Even Tesla ‘s SEXY Range Doesn’t Have This Feature That The Hydrogen powered Toyota Mirai Does – TopSpeed.
The Toyota Mirai has long been an innovative yet painfully misunderstood vehicle. Using hydrogen to run, this became one of the first wide-scale releases EVER to do it, all while being a passion project for the execs at Toyota. The Mirai boasts endless specs, from its recharge and power-out capability (this is a big one) to its 152 horsepower fully-electric hydrogen powertrain. Mirai has always been a stand-out internally, but the sedan is also rather sleek on its exterior. We’re focusing on how it managed to outdo Tesla in the power-out department, however, as this is something few car brands have perfected and implemented.
What this means is that the Mirai’s fuel cell not only produces direct current (DC) but also converts it to alternating current (AC). This makes it work similarly to a generator, which could be life-saving if you get stuck out in the woods camping, have a power outage at home, or if anything else disturbs your typical flow of electricity. Not even Tesla has done this, although it’s claimed to have the bandwidth to create it, so Toyota and its Mirai nameplate are lightyears ahead of the competition.
- The Toyota Mirai boasts a hydrogen power source, which doesn’t require charging.
What has always intrigued car shoppers about the Toyota Mirai is its hydrogen powertrain. Unlike most electric cars that require a charge, your Mirai needs a refuel at a dedicated hydrogen station. You treat this more like a gas model, pulling into the station, filling the tank, and skirting off.
The Mirai has continued to evolve into a pretty solid choice for those wanting to switch from oil to electricity and uses technology we have seldom seen in the auto industry. Most importantly, the Toyota Mirai boasts a power-out socket, essentially providing you with power for two days in the event of an outage. The hydrogen tanks inside the vehicle have enough energy storage for about 48 hours of energy, which is impressive for even a small vehicle like the Mirai.
One of the coolest things about hydrogen power is its ability to store and use energy. Of course, you see current electric cars make better use of their battery life, being more efficient than hydrogen most times, but that’s not to say this can’t change. Hydrogen power is easier to refuel, as you only have to fill your tank at a station and pull away. Battery-powered cars require a charge that can take hours, if not days, depending on the station. Even a Tesla Supercharger takes about a half hour.
So, yes, battery EVs are outpacing hydrogen ones for now, but if Mirai can inspire enough brands to take on the tech it uses, we could see a major push for this alternative.
- The Toyota Mirai’s hydrogen system boasts a stronger generator alternative than Tesla’s.
- The Tesla Cybertruck offers a power-out socket, although it won’t power a house for days on end.
Even though Tesla claims to be one of the more advanced auto manufacturers in the business, the company has yet to incorporate the same Mirai-style power-out system into its EVs, minus the Cybertruck’s somewhat similar offering. Tesla calls this feature Powershare, essentially directing 11.5 kW of power directly to a house through either a Tesla Powerwall with a wall connector. This makes the Mirai a unique player in the field, offering a practical solution for users looking for emergency power backup without compromising environmental friendliness. Compared to a traditional generator, your Mirai would be quieter, emit zero toxic fumes or gasses, and will not have the same outdoor limitations associated with traditional generators.
The Cybertruck’s Power-Out Socket Is Better-Suited For Charging Other Teslas
Oddly enough, the Tesla Cybertruck has a power-out socket, boasting a 220V power outlet, and is a NEMA 14–50 socket design. You will see the brand shift advertising more toward charging other EVs with this power source rather than the ability to keep your home running for a couple of days. The Mirai, on the other hand, is capable of ~48 hours of total home support in the event of an electrical failure.
The Benefits Of V2L Technology In Mainstream EVs
- V2L tech allows your car to send power away from itself to other appliances and systems.
- This technology is capable of transforming EVs into generators for homes, businesses, campers, etc.
On top of converting traditional energy into a way to power external things, like cars and homes, using V2L technology is slowly becoming more normalized in the EV and auto industry as a whole. With the Toyota Mirai, we see one of the first-ever cars to do this, using its stored hydrogen power to also charge other cars, work as a generator for a home, or become a lifeline during camping trips or when you’re somewhere without electricity. A key aspect of V2L technology is the ability to turn EVs into mobile power sources. Some EVs come equipped with onboard generators, although we’re a long way from this being ‘standard’.
Bidirectional Power Is A Game Changer
When we think of the pros of bidirectional charging, the immediate first response is your EV becoming its own self-sustaining power source. Unlike most cars that simply run on fuel and cannot do anything but that, electric models are quickly becoming power hubs for things outside of themselves. For those who aren’t familiar, bidirectional charging allows your car to send energy to various recipients, like a house, appliances, business, or other vehicles. This can be referred to and used as a microgrid. It’s very cool and even more helpful to you.
- Fewer hydrogen stations and a lack of infrastructure have affected the Mirai.
- There are under 100 stations in the United States as of 2024.
One of the main reasons the Toyota Mirai never fully took flight was its hydrogen power source, which as of now, looks bleak in most markets. The United States currently has ~60 active hydrogen refueling sites, with more planned for this year. That said, California is where almost all of the hydrogen stations are built or planned, making this car only somewhat accessible to that demographic. The technology behind the Mirai is stellar, offering drivers a silent, efficient driving experience, as well as a shorter refueling time. You don’t plug the Mirai in: You refill it. For under $50,000 for a 2023 model, the Mirai is a decent choice and makes for a great alternative to traditional electric driving and ownership.
In addition to its power-out technology, the Mirai’s one-speed direct-drive transmission ensures a smoother and more efficient driving experience. Paired with Michelin’s High-Tech Primacy Tires, the Mirai provides a comfortable, responsive ride, showcasing the integration of advanced technologies in its design. Toyota first launched the vehicle in 2014 and has since kept it alive in smaller batches. The 2023 edition was sleek and powerful, although we’re still waiting for Toyota to take this concept by the neck and dominate the industry using it.
READ the latest news shaping the hydrogen market at Hydrogen Central
Even Tesla ‘s SEXY Range Doesn’t Have This Feature That The Hydrogen powered Toyota Mirai Does – TopSpeed. source
