Hydrogen-Powered Mirai Trials To Begin Next Year In Pen Malaysia

In addition to developing its EV infrastructure, Malaysia is introducing FCEVs that run on hydrogen. By the first quarter of 2025, three Toyota Mirai vehicles will be brought in by the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation (MOSTI) to be trialled in Peninsular Malaysia, The Star has reported.
The country's first mobile hydrogen refueling stations will be introduced alongside the hydrogen cars, according to MOSTI Minister Chang Lih Kang, as part of Malaysia's ambitious plan to transform the automotive market to have an equal proportion of gasoline-fueled cars, hydrogen cars, and electric vehicles (EVs) by 2050.

“The vision for a hydrogen economy positions hydrogen as a clean, low-carbon energy source that is capable of replacing traditional fossil fuels and becoming a key component of a clean energy portfolio. As a carbon-neutral energy source, hydrogen offers inclusivity and benefits for industry stakeholders,” he said.

According to Chang, his ministry will continue to use one of the Mirais to encourage the use of hydrogen, and the three vehicles will be powered by the previously mentioned mobile hydrogen stations that have been set up in Putrajaya or Cyberjaya.
“The total budget for the Mobile Hydrogen Refuelling Station (MHRS) cyber project is around RM12 million, with higher initial cost as it’s the first in the peninsula,” Chang added.

Discussing the features of hydrogen cars, Chang mentioned to The Star that refueling would take roughly five minutes, which is comparable to filling up a typical gasoline vehicle. Compressing, cooling, and producing hydrogen all affect the price. Green hydrogen production currently costs around US$6 (about RM28.15) per kilogram. A Mirai's 800-kilometer range would require 5.65 kg of hydrogen to fill up, which would cost roughly US$33.90 (about RM159).

Chang stated that it would gradually reduce the difference in price between fuel for new energy vehicles and gasoline-powered cars as the government plans to gradually eliminate broad fuel subsidies and replace them with targeted subsidies.

Additionally, Malaysia is working to replace grey hydrogen—which is made from fossil fuels like coal and natural gas—with blue hydrogen, which uses carbon capture and storage technology to cut emissions. The ultimate objective is to switch to green hydrogen, which is produced with renewable energy, lessen reliance on fossil fuels, and combat climate change by implementing carbon neutral projects.