Alas – Only in Palmerston North at the moment
Remember when hydrogen cars were pure science fiction? Well, that ‘future’ has just pulled into Palmerston North Airport. Toyota New Zealand has just launched the Mirai as New Zealand’s first hydrogen vehicle rental fleet, and it’s the kind of “future is now” moment that actually lives up to the hype.
The Mirai Moment – What You Need to Know
Think of the Toyota Mirai as the premium sedan that runs on water vapor instead of your typical unleaded. Three sleek hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs) are now available for corporate customers to rent from Ezi Car Rental at Palmerston North Airport, and this is genuinely groundbreaking stuff.
Here’s the magic: The Mirai generates electricity by combining hydrogen with oxygen and emits only water vapor. It’s the automotive equivalent of having your cake and eating it too, zero emissions, premium driving experience, and that “I’m driving the future” bragging rights at your next business meeting.
Why Palmerston North? Why Now?
Location matters, and Palmerston North has something most New Zealand cities don’t: the Hiringa hydrogen refuelling station right at the airport. This is the infrastructure foundation that makes this whole experiment possible. Think of it as the difference between being promised a flying car and actually having a landing pad ready. Anthony Kearns, Chief Executive of Ezi Car Rental, perfectly captures the sentiment: “Most of our customers have never seen a hydrogen vehicle, let alone driven one. That’s exactly why we wanted to be part of this.” It’s democratic innovation, letting regular (well, corporate) people experience tomorrow’s technology today.
The Nitty-Gritty: Your Hydrogen Questions Answered
Range and Refueling – Each vehicle offers approximately 250km of range per booking, making it perfect for exploring the Manawatū region. And here’s the best part: refueling takes just three to five minutes, comparable to your regular petrol car. Plus, rental vehicles arrive pre-fueled, so you don’t even have to figure out the hydrogen pump.
Driving Experience – Don’t expect a clunky eco-vehicle. The Mirai has “Lexus DNA in its ride quality and interior finish” and drives similarly to an electric vehicle. This is premium stuff wrapped in hydrogen.
Safety Credentials – Nervous about hydrogen? Don’t be. The Mirai boasts a full 5-star ANCAP rating and has been safely operating on New Zealand roads since 2022. The hydrogen tanks are made from high-strength carbon fiber, and multiple safety systems prevent any possibility of a cabin leak. Hydrogen’s lighter-than-air nature means any accidental release disperses upward rather than pooling dangerously at ground level.
The Cost of Tomorrow
Through to September 30, 2026, the Toyota Mirai is available at just $79 per day for eligible Ezi Business customers. That rate includes comprehensive insurance with zero excess and (you guessed it) hydrogen fuel. It’s basically the introductory price for experiencing tomorrow.
Booking Your Hydrogen Adventure
Only eligible corporate customers can book through the Ezi Business portal at www.ezibusiness.co.nz, and currently, it’s exclusive to Palmerston North Airport. No special license required, just your regular New Zealand driver’s license will do.
What’s Next?
Toyota New Zealand has approximately 17 Mirai vehicles to distribute nationwide, with the Manawatū fleet expected to grow over time.Hamilton and Tauranga are potential future locations as hydrogen infrastructure expands, though nothing’s confirmed yet.
The Bigger Picture
This represents Toyota’s broader commitment to carbon neutrality through multiple powertrain solutions—battery electric, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and now hydrogen. As Tatsuya Ishikawa, CEO of Toyota New Zealand, puts it: “The best way to understand new vehicle technologies is to experience them first-hand.” The Mirai rental programme is about making hydrogen stop being a concept and becoming something people understand from actual experience. It’s democratizing the future, one Palmerston North business trip at a time.
Tarmac Takeaway
Whether you’re a corporate traveler, an automotive enthusiast, or simply someone curious about where cars are heading, New Zealand’s first hydrogen rental opportunity is now parked at Palmerston North Airport. The future isn’t coming anymore, it’s available for booking at $79 per day.
