Topic: Toyota Mirai

The viability of hydrogen fuel cells is questioned, particularly their performance in cold climates where exhaust water can freeze and block tailpipes. A report from Latham, New York, describes ice balls forming in testing rigs at 10 degrees Fahrenheit. Despite infrastructure challenges, hydrogen pumps are being installed in locations like Union Station in Los Angeles to support vehicles like the Toyota Mirai.

A listener shares their experience leasing a 2018 Toyota Mirai hydrogen fuel cell vehicle in California. While the car offered significant rebates and free fuel, the infrastructure was plagued by offline stations and freezing fuel nozzles. The report concludes that hydrogen will not be a viable alternative to gasoline in the U.S. without a dedicated pipeline system.

Toyota unveiled the Mirai, a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle marketed as the "future" of eco-friendly transportation. However, the high cost of refueling stations—estimated at $4.3 million each—poses a significant barrier to the widespread adoption of a hydrogen-based automotive economy.