Toyota Introduces Hydrogen Car Rentals in Manawatū
Toyota has launched hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle rentals in Manawatū, New Zealand, offering the Mirai at $79 a day.
The Bottom Line
- Consumer access: The program tests consumer infrastructure bottlenecks at a rental price point of $79 daily.
- Infrastructure Bottlenecks: Refuelling is currently constrained by localized access, as Palmerston North Airport hosts the only hydrogen refuelling infrastructure outside Auckland.
- Strategic Positioning: The move sits alongside Toyota’s expanding range of full battery-electric vehicles, including the Hilux BEV and bZ4X fully-electric SUV.
Evaluating the Infrastructure and Regional Economics
The operational footprint of the new rental offering remains bound by regional refueling capabilities. The rollout is anchored in Palmerston North, where Taranaki-based clean energy company Hiringa Energy operates a hydrogen fueling station. Hiringa Energy, founded in 2017, previously secured a $16 million government loan to construct a network of refuelling stations, including infrastructure for hydrogen trucks, imported by fleet-leasing company TR Group.
For customers testing the technology—such as Manawatū Mayor Grant Smith, who served as the first customer for a Mirai rental—refuelling takes between three and five minutes. However, the geographic scope is restricted. Vehicles must be returned to Palmerston North Airport, currently the sole operational refuelling site outside Auckland. While Toyota points to Hamilton and Tauranga as potential future locations as the network grows, nothing is confirmed, the company says.
Supply Chain and Production
Hiringa Energy produces green hydrogen on site via an electrolyser that splits municipal water using electricity, feeding into its network alongside wind and solar projects. A key issue with the clean fuel technology is whether fossil fuels are used to produce it. Auckland start-up CullBeck notes that variant termed “grey hydrogen” is substantially more affordable, though it compromises the eco-friendly narrative.
| Vehicle Model | Powertrain Type | Refuelling Time |
|---|---|---|
| Toyota Mirai | Hydrogen Fuel Cell | 3 to 5 minutes |
Safety Architecture and Market Reception
To alleviate potential worries, Toyota points out that the Mirai possesses a maximum five-star Ancap rating alongside an accident history completely free of vehicle fires. It features carbon-fibre reinforced tanks designed to withstand significant impact.
“Hydrogen has an excellent safety record and some fundamental physical advantages over petrol,” Toyota stated, noting that because hydrogen is lighter than air, any accidental release disperses upward rather than pooling. The automotive manufacturer explains that specialized detectors capable of sensing hydrogen presence are positioned near the storage vessels to automatically close isolation valves and shut down the vehicle upon identifying any leak.
The Mirai is essentially a technology showcase for hydrogen’s potential. In markets such as California, where one of the few public hydrogen refuelling networks exists, the vehicle retails from US$53,090 ($91,089).
Strategic Outlook
By partnering with energy providers like Hiringa Energy, automotive distributors can assess demand. The Mirai has “Lexus DNA” in its interior and exterior finish, Toyota says.
