How Does the 2023 Toyota Mirai Work, & How Do I Fill It Up?

The hydrogen fuel-cell Mirai is a luxurious but practical rear-wheel-drive five-passenger sedan. Most people aren’t as familiar with the 2023 Toyota Mirai as some of the other electric cars on the market. However, due to its lower-than-average price compared with many electric vehicles (EVs), depending on your location and driving needs, a hydrogen-cell car might be more practical.

This cutting-edge Mirai shines a light on a future after fossil fuels. Toyota naturally wants to be a leader in this field, just as it has been in hydrogen and plug-in hybrid EV technology. Here’s all the information you need to know about the Toyota Mirai’s capabilities, including how to fill up the fuel-cell tank.

How Does the 2023 Mirai Battery Work?

The Mirai safely stores hydrogen molecules inside a tank, where it interacts with oxygen a little bit at a time to produce power. The 2023 Mirai XLE and 2023 Mirai Limited both have remarkable manufacturer-estimated driving ranges of 402 miles and 357 miles, respectively, thanks to many advancements in hydrogen power. The tanks are also reinforced with carbon fiber for long-term fuel storage and stability.

Whether navigating metropolitan streets or winding down country roads, the dynamic rear-wheel-drive chassis of this hydrogen fuel cell EV constantly produces an exhilarating ride. The rear wheels are propelled by a motor that generates 182 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque. Using such figures, a zero to 60 mph sprint would take 7.4 seconds, which is good for most city drivers. With the XLE trim, the estimated city/highway/combined mileage is 76/71/74 mpg equivalent (MPGe), respectively, whereas for the Limited trim, it’s 67/64/65 MPGe.

Does the Mirai Produce Electricity?

Yes, the Toyota Mirai has what’s known as a fuel-cell electric powertrain, which means that the onboard fuel cell generates electricity from hydrogen. As the smallest element, hydrogen easily compacts into the storage cells, remaining in a usable gas form at relatively low pressure. Fuel cells use hydrogen atoms’ electrons to generate electricity when they react with oxygen, creating a small amount of water as a byproduct.

How Do I Fill Up a Mirai?

Similar to a gas station pump, a hydrogen fuel pump will have a nozzle you can bring to the vehicle’s loading port. The hydrogen is pumped in and then moved to the carbon fiber-reinforced tanks.

Overall, the Toyota Mirai charges at a similar rate to fast charging an EV. Considering the substantial tank sizes of both trim levels, you’ll likely only need a minute to fill up. At the most, you’ll go from near empty to full in about five minutes. As it handles just like an EV but with faster refueling, a higher maximum range, and a lower price, it’s easy to see why people snatch up a Mirai when they get the chance.

How Secure Is Hydrogen Fuel-Cell Technology?

Toyota has invested a lot of time testing hydrogen-powered vehicles in tough situations to ensure they’re as reliable as the rest of the lineup. Hydrogen is a common gas with no known pollutant effects. After thorough testing, Toyota determined that the hydrogen fuel tanks used by Mirai complied with GTR No. 13. This United Nations document regulates the safety requirements for fuel-cell and other hydrogen-based vehicles.

The Mirai’s patented tanks are lined with polymers and covered in carbon fiber, meaning they absorb five times more crash energy than steel. If the hydrogen detectors spot a leak, or if a collision is detected against the tank, the valves will promptly close to prevent more hydrogen from escaping. Any hydrogen that has already spilled will safely return to the atmosphere as a low-pressure, non-combustible gas.

Is the 2023 Mirai Environmentally Friendly?

The Japanese word Mirai means “future.” Since the introduction of this new car back in November of 2014, Toyota has stood out as a diverse automaker producing a combination of gasoline, gasoline hybrid, fully electric, and hydrogen automobiles. Rather than relying solely on electric technology, which can still come from fossil fuel consumption, offering a broader range of technologies for automobile power represents a significant development toward energy independence. It’ll also produce a more manageable and environmentally friendly world for everyone by lowering harmful emissions.

It’s also worth noting that, like traditional EVs, cars with hydrogen fuel cells don’t produce noise pollution, nor does the process of creating the fuel. These details all add up to a car that’s as safe as any gasoline or full EV in the immediate sense and as environmentally sustainable as electric drivetrains, if not more.

2023 Mirai Warranties and Benefits

The Mirai also benefits from everything you’d expect in a new Toyota, such as the Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ package. This is a complete collection of guidance and safety features such as adaptive cruise control, pedestrian detection, traffic sign assist, and lane-keep assist. You’ll also get an advanced 12.3-inch touch screen, informing you about your Mirai’s fuel and condition while easily connecting with your smartphone so you can use apps.

The 2023 version of the Mirai also includes a comprehensive owner experience program in addition to the usual Toyota warranties and benefits. For example, the Extended ToyotaCare coverage provides warranty coverage on any Mirai lease for three years or 35,000 miles or on a purchase for three years or 35,000 miles. Take a look at this list of everything you get with a new Mirai:

• ToyotaCare roadside assistance, trip interruption assistance, and fast towing service, covering purchases or leases up to three years.
• Dedicated Mirai 24/7 call support for the entire duration of the lease or purchase.
• Fuel-cell EV warranty covering all fuel-cell electric drivetrain components for eight years or 100,000 miles.
• Hybrid Battery Warranty of 10 years or 150,000 miles for both leases and purchases.
• Complimentary emergency rentals for up to 21 total days of use, which lasts for the first three years after lease or purchase.

You can even get complimentary hydrogen fuel, which is limited on a lease up to $15,000 or three years compared with up to $15,000 or six years with a purchase. Visit Longo Toyota for the best possible deal on a brand-new 2023 Toyota Mirai in El Monte, California. Our Toyota dealership offers competitive prices, a wide selection of 2023 Toyota models, and an informed sales staff. Get in touch with us today to schedule a test drive.

Tags: 2023 Toyota Mirai, Hydrogen
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