One of the most innovative manufacturers in the world has created a revolutionary device that could slash vehicle emissions further than previously thought.
Mazda has debuted the new "Mazda Mobile Carbon Capture" technology, which utilises carbon-neutral fuel derived from microalgae.
Displaying the new technology at the Japan Mobility Show, Mazda exhibited the Vision X-Coupe, which is designed to embody the "Kodo-Soul of Motion" design language.
Mazda said the X-Coupe was making use of a multi-solution approach to slash vehicle emissions, with the plug-in hybrid model having 160km of electric motor-only range.
The carbon capture technology integrates a CO2 collection system into the exhaust, allowing the carbon to be directly recovered from gases released.
The Japanese brand believes that exhaust gases offer higher CO2 concentrations, enabling a more efficient capture system for CO2.
This differs from other automotive manufacturers, who are working on technologies to capture CO2 directly from the atmosphere.
Mazda states that the recovered CO2 can be reused to promote crop growth or to create high-performance carbon materials.
Mazda has debuted its new Mobile Carbon Capture technology
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In 2022, Mazda confirmed that all of its factories worldwide would be carbon neutral by 2035, as it aims to make its entire supply chain carbon neutral by 2050.
It has also pledged to meet the 2030 and 2035 EU interim targets with its "multi-solution approach", featuring more zero emission vehicles and technological advancements.
Masahiro Moro, Representative Director, President and CEO of Mazda, praised the new technology, saying it would boost the brand's goals of achieving net zero emissions.
He said: "The phrase, 'The joy of driving fuels a sustainable tomorrow,' expresses not only Mazda’s fundamental spirit, but also the core of its future challenges."
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Mazda has not yet confirmed when the technology will be launched, with technical verification and business viability still to be analysed.
Experiments conducted by the automaker confirm that carbon can be separated from exhaust gases using a CO2 absorbent. This is made from porous mineral Zeolite.
The Fuchū-based manufacturer has already tested the technology by installing it in a biodiesel-powered Mazda Spirit Racing Mazda3 during the Super Taikyu Endurance racing series in Japan.
Throughout the four-hour race, the carbon capture device absorbed CO2 in exhaust gas under "challenging" motorsports conditions.
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Mazda confirmed that it would continue to test the technology on the Super Taikyu Series in 2026, with hopes of enhancing the CO2 recovery rate.
It also stated that the brand will continue the release of electrified vehicles, including mild hybrids, full hybrids and battery electric cars.
Mazda plans to unveil the Mazda6e electric vehicle in 2026, which will feature an impressive 345-mile battery range and capable of charging 146-miles of range in just 15 minutes.