A new CarBuzz report calls Toyota's hydrogen strategy 'denial.' While the industry pivots to battery EVs, Toyota invests billions in fuel cells. With fewer than 60 hydrogen stations in California and Mirai sales below 4,000 units globally, is hydrogen already dead for passenger cars?
A new report from CarBuzz poses a blunt question: why does Toyota cling to hydrogen technology when the industry has clearly moved on? While rivals race to launch affordable battery EVs, Toyota continues to pour billions into fuel cells — a move the report calls ‘denial of reality.’
Why is hydrogen considered a dead technology?
The first reason is infrastructure. Even in advanced markets like California and Japan, hydrogen refueling stations number fewer than 60. In contrast, EV charging networks like Tesla Supercharger and Electrify America offer thousands of locations. For Gulf drivers, the situation is even worse: hydrogen stations are virtually nonexistent outside a few pilot projects.
Second, the cost of green hydrogen (produced from renewable sources) remains high — $10 to $15 per kilogram. That’s equivalent to the cost of charging an EV for 100 km at a fraction of the price. Efficiency also favors batteries: fuel cells convert about 40% of energy into motion, while EVs achieve over 80%.
Is Toyota alone in this path?
No, but it’s the most stubborn. Honda and Hyundai still develop fuel cells, but they’ve shifted priority to EVs. Toyota, meanwhile, pushes the Mirai as its flagship hydrogen car, yet global sales in 2023 were fewer than 4,000 units. In the Gulf, the Mirai is not officially sold, and no hydrogen infrastructure exists.
What about the future of hydrogen?
Hydrogen may have a role in heavy trucks, aircraft, and ships, where energy density and fast refueling matter. But for passenger cars, the battle seems over. Battery EVs are cheaper, more efficient, and have a growing network. Toyota risks losing its market leadership as BYD, Tesla, and Volkswagen flood the market with competitive EVs.
What is Toyota losing?
By insisting on hydrogen, Toyota may miss the EV revolution. The company that pioneered the hybrid with the Prius now lags in pure EVs. In the Gulf, where heat can affect battery performance, hydrogen’s theoretical advantage is overshadowed by the lack of refueling stations. Dealerships in Saudi Arabia and the UAE do not offer the Mirai, and there are no plans to introduce it.
Is there hope for hydrogen?
Recent advances in green hydrogen production and storage could improve the outlook, but they need decades to become economically viable. Until then, battery EVs remain the more practical and eco-friendly choice for most drivers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Toyota stop producing hydrogen cars?
There are no official signs yet. Toyota continues to develop the Mirai and plans new generations, but market pressures may force a rethink.
What is the difference between green and gray hydrogen?
Green hydrogen is produced using renewable electricity (solar or wind) and emits no carbon. Gray hydrogen comes from natural gas and produces CO2.
Are hydrogen cars better than EVs in hot climates?
In theory, fuel cells are less affected by heat than batteries. However, the lack of refueling stations makes them impractical in Gulf countries.
Is the Toyota Mirai available in Saudi Arabia or the UAE?
No. The Mirai is not officially sold in either country, and there is no hydrogen refueling infrastructure in the region.
Sources
- CarBuzz — Why Hydrogen Is Dead (And Toyota Won’t Admit It)
