The head of the Air Resources Board on her beloved Mirai

Mary Nichols Shares the Joys of a Hydrogen Fuel Cell Ride

Nichols, one of our state government’s most prominent environmental leaders, has been named as one of Time’s 100 most influential people in the world for being a fierce champion of the cutting-edge technology and environmental regulations that have now been adopted by California, the U.S. and beyond.

L.A. Driver: What made you want to purchase a fuel cell vehicle?
Nichols: Someone told me I should put my money where my mouth is. This isn’t my first clean vehicle, as I also own a Honda FIT electric vehicle that I love. But it is certainly the most luxurious car I’ve ever owned. I really appreciate the sense of comfort I feel when I drive the car, the impressive safety features and I really love the color — maritime blue. That makes me happy.

What is it like to drive the Mirai?
It’s fun. I’m consistently getting 300 miles or more every time I refuel. There’s a great electronic dashboard that gives me all kinds of information about how I’m driving, including tailored feedback to encourage driving habits that will optimize fuel efficiency. I must say I never really thought of myself as having a lead foot, but when I first started driving the Mirai, I would get an efficiency score of just 19 or 20. But with some basic adjustments to my driving habits, now I regularly get scores of 50 or 60.

What’s it like fueling up the Mirai?
The first time I tried it on my own, I have to admit that I had a little difficulty. Even though I was trained the first time I fueled up, I guess I wasn’t paying full attention, so when I returned on my own, I had to call the toll-free number listed on the dispenser. They can monitor the station in real time and the operator was able to detect that I hadn’t properly sealed the nozzle. They talked me through what I needed to do and a few minutes later, I was all fueled up.

Who trained you to fuel the vehicle and was that part of the purchasing experience?
I can’t say enough good things about my salesman Eddie Fuentes (with LAcarGUY’s Toyota of Santa Monica). Toyota is so dedicated to these vehicles and they’re determined to make this a success. They’ve done an amazing job of training their sales staff to understand and promote FCEV technology. Unlike many of my other experiences with car dealers, Eddie continues to follow up with me to make sure that my Mirai experience, which includes free fuel, is positive.

Why would you recommend someone consider buying a fuel cell vehicle?
As you can imagine, I’m a fan of all zero emission vehicles. While many electric vehicles are great for most driving needs — and they’re getting more affordable and better range all the time — sometimes you need a vehicle that has more range. Occasionally I have to travel to El Monte or Riverside and it’s perfect for that. I would caution any prospective drivers that there are only a few local fueling stations open right now, but by the end of the year there will be close to 50 stations operating. I’m thinking about testing out the fueling network by driving my Mirai to Sacramento.

- See more at: Mary Nichols Shares the Joys of a Hydrogen Fuel Cell Ride - Los Angeles Magazine

 

Those that already have put their money where their mouth is?

 

Because you don't get it. There are many others where FCV is a better choice.

 

Also for Mary. She had Fit EV before the Mirai.

She would be the qualified person to know the plus and minues of each technology.

On the other hand, you are EV bias.

 

Mark still has a PiP and he posted pics with it next to his Mirai. So, there is no way, I think.

 

Because you are not just using battery. You are using fossil grid as your electricity storage (net metering) to charge your EV. You can continue to do whatever you think you are doing in Musk illusion.

There are others that value 3-5 mins refuel that gives 300+ miles range and not change your life style around a plugged car. Let them do what they want and respect their choice.

So that we are clear, I am not anti-EV. I love my plugin and think it is the best car for me. I also respect those that have BEVs and made it work for them. I am a niche owner since I have a garage and driveway to charge and willingly to do so with my grid connected pv system.

However, for the mass market adoption, FCV has the best chance to replace gas cars and hydrogen can be fossil fuel independent, just like electricity but without battery limitations.

There are cases where BEV is better than FCV so I am not dismissing it. PHEV can relief BEV limitations but also comes with legacy combustion fossil emission and maintenance but there is a niche market so I am not dismissing.

All I am saying is, don't dismiss FCV. My way of explaining it is by stating good things about FCV and how it is addressing battery limitations.

Don't mistake that with me being anti-EV.

 

Yes, gas pipeline grid but you don't have to use NG to produce hydrogen.

The biggest source of electricity in US is also natural gas so EVs are using both electrical and gas grids. Think of the cost of maintaing those infrastructures and include them to calculate EV cost.

Just like electricity, hydrogen can be produced from sun light. I don't get what's the hung up here.