Hundreds of Toyota Mirai owners are taking to the streets of Los Angeles and Sacramento to protest what they describe as a broken promise of clean, reliable hydrogen-powered transportation. The owners, represented by attorney Jason Ingber, allege that the lack of functional hydrogen fueling stations has turned their $50,000 vehicles into expensive paperweights. Many are paying hundreds of dollars monthly for cars they cannot drive due to infrastructure failures.

The Mirai, marketed as a zero-emission alternative to traditional EVs, was sold with a $15,000 fuel card to offset costs. However, owners report that unreliable stations and soaring hydrogen prices have rendered these benefits moot. Robert Adamson, a Mirai owner, recounted being towed multiple times after arriving at non-functioning stations. Actor Robert Palmer Watkins highlighted the impracticality of relying on sparse fueling points in car-dependent California.

Toyota acknowledges the challenges, stating that hydrogen infrastructure is still emerging. A spokesperson noted the company provides tools to locate stations and assistance for affected customers. However, owners argue that Toyota overstated the readiness of hydrogen technology and failed to deliver on its promises.

The lawsuit also targets the environmental claims of hydrogen fuel. While Mirais emit only water vapor, most hydrogen is produced from natural gas, a process that relies on fossil fuels. Critics accuse Toyota of greenwashing, as the fuel’s production undermines its eco-friendly branding.

Despite the backlash, Toyota remains committed to hydrogen as part of its broader electrification strategy. The company emphasizes its multi-pathway approach, which includes hybrids, EVs, and fuel-cell vehicles. Yet, for Mirai owners, the future of hydrogen cars hinges on resolving the infrastructure crisis that has left them stranded.