A scandal surrounding the operation of Toyota Mirai hydrogen cars in California has escalated into a class action lawsuit by hundreds of owners against Toyota and its affiliates. The plaintiffs accuse the manufacturer of misleading consumers by exaggerating the prospects for the development of hydrogen refueling infrastructure and claiming that the market is ready for mass use of such cars.
Critical situation for Mirai owners
For many Toyota Mirai owners, the situation has become critical. Due to the cuts in the program for the development of hydrogen infrastructure in California, drivers often cannot find a working gas station. Those that exist are either closed for maintenance or have interruptions in fuel supplies.
Currently, there are only about 50 hydrogen gas stations in the state, and this number is not increasing despite promises from authorities and car companies. A few years ago, the California administration announced plans to spend tens of millions of dollars to create an extensive network of such stations, and leading automakers such as Toyota, Hyundai and Honda have been actively promoting their hydrogen models.
Financial burden and changing prices
In reality, many Mirai owners cannot fully use their cars, although they are forced to continue paying large amounts for car loans. For example, one of the plaintiffs said that she purchased a Toyota Mirai for $ 75,000 in July 2022, but soon faced the problem that it was almost impossible to find a working hydrogen refueling station. The car has been idle for a long time due to lack of fuel, but the $ 1,100 loan payments must be made regularly every month.
Another reason for the indignation of drivers is the sharp change in the cost of refueling. Previously, a full tank cost about $70, but now the price has increased to almost $200. This has made the operation of the Toyota Mirai economically unprofitable, even compared to gasoline or electric cars.
Implications for hydrogen mobility
The class action lawsuit calls into question the feasibility of further development of hydrogen mobility in California in its current form. Mirai owners are seeking compensation for damages and a review of warranty obligations from Toyota. The company has so far refrained from commenting, but the situation could significantly damage the image of the brand, which positions the Mirai as a technological breakthrough and transport of the future. Now experts predict that similar lawsuits could become a precedent for other regions and a "brake" in the popularization of hydrogen cars in the United States.