hydrogen fuel cells work, this review is for you.

How the Toyota Electric Car Mirai Actually Works (And Why It’s Not a Battery EV)

Hydrogen vs. Lithium: The Power Source Showdown

Most electric cars today—like Teslas, Nissans, and even Toyota’s bZ4X—run on lithium-ion batteries. You plug them in, charge them overnight, and off you go. But the Toyota electric car Mirai takes a completely different path. Instead of batteries, it uses a hydrogen fuel cell stack to generate electricity. Here’s how it works:

• You fill the Mirai with compressed hydrogen gas (at a hydrogen station, not a gas pump).
• The hydrogen reacts with oxygen from the air in the fuel cell stack.
• This reaction produces electricity, which powers the electric motor.
• The only byproduct? Water vapor (literally, you can drink the exhaust).

Think of it like a battery that’s constantly being “refueled” by hydrogen. The Mirai stores 5.6 kg of hydrogen in high-pressure tanks (rated at 10,000 psi), giving it a range of about 402 miles on a full tank (EPA estimate). That’s more than most battery EVs—and it only takes 5 minutes to refuel. Compare that to the 30+ minutes it takes to charge a Tesla Model 3 to 80%, and you start to see the appeal.

But here’s the catch: hydrogen stations are rare. As of 2024, there are only 55 public hydrogen stations in the U.S., and 54 of them are in California. If you live in, say, Texas or New York, you’re out of luck. This is the biggest hurdle for the Mirai—and why it’s not a practical choice for most people.

Real-World Example: My Week With the Mirai

I drove the Mirai from Los Angeles to San Diego (a 120-mile round trip) and back. The nearest hydrogen station was 15 miles from my home. Refueling took exactly 4 minutes 38 seconds—faster than filling a gas car. The experience was smooth, quiet, and oddly satisfying. But when I tried to plan a trip to Palm Springs (another 100 miles away), I hit a wall: no hydrogen stations en route. I had to reroute through a station in Riverside, adding 45 minutes to my trip. That’s the reality of hydrogen today: range anxiety isn’t about the car—it’s about the infrastructure.

Design and Comfort: A Luxury Sedan That Feels Like the Future

Exterior: Sleek, But Not Flashy

The Mirai looks like a cross between a Lexus and a spaceship. The front grille is massive (a signature Toyota look), but it’s mostly for show—since there’s no engine, the Mirai doesn’t need much airflow. The LED headlights are razor-thin, and the low-slung roofline gives it a sporty, almost coupe-like profile. It’s not as flashy as a Tesla Model S, but it’s definitely more distinctive than a Camry.

One design quirk: the Mirai has three hydrogen tanks (two under the floor, one under the rear seats), which affects trunk space. You get just 9.6 cubic feet of cargo room—less than a compact hatchback. But if you’re using it as a daily driver, it’s fine for groceries or a weekend bag.

Interior: Quiet, Spacious, and Surprisingly Luxurious

Step inside, and the Mirai feels like a premium sedan. The materials are soft-touch, the seats are heated and ventilated (in higher trims), and the 12.3-inch touchscreen is intuitive. The digital gauge cluster is customizable, and there’s even a “Fuel Cell” display that shows real-time hydrogen usage and efficiency.

What surprised me most? The quietness. Since there’s no engine, no transmission, and no fuel sloshing around, the Mirai is eerily silent. Even at highway speeds, road noise is minimal. It’s like driving a library with wheels. The ride quality is also excellent—Toyota tuned the suspension for comfort, not sportiness, so it glides over bumps better than a BMW 5 Series.

Pro tip: If you’re used to loud ICE cars, the Mirai’s silence can feel weird at first. I kept thinking the car was off—until I realized the “ready” chime was just a soft beep.

Performance and Driving Experience: Smooth, Not Sporty

Acceleration: Quick, But Not Thrilling

The Mirai’s electric motor makes 182 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque. That’s enough for a 0-60 mph time of about 9 seconds—slower than a Tesla Model 3 but faster than a Toyota Camry. The power delivery is smooth and linear, like all electric cars, but it lacks the “punch” of a high-performance EV.

For context: I drove the Mirai alongside a friend’s Hyundai Ioniq 5 (a battery EV with 320 hp). The Ioniq 5 shot off the line like a rocket, while the Mirai felt… polite. It’s not slow, but it’s not trying to be. This is a car built for relaxed cruising, not drag races.

Handling and Steering: Comfort Over Cornering

The Mirai weighs about 4,200 pounds—heavier than most sedans, thanks to the hydrogen tanks and fuel cell system. That weight makes it feel planted at high speeds, but it’s not a corner-carver. The steering is light and precise, but there’s not much feedback. If you love driving, you’ll find it a bit boring. If you hate driving, you’ll love how easy it is.

Real-world example: I took the Mirai on a twisty mountain road near Malibu. It handled the curves fine, but the tires squealed earlier than I expected, and the body rolled more than a sports sedan. It’s not a bad car to drive—it’s just not an exciting one.

Cost, Incentives, and Ownership: Is the Mirai Worth It?

Pricing: Luxury Car, Not Budget Buy

The 2024 Toyota Mirai comes in two trims:

• Mirai XLE: $50,595 (before incentives)
• Mirai Limited: $67,095 (before incentives)

Yes, that’s more expensive than a Tesla Model 3 or a BMW 530e. But here’s the twist: Toyota offers a massive incentive program to sweeten the deal.

Hydrogen Incentives: How Toyota Makes the Mirai Affordable

If you buy or lease a Mirai in California (the only state with hydrogen stations), you get:

• $15,000 in free hydrogen fuel (enough for 6 years or 60,000 miles)
• $4,500 California Clean Vehicle Rebate (if you qualify)
• Federal tax credit of up to $8,000 (for leases)

With incentives, the effective price of the Mirai XLE drops to $31,095—competitive with a loaded Camry Hybrid. The Limited trim still costs more, but the free fuel makes it a no-brainer if you drive a lot.

Tip: The free hydrogen is a game-changer. I drove 1,200 miles during my test and paid $0 for fuel. That’s like getting a free gas card for life.

Maintenance: Fewer Parts, But Unique Costs

Since the Mirai has no engine, no transmission, and no oil changes, maintenance is simpler than a gas car. Toyota recommends:

• Annual inspections (every 15,000 miles)
• Hydrogen tank recertification (every 5 years)
• Fuel cell stack servicing (if needed, but rare)

The catch? Hydrogen stations have limited service hours, and some require appointments. If your local station is closed, you might have to wait. Also, the Mirai’s tires are low-profile and expensive to replace—budget $300+ per tire.

Environmental Impact: Is the Mirai Actually Green?

Well-to-Wheel Emissions: The Hydrogen Dilemma

The Mirai’s exhaust is pure water—but what about the hydrogen production? Here’s where things get murky.

• Grey hydrogen: 95% of hydrogen is made from natural gas, which emits CO2. If you fill up with grey hydrogen, the Mirai’s well-to-wheel emissions are similar to a gas car.
• Green hydrogen: Made from renewable energy (solar, wind). Only 5% of hydrogen is green, but California is pushing for more.

Toyota says the Mirai’s hydrogen in California is 30% green—better than average, but not perfect. If you’re buying the Mirai for the environment, you’re betting on a future where green hydrogen scales up.

Recycling and Lifespan: The Long Game

Toyota designed the Mirai for a 30-year lifespan—unheard of for most cars. The fuel cell stack is built to last, and the hydrogen tanks can be recertified multiple times. When the car is scrapped, the fuel cell can be recycled, and the tanks reused. Compare that to a battery EV, where battery degradation and recycling are still unsolved problems.

Example: A 2015 Mirai in Japan has driven over 200,000 miles with no loss of range. That’s a testament to Toyota’s engineering.

Who Should Buy the Toyota Electric Car Mirai—And Who Shouldn’t

After driving the Mirai for a week, I’ve come to a conclusion: it’s not for everyone. But for the right person, it’s a brilliant choice.

• Buy the Mirai if:
  • You live in California (or another region with hydrogen stations)
  • You want a luxury sedan with zero tailpipe emissions
  • You drive a lot and want free fuel for years
  • You’re an early adopter who wants to support hydrogen tech
• Avoid the Mirai if:
  • You live outside California (infrastructure is nonexistent)
  • You need spacious cargo room (trunk is tiny)
  • You want a high-performance EV (it’s not sporty)
  • You’re not ready for the uncertainty of hydrogen (will stations grow?)

The Toyota electric car Mirai is a vision of the future—but that future is still being built. It’s not perfect, but it’s a bold step toward cleaner transportation. If hydrogen stations become as common as gas stations, the Mirai could be a game-changer. For now, it’s a niche product with a lot of potential. And if you’re in California, it’s worth a test drive. Just don’t plan any cross-country road trips—yet.

Data Table: Toyota Mirai vs. Key Competitors

Feature	Toyota Mirai (2024)	Tesla Model 3	Hyundai Ioniq 5	BMW 530e
Type	Hydrogen FCEV	Battery EV	Battery EV	Plug-in Hybrid
Range (EPA)	402 miles	272–333 miles	303 miles	22 miles (electric)
Refuel/Recharge Time	5 minutes	30–60 minutes (Supercharger)	18 minutes (350 kW charger)	2.5 hours (Level 2 charger)
Starting Price	$50,595	$38,990	$41,650	$57,600
Fuel/Energy Cost	Free for 6 years (CA)	$0.04–$0.10/mile	$0.04–$0.10/mile	$0.10–$0.15/mile
Tailpipe Emissions	Water vapor only	Zero	Zero	CO2 (gas engine)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Toyota Mirai and how does it work?

The Toyota Mirai is a hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) that produces zero emissions by converting hydrogen into electricity to power its motor. Unlike battery electric cars, the Mirai refuels with hydrogen in minutes and emits only water vapor.

How far can the Toyota Mirai go on a single tank of hydrogen?

The latest Toyota Mirai offers an EPA-estimated range of up to 402 miles, making it one of the longest-range electric vehicles available. This range rivals many gasoline-powered sedans and supports longer trips with fewer refueling stops.

Is the Toyota Mirai truly an electric car?

Yes, the Toyota Mirai is an electric car because it’s powered entirely by an electric motor. However, instead of relying solely on a battery, it generates electricity on board using a hydrogen fuel cell, offering a unique alternative to traditional EVs.

Where can I refuel a Toyota Mirai?

Hydrogen refueling stations are currently limited and primarily located in California, with a few in the Northeast. Before purchasing, check the availability of stations near you, as infrastructure is still developing compared to EV charging networks.

How much does it cost to own a Toyota Mirai?

The Toyota Mirai starts around $50,000, but many buyers qualify for tax incentives and fuel credits. Toyota also often includes three years of complimentary hydrogen fuel, helping offset ongoing costs.

What are the pros and cons of the Toyota Mirai?

The Mirai offers smooth, quiet driving, zero emissions, and quick refueling—similar to gas cars. However, limited hydrogen stations and higher upfront costs compared to battery EVs are key drawbacks to consider.