Industries worldwide are seeking ways to cut carbon emissions. The automotive industry is tackling the issue head-on by introducing creative new technologies. Toyota takes a unique approach by using hydrogen to power fuel cell electric vehicles like its innovative Mirai.
What is the Toyota Mirai?
“Mirai” means “future” in Japanese, a fitting name for Toyota’s hydrogen-powered, zero-emission car. The Mirai is essentially a “plugless” electric vehicle. Instead of plugging in the Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) to charge, the driver fills it with hydrogen. The driver fills the FCEV with non-toxic, compressed hydrogen gas rather than liquid gasoline.
How does the Mirai work?
According to Toyota, an FCEV generates its own electricity onboard from hydrogen, emitting only water. A fuel cell system combines stored hydrogen with oxygen from the air. The onboard fuel cell generates electricity to power the vehicle. The fuel cell system dispenses water, its only byproduct, out of a hidden vent pipe beneath the car.
The Mirai’s fuel cell and regenerative braking system generate electricity stored in a lithium-ion battery. Pressing the accelerator produces an immediate flow of electric power from the fuel cell to the rear-mounted AC synchronous electric motor. The motor drives the rear wheels. An electric air compressor pressurizes the intake air. A water-cooled intercooler reduces the compressed air’s temperature before it enters the fuel cell stack. A water-cooled oil cooler integrated with the air compressor maximizes efficiency.
The intake system eliminates noise, making the Mirai’s electric powertrain virtually silent, like other electric vehicles. Toyota adds an audible sound when the vehicle is in operation to alert nearby people.
Toyota’s journey with fuel cell technology
Toyota began its fuel cell journey around the same time as the original Prius. The Mirai shares many components with Toyota’s hybrids and battery-electric vehicles, like other electrified vehicles. Toyota developed the solid-polymer electrolyte fuel cells used in the first and second-generation Mirai. Toyota states, “It is a scalable technology that can power a phone, a building, or anything in between.”
Hydrogen-powered semi-trucks
Toyota installed fuel cell powertrains in a fleet of Kenworth semi-trucks for a proof-of-concept demonstration to show the possibility of zero-emission technology. The big rigs have moved freight in and around the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, California.
Toyota’s commitment to sustainability
Toyota, a founding member of the Hydrogen Council, aims to use decarbonized hydrogen for transportation. Hydrogen fuel cell technology provides clean energy solutions. It supports carbon reduction in transportation and facilities. This aligns with Toyota’s goal to work toward its sustainability goals for the future.
Key takeaways
- Toyota’s Mirai, a zero-emission, hydrogen-powered car, generates electricity onboard
- The Mirai’s fuel cell system combines hydrogen and oxygen, emitting only water as a byproduct
- Toyota’s scalable fuel cell technology can power various devices, from phones to buildings
- Toyota commits to using decarbonized hydrogen for transportation as part of its sustainability goals