Toyota’s Mirai, a pioneer in the hydrogen fuel cell vehicle (FCV) market, has made waves globally for its zero-emission technology and futuristic design. As India accelerates its transition to sustainable mobility, interest in hydrogen-powered vehicles like the Mirai has surged. However, the question that dominates the minds of potential buyers and enthusiasts alike is: What is the price of Mirai in India?
This article dives deep into the price, technical specifications, availability, incentives, and future of the Mirai in the Indian market. We’ll also explore how hydrogen fuel cell technology compares with electric vehicles (EVs), and what policy changes are needed for the Mirai—and similar innovations—to gain a foothold in India’s evolving automotive landscape.
Understanding the Mirai: A Quick Overview
The Toyota Mirai is not your average eco-friendly car. It doesn’t rely on batteries alone but uses a hydrogen fuel cell to generate electricity, emitting only water vapor and clean air. It is a symbol of cutting-edge green technology, representing Toyota’s commitment to a carbon-neutral future without solely relying on lithium-ion battery electric vehicles (BEVs).
Since its introduction in 2014, the Mirai has gone through a major redesign in 2020, boasting enhanced performance, increased range, and a more refined aesthetic. The second-generation Mirai offers a driving range of over 650 km on a single hydrogen tank, a level of autonomy that rivals traditional gasoline cars.
Is Toyota Mirai Available in India?
As of early 2024, the Toyota Mirai is not officially sold in India. Toyota Kirloskar Motor—the Indian subsidiary of Toyota—has not introduced the Mirai into the Indian market due to the lack of hydrogen refueling infrastructure and the vehicle’s niche status. However, this doesn’t mean that the car is completely absent from the country.
In a significant development, the Central government’s NITI Aayog proposed a National Hydrogen Mission and included hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) like the Mirai as part of India’s sustainable mobility future. Under pilot initiatives, a few prototype Mirai units have been imported by state-run oil companies and research institutions for testing in real-world conditions.
These prototype imports are often conducted under special government-approved testing programs, and are not made available for sale to the general public.
Pricing Considerations in India: Importation and Testing Units
Since the Mirai is not listed in the official sales catalog of Toyota in India, its price cannot be obtained through regular dealership channels. However, interested buyers or institutions can import the car through completely built-up unit (CBU) imports, where vehicles are brought in fully assembled from abroad.
Estimated Cost of Importing Toyota Mirai to India
Importing a Mirai into India requires navigating customs duty, taxes, and logistics. As of June 2024, the cost ranges are as follows:
| Parameter | Estimated Cost (INR) |
|---|---|
| Ex-showroom Price (USA / Japan) | ₹40 – ₹60 lakh (approx.) |
| Customs Duty + GST (40% – 45%) | ₹20 – ₹24 lakh |
| Local Taxes & Import Charges | ₹5 – ₹8 lakh |
| Total Estimated Cost | ₹70 – ₹90 lakh (approx.) |
Note: These figures are estimates depending on current exchange rates (USD to INR), customs policies, and import duties. The actual cost could vary widely depending on government regulations and the import channel used (individual or institutional).
Case Example: Toyota Mirai Imported for NGT-Funded Project
In 2023, under the National Green Tribunal (NGT)-funded pilot program, the CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory (Pune) imported two units of the second-generation Mirai for hydrogen fuel testing. The project aimed to analyze hydrogen storage, distribution logistics, and vehicular performance under Indian climatic and topographic conditions.
These units were cleared under exemption from full customs duties, making their entry more economical. However, this exemption is valid only for government or academic institutions conducting R&D related to green energy.
Challenges Hindering Mirai’s Widespread Market Entry in India
Despite its technological prowess, several barriers exist to the Mirai becoming commercially available in India.
Lack of Hydrogen Refueling Infrastructure
The most critical barrier in India’s FCEV adoption is the absence of hydrogen refueling stations (HRS). As of mid-2024, there are less than five operational hydrogen refueling stations in the country, all of which are located in metro cities and used for testing or demonstration purposes.
Without a robust refueling network, private ownership of hydrogen-powered vehicles is impractical and uneconomical, which explains why Mirai is not yet part of the commercial ecosystem.
High Import and Maintenance Costs
Since the Mirai is not manufactured locally, purchasing one involves high customs duties and GST, pushing the final price into the range of luxury supercars rather than even premium electric sedans. Additionally, maintenance requires specialized service centers, which Toyota currently does not have in India for hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.
Policy Gaps and Awareness Deficit
India’s EV policy framework is still in the early stages of accommodating hydrogen-based mobility. Subsidies and incentives under the FAME-II scheme are primarily focused on battery electric vehicles. There’s a major policy vacuum for FCEVs, which affects pricing dynamics and adoption rates.
Further, public awareness and confidence in hydrogen technology are low compared to conventional ICE and BEV models.
Comparison with Competing Technologies: Mirai vs. Other Luxury EVs
To understand the value proposition of the Mirai, it’s useful to compare it to other luxury electric or plug-in hybrid models that are or could be available in India.
| Vehicle | Technology | Range (km) | Estimated Price in India (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota Mirai | Hydrogen FCEV | 650 | ₹80 – ₹90 Lakh (Imported) |
| Tesla Model S Plaid | Battery EV | 630 | ₹2.5 Crore + (CBU Import) |
| Hyundai Nexo | Hydrogen FCEV | 660 | Not Sold in India |
| Mercedes EQS 450+ | Battery EV | 666 | ₹2.2 Crore (Local Production) |
| BYD Han EV | Battery EV | 610 | ₹45 – ₹50 Lakh (Expected Price) |
As you can see from the table above, the Mirai competes closely with the Hyundai Nexo in terms of technology, but it clearly beats many EVs in refueling time. Unlike plug-in EVs that require 30 minutes to 1 hour for fast charging, the Mirai can be refueled with hydrogen within 5 to 7 minutes, akin to traditional fuel vehicles.
Why Hydrogen Cars Like Mirai Matter for India’s Future
Hydrogen technology provides a promising alternative to battery EVs especially for long-haul transportation, urban buses, and industrial logistics. Here’s why the Mirai could be a part of India’s broader clean energy dream:
Cleaner Than Most Battery EVs
While battery EVs are cleaner than conventional cars, their emissions depend entirely on the energy mix used to generate the electricity. In a country like India, where over 60% of electricity is coal-based, FCEVs offer a truer zero-emission option when powered with green hydrogen.
Higher Range, Faster Recharge
For long-distance travel or commercial applications where downtimes matter, hydrogen vehicles like Mirai offer an operational advantage. Faster refueling and consistent cold-weather performance are key points where FCEVs outperform BEVs.
Alignment with India’s Green Hydrogen Vision
The Indian government has set an ambitious target of becoming a $10 billion green hydrogen producer by 2030. With this vision, incorporating hydrogen in transportation becomes not just a policy move but an economic opportunity to deploy technology where India leads the value chain.
What Lies Ahead for Mirai in India?
Several developments could expedite the arrival of the Toyota Mirai in the Indian market:
Setting up Hydrogen Refueling Stations
State-owned companies like Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), and NTPC are piloting hydrogen filling stations in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, and Bengaluru. These developments lay the foundation for public hydrogen vehicle operations.
Private Sector Entries and Local Partnerships
Toyota may partner with Indian firms to set up localized infrastructure, similar to how Tesla is exploring partnerships with Indian startups and logistics operators. A localized FCEV service system and coordinated refueling station networks are essential for mass-market acceptance.
Revised Policy and Tax Frameworks
If the FAME-II or upcoming government schemes introduce incentives for hydrogen vehicle purchases or importation via special green corridors, Mirai and other FCEVs may reach a more targeted and high-potential buyer base.
Incentives for Corporates and Government Fleets
One possible route for Mirai adoption is through fleet purchases by state governments or large corporations focusing on sustainable mobility. Toyota has already experimented with this model in Japan and South Korea.
Who Should Consider the Mirai in India?
Currently, the Mirai appeals to a very niche group with specific criteria:
- Diplomacy Vehicles: As a statement of environmental responsibility, foreign missions or UN agencies may prefer Mirai as part of their fleet.
- R&D Institutions: Public-led institutions involved in clean energy or transport innovation.
- Corporate Fleets: Companies aiming for net-zero goals with hydrogen refueling capabilities.
It’s unlikely to be a competitor to mass-market EVs or luxury sedans just yet, but its technological novelty and ecological performance are undeniable.
Conclusion
At present, the Toyota Mirai is not available for purchase in India, though prototype and demo units have been imported under special government and institutional programs. The estimated cost of importing a Toyota Mirai to India ranges between ₹70 lakhs to ₹90 lakhs, depending on customs regulations and logistics.
While it may not yet be accessible to the average consumer, the Mirai symbolizes an important milestone in India’s transition to multi-pathway clean energy in transportation. Whether hydrogen fuel cell vehicles will reach mass adoption depends heavily on policy reforms, infrastructure development, and public-private partnerships.
India is at the threshold of an eco-mobility revolution, and the Mirai—while currently a rare guest—might soon become a permanent resident on Indian roads.
Looking Forward
If you’re fascinated by the idea of hydrogen mobility and would like to see the Mirai price in India drop in the future, staying informed on policy changes in hydrogen energy is crucial. Subscribe to the latest from NITI Aayog’s hydrogen strategies, track developments from leading oil companies, and follow Toyota Kirloskar’s statements on advanced mobility offerings.
The Mirai story in India is just beginning. Are you ready to follow it?
What is Mirai and why is it gaining attention in India?
Mirai is a botnet that became widely known for orchestrating some of the largest Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks in history. It primarily targets Internet of Things (IoT) devices such as cameras, routers, and digital video recorders that are secured with weak or default passwords. In India, the discussion around Mirai has intensified due to the exponential growth in IoT adoption and an increasing number of cyberattacks affecting businesses and individuals alike. With rising internet penetration and device connectivity, India presents an attractive target for such malicious activities, prompting concerns about digital security and the real-world impact of these threats.
As more Indian users connect devices to the internet without adequate security measures, the risk of their gadgets being hijacked into a botnet like Mirai grows. The open-source nature of Mirai’s code has allowed new variants to emerge, further complicating the threat landscape. This has led to growing awareness and educational efforts among users, enterprises, and policymakers in India who are striving to understand and mitigate such cyber risks. Additionally, cybersecurity professionals often reference Mirai as a case study when advising on best practices for device security in both personal and professional settings.
Is Mirai itself sold in the Indian market, and if so, how much does it cost?
Mirai is not a commercial product offered for sale by a legitimate vendor or cybersecurity firm; instead, it is an open-source malware code that has been made publicly available online. After its source code was released on a hacking forum in late 2016, anyone with the technical know-how could modify and deploy it. Therefore, discussions about Mirai’s “price” usually revolve around the costs associated with deploying it maliciously or defending against it, rather than purchasing the code itself. In the Indian context, there is no official pricing from a vendor for Mirai, though cybercriminals might offer modified botnet services for hire.
In the dark web or underground communities, malicious actors may offer botnet-based services—including those derived from Mirai—for a fee. The cost can vary widely depending on the scale, duration, and intensity of the attack. In some global reports, rental prices for such botnet services have been noted in the range of hundreds to thousands of dollars. In India, while direct pricing information for Mirai-based attacks is scarce, anecdotal evidence from cybersecurity experts suggests that cybercriminals may demand significant sums. However, engaging in such activity is illegal and punishable under Indian cybercrime laws.
What are the costs associated with defending against Mirai in India?
The costs of defending against threats such as Mirai in India can include investments in various cybersecurity tools and services. These may encompass intrusion detection systems, firewalls, regular firmware updates, and network monitoring software tailored to detect and neutralize botnet threats. Enterprises, especially those managing large-scale IoT deployments such as smart cities or industrial automation centers, may also require advanced threat intelligence platforms or professional consulting services from cybersecurity firms. These expenses are vital components in a strong security strategy aimed at preventing devices from being compromised by malware like Mirai.
Additionally, businesses and individuals in India are increasingly adopting IoT-specific security practices such as changing default passwords, disabling unused services, and segmenting networks to minimize risk. While some of these practices involve little to no financial cost, others may require training programs or hiring specialized IT security personnel familiar with IoT threat landscapes. According to local cybersecurity analysts, many Indian companies have significantly increased their annual cybersecurity budgets by 20%–30% in recent years, partly due to rising concerns over botnets like Mirai. These investments are crucial to stay ahead of evolving cyber threats and protect digital infrastructure across the country.
Are there legitimate tools in India inspired by Mirai for network testing?
While Mirai itself is not a legitimate tool, it has inspired the development of ethical hacking and network testing tools designed to detect vulnerabilities similar to those exploited by the botnet. In India, cybersecurity professionals and network administrators sometimes use network scanning tools such as Shodan, Nmap, or OpenVAS to identify insecure IoT devices connected to their networks. These tools help simulate real-world attack scenarios, allowing users to remediate security gaps before they can be exploited by malicious botnets like Mirai.
In educational and research settings, institutions like the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and cybersecurity training centers often incorporate Mirai’s attack mechanisms into their curriculum to teach students about IoT vulnerabilities. Such training programs do not involve using Mirai maliciously, but rather dissect its code to understand how botnets operate and how to defend against them. While these tools and courses may have licensing fees or tuition charges, they serve an important role in improving Indian cyber resilience. Understanding Mirai’s methodology helps prepare security experts to better protect both personal and enterprise-level networks in a proactive manner.
How has the Indian government responded to threats like Mirai?
The Indian government has taken several steps to address cybersecurity threats, including those involving botnets like Mirai. One of the key initiatives is the formation of the Computer Emergency Response Team of India (CERT-In), which works to respond to cyber incidents, issue advisories, and guide organizations in improving their cybersecurity postures. CERT-In frequently warns about vulnerabilities exploited by Mirai and similar threats, and advises both individuals and enterprises to secure IoT devices properly. Additionally, the government has introduced stricter regulations for manufacturers and service providers to comply with baseline cybersecurity norms.
In recent years, India has also drafted and implemented more robust cybersecurity policies like the National Cyber Security Strategy, which aims to build a secure digital ecosystem. This includes measures for securing IoT devices deployed at scale across industries such as energy, healthcare, transport, and smart cities. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) encourages public-private partnerships to foster innovation in cyber defenses and promote the adoption of international standards like ISO/IEC 27001. While the government’s approach is still evolving, its policy focus on cybersecurity indicates a growing awareness of threats like Mirai and the need for nationwide protection strategies.
Can an average user in India protect their smart devices from Mirai botnet attacks?
Yes, an average user in India can take effective measures to protect their smart devices from being hijacked into a Mirai-like botnet. Basic security practices include changing default usernames and passwords on IoT devices, disabling Telnet access, updating firmware regularly, and installing security patches as soon as they become available. Users should also ensure that only necessary services are enabled on their devices and that they are connected to secure, well-configured home networks. Awareness and implementation of these steps have been rising in India due to increased educational campaigns by government and private sectors.
Additionally, tools such as network firewalls, parental control routers, and intrusion detection systems are becoming more accessible to regular users. Many of these technologies can be configured to monitor traffic patterns and flag any unusual behavior—potentially signaling a Mirai infection. Indian internet service providers and consumer electronics retailers have started offering guidance or bundled security features with smart home devices. As awareness grows and user-friendly cybersecurity tools become more readily available, Indian consumers are increasingly empowered to defend their networks and connected devices against emerging botnet threats.
How does Mirai compare to other botnets in terms of risk and detection in India?
Mirai is particularly dangerous because of its focus on IoT devices, which often lack the same security updates and protections found on traditional computers and servers. Compared to other botnets like Zeus or Emotet, which primarily target desktops and mobile devices, Mirai exploits the growing number of inadequately secured IoT gadgets. This makes detection and mitigation more challenging, especially in India, where many smart devices are shipped with outdated firmware or no clear update path. As such, the risk associated with Mirai is unique and increasingly relevant in the Indian context as IoT adoption accelerates.
However, detection technologies for botnet activity including Mirai have improved over the years. Indian organizations are leveraging AI-based analytics and behavior monitoring to detect anomalous activity on their networks, even from devices without robust built-in security. In comparison to other botnets, Mirai’s signature is relatively distinctive due to its known exploitation patterns, which include exploiting default credentials and generating high-volume DDoS attacks. Security professionals in India have developed response strategies tailored to these indicators, helping organizations and individuals more effectively defend against Mirai and similar IoT-focused threats.