Toyota Mirai Used As Bomb By Ukrainian Forces

Electric cars are poised to replace internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles because they are better for the environment. Hydrogen fuel cell ones like the Toyota Mirai are supposed to be the most sensible option because they use hydrogen to produce electricity.

The hydrogen stored in its pressurized tank is fed to the fuel cell where it combines with oxygen to produce the electricity needed to power the car’s motor. Well, the Ukrainian forces found another use for the Mirai in its ongoing battle with Russia.

According to Euromaidan Press the Khorne Group of the 116th Mechanized Brigade managed to repurpose a junked Toyota Mirai’s hydrogen tank into an explosive device, which was then used to target the Russian-occupied region of the Aggregate plant in Vovchansk.

The hydrogen filled tank, which weighed 200kg, was guided by a ground drone to the intended target where it was then detonated. The explosion was large enough to cause considerable damage and ignite the ammunition stored nearby.

Hydrogen is extremely combustible, which is why it’s stored in the safest part of any fuel cell vehicle. Once heralded as a car that would replace ICE vehicles, hydrogen cars like the Mirai have fallen short of expectations.

The lack of hydrogen supply and infrastructure have made fuel cell vehicles less ideal compared to traditional EVs. This coupled with the fact that the power density and efficiency are far lower than a regular electric vehicle, make them a bleak prospect for an ICE replacement.

Lastly, they are expensive to produce, which makes them less attainable for the average Joe. That said, automakers like Toyota haven’t admitted defeat yet. In fact, they have doubled down on their effort to improve the technology even further.

Unlike certain rivals, the Japanese automotive giant believes that hydrogen power is a far more feasible alternative to the internal combustion engine. Unlike regular EVs, which require 30 minutes or more to recharge, hydrogen fuel cars require a 5-minute fill up to regain their full range.

This is a similar benefit to owning an ICE vehicle. And despite hydrogen being extremely combustible, if it does escape due to an accident or compromised hardware, it vents upwards to the atmosphere. This is in stark contrast to how leaked fuel forms a puddle in the immediate area around the puncture.