Toyota has slashed the effective price of its Mirai hydrogen fuel cell vehicle in California. By combining a $5,050 price reduction with an additional $15,000 worth of free hydrogen fuel, the car's cost to consumers could be as low as just over $15,000, depending on the lease deal. This aggressive pricing strategy aims to increase adoption of hydrogen vehicles and address the limited refueling infrastructure currently available.
In a strategic move to stimulate the adoption of hydrogen-powered vehicles, Toyota Motor North America has announced a substantial price reduction for its second-generation Mirai hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) specifically within the Californian market. This price adjustment, coupled with a generous incentive program offering the equivalent of $15,000 worth of complimentary hydrogen fuel, effectively lowers the barrier to entry for prospective buyers. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) for the XLE trim has been decreased by $9,050, bringing the cost down to $49,500 before factoring in any applicable federal or state incentives for clean vehicles. Furthermore, the Limited trim has seen a reduction of $8,050, positioning its MSRP at $66,000, again before incentives are applied.
The inclusion of the complimentary fuel incentive, which provides approximately six years' worth of hydrogen based on average driving patterns, further sweetens the deal. This allowance significantly diminishes the operational expenses associated with hydrogen refueling, a factor often cited as a deterrent to widespread FCEV adoption. With the application of the full $15,000 fuel incentive, the effective cost of the Mirai XLE can be as low as approximately $34,500, representing a considerable saving and placing it within a more competitive price range compared to traditional gasoline-powered vehicles and even some battery electric vehicles. This targeted approach within California leverages the state’s burgeoning hydrogen refueling infrastructure and its commitment to promoting zero-emission transportation solutions. Toyota's decision underscores a renewed emphasis on hydrogen fuel cell technology as a viable pathway towards a decarbonized transportation future and highlights the importance of strategic incentives in facilitating consumer adoption of this nascent technology. The move is clearly aimed at bolstering sales figures for the Mirai and demonstrating the practical feasibility of hydrogen-powered vehicles for everyday use.
Summary of Comments ( 10 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=42829795
Hacker News commenters express skepticism about the viability of hydrogen cars, even with the substantial price reduction and fuel incentive. Several point out the lack of hydrogen fueling infrastructure as a major hurdle, emphasizing the inconvenience compared to readily available EV charging. Others question the "free fuel" claim, suspecting it's baked into the cost and highlighting the ongoing expense after the initial allotment. Some commenters also criticize hydrogen's overall efficiency compared to battery electric vehicles, citing energy losses in production, storage, and transport. A few express interest in the technology, but the overall sentiment leans towards practicality concerns and doubts about hydrogen's future in personal transportation.
The Hacker News post discussing the Toyota Mirai's price reduction and fuel incentive generated a moderate number of comments, mostly focusing on the practicality and economics of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.
Several commenters expressed skepticism about hydrogen as a viable fuel source for personal vehicles. One highlighted the inefficiency of the entire hydrogen production and distribution process, arguing that battery electric vehicles (BEVs) are significantly more energy-efficient. This sentiment was echoed by others who pointed out the lack of hydrogen refueling infrastructure compared to the readily available charging options for BEVs. Another commenter questioned the "free fuel" claim, suggesting that its cost is likely built into the vehicle's price or subsidized, ultimately passing the expense on to the consumer or taxpayer.
Some commenters discussed the challenges of storing and transporting hydrogen. One mentioned the energy-intensive process of compressing or liquefying hydrogen, further reducing its overall efficiency. Another pointed out the safety concerns associated with storing highly flammable hydrogen gas, comparing it to the challenges faced by natural gas vehicles.
A few commenters touched upon the potential benefits of hydrogen, particularly for larger vehicles like trucks and buses, where the weight and range limitations of batteries become more significant. However, even these commenters acknowledged the current infrastructure limitations and the need for significant investment in hydrogen production and distribution.
One commenter offered a more nuanced perspective, suggesting that hydrogen could have a role in specific niche applications, such as long-haul trucking or in regions with abundant renewable energy resources for hydrogen production. However, they agreed that for the average consumer, BEVs remain a more practical and economical option.
A couple of commenters mentioned the environmental impact of hydrogen production, noting that unless the hydrogen is produced using renewable energy sources, it offers little to no environmental advantage over gasoline-powered vehicles.
While some comments briefly mentioned the Mirai's features and performance, the overall discussion primarily revolved around the broader debate of hydrogen versus battery electric vehicles, with the majority of commenters expressing skepticism about the viability of hydrogen for personal transportation in the near future. There wasn't a significant amount of discussion specifically about the Mirai itself beyond its pricing and fuel incentive.