How often do you have to fill a hydrogen car?

Filling up a hydrogen car often raises questions about convenience and efficiency. Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, like the Toyota Mirai, typically offer a range of over 300 miles per full tank and refueling can take only about 3 to 5 minutes, making the process similar to refueling a gas car. However, based on various sources, the experience might vary significantly due to the availability of hydrogen fueling stations and potential waiting times.

Hydrogen Fueling Overview

Fuel cell electric cars are designed to travel over 300 miles on a full tank of hydrogen. The act of refueling is straightforward and can be completed within a few minutes, just like at traditional gas stations. Check out how fuel cells are different from other types of electric vehicles.

Most hydrogen fueling stations are integrated with existing gas stations, utilizing dispensers that bear a resemblance to traditional ones, albeit with different nozzles and hoses.

In California, there are currently more than 60 hydrogen stations, with additional locations in development. Though the infrastructure is expanding, most stations are situated in core urban areas and strategically placed for statewide travel convenience.

Refueling Experience: Waiting for Hydrogen

Refueling a hydrogen vehicle usually follows a simple process: you open the fuel door, connect the nozzle, and the refueling starts. For example, the second-generation Toyota Mirai can get enough energy for about 650 kilometers in roughly five minutes. However, due to limited dispensers at some locations, this five-minute fill-up can become a lengthy ordeal.

At one San Diego station, after waiting for approximately 45 minutes, Jackie Birdsall, a senior engineering manager at Toyota Motor North America, noted that the average refueling time can extend beyond an hour. Frustratingly, her observation of the station's lone dispenser highlighted a challenge: multiple cars lined up for hydrogen fuel can create significant delays. In some cases, nozzles might freeze during refueling, delaying the process even further.

Birdsall pointed out that enhancing the number of hydrogen dispensers at fueling stations is crucial for user experience so that long queues are minimized, stating, “It doesn’t matter if it only takes you five minutes to refill. If you’re car No. 8 in line, you’re going to be waiting at the station for a while.” Newer stations tend to feature multiple dispensers, allowing refueling for potentially 500 to 1,000 zero-emission vehicles each day. The growing hydrogen network is essential to increase consumer adoption.

Cost to Fill Up

While hydrogen is relatively expensive to produce, filling up a Toyota Mirai is currently more economical compared to a conventional gas vehicle. In Canada, hydrogen costs around $13 per kilogram; since the Mirai holds 5.6 kilograms, a full refill would cost approximately $75. In contrast, filling a Toyota Camry, with its 61-litre capacity priced at $2 per litre, would amount to about $122.

Infrastructure Development

Despite the promising growth, the hydrogen infrastructure still lags behind electric vehicle (EV) charging systems. Birdsall advocates for increased investment in hydrogen stations, similar to the significant funding allocated towards electric vehicle infrastructure. Currently, there are 50 active hydrogen stations in California and a few others in Canada, with more expected in the future.

Safety Considerations

Hydrogen safety is often a concern for potential users. However, Birdsall reassured that hydrogen, while flammable, is handled safely in the industry. “People think of hydrogen as a scary, volatile molecule. But we’ve used hydrogen safely in industrial, commercial processes for over 50 years,” she stated. The Mirai has undergone strict safety tests to ensure it can withstand extreme conditions.

Conclusion

The Toyota Mirai illustrates a significant step toward zero-emission vehicles that can effectively replace traditional gas-powered cars. However, its practicality is currently hindered by limited refueling infrastructure. Although the Mirai provides a glimpse into the future of eco-friendly driving, its success hinges on the widespread availability of hydrogen fueling stations.

For further insights, explore more about hydrogen filling stations.