Scientists Want Olympics Organizers To Drop Toyota Mirai Hydrogen Car: Nitin Gakari Owns One
The Olympic Games Paris 2024 have commenced and, along with it, a new controversy has erupted. It has been reported that around 120 scientists, academics, and engineers have written an open letter urging the organizers of the 2024 Paris Olympics. They have asked the Olympics to replace the Toyota Mirai as the official car of the games. The Mirai, as we all know, is a hydrogen-powered vehicle and is known for its zero tailpipe emissions. This has created an issue, and it is especially more concerning because Union Minister Nitin Gadkari owns one in India.
Why is Toyota Mirai being opposed?
Toyota Mirai is a luxury sedan that was launched back in 2014. After this, it quickly became one of the world’s first hydrogen-powered vehicles. The 2024 model boasts impressive features, like the ability to travel up to 650 kilometers on a single charge. It can also be refueled in just five minutes and emits only water vapor from its tailpipe.
However, despite these highlights, the Mirai has come under scrutiny due to its source of hydrogen fuel. As per the letter written by the scientists, hydrogen production largely relies on methane gas, which is a fossil fuel. So, promoting Mirai means that the hydrogen-powered vehicles are not as environmentally friendly as they are being told to be.
According to Professor David Cebon of the University of Cambridge, hydrogen vehicles require three times more electricity than battery electric vehicles (BEVs) for equivalent performance. This inefficiency then results in three times higher well-to-wheel CO2 emissions. He added that this challenges the perception of hydrogen cars as a green alternative.
India’s Bet on Green Hydrogen
Now coming to India, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways under the leadership of Nitin Gadkari is heavily investing in green hydrogen as a future fuel. Gadkari, who also owns a Toyota Mirai, has been seen promoting the vehicle and discussing its benefits and challenges.
He uses his Mirai as part of a pilot project to explore the viability of hydrogen as an alternative fuel in India. During a drive in his Mirai, Gadkari highlighted two major obstacles. The MoRTH minister stated that the lack of hydrogen refilling stations and the high cost and limited technology for producing hydrogen in India are major concerns.
However, despite these challenges, he remains optimistic and advocates for the establishment of hydrogen-filling stations. He is also aiming to reduce the cost of hydrogen production. As per the reports, the government is studying the feasibility of generating hydrogen from renewable sources.
These sources include recycled water from sewage and others. Gadkari believes that hydrogen-powered vehicles, alongside electric vehicles, represent the future of mobility in India.
Scientists and Their Claims
The scientists in the above-mentioned open letter have raised several critical points against the use of the Toyota Mirai at the Olympics. They have argued that while the car releases no tailpipe emissions, the environmental cost of producing hydrogen is too high.
This particular letter has been co-signed by experts from prestigious institutions such as the University of Cambridge, Oxford University, and the University of Colorado. It highlights that hydrogen-powered cars are only marginally better than traditional combustion-engine vehicles.
The scientists with this letter have contended that promoting hydrogen vehicles at a high-profile event like the Olympics could mislead the public. They added that it can delay the adoption of more efficient and sustainable technologies like BEVs.
It has also been emphasized that the electrification of vehicles is the most effective way to decarbonize the transport sector. The letter warns that Toyota’s promotion of hydrogen cars could harm international efforts to combat climate change. They added that the Mirai promotion can spread false and misleading information.
Hydrogen vs. Electric Vehicles
Apart from these scientists, billionaire Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, has also criticized the use of hydrogen for cars. Musk argues that hydrogen is an impractical choice for most applications, deeming it “silly for cars.” He added that they are only marginally sensible for rockets. He advocates for the broader adoption of BEVs, which Musk believes are the most viable solution for reducing emissions in the transport sector.