From reimagining the humble combustion engine to developing the all-electric cars of the future, Mazda is hard at work revolutionising the way we think about sustainability.
Words Ed Cooper
Despite the huge demand for companies to switch to more sustainable energy, automobile manufacturers still face numerous challenges when it comes to moving towards a greener and more electric future. Often, trickier elements such as regional charging infrastructures, emissions from power plants supplying electricity grids, and viable source materials can all trip up even the most well-intentioned and climate-conscious vehicle manufacturer.
For Mazda, a wider goal of achieving carbon neutrality across each vehicle’s life cycle by 2050 is proof that the brand is driving in the right direction and addressing these issues for a considerably greener future. One of the most effective ways for Mazda to pursue these objectives is through innovation in powertrain technologies across its range of vehicles, from combustion engines to plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and hybrids to fully electric vehicles (EVs).
That’s not to say the internal combustion engine (ICE) is taking a back seat. Far from it – Mazda still believes that innovation on the ICE plays a vital role within its future vehicle range, even as electric vehicles (EVs) become more prevalent. In fact, by 2030, 75 per cent of Mazda’s vehicles will be electrified ICE vehicles.
For a wider perspective, Mazda uses a life cycle assessment (LCA) that’s designed to calculate the environmental impact of a vehicle’s entire life cycle, from raw material procurement all the way to use, recycling and disposal. This is crucial to achieving actual reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, as infrastructure in each country differs and in certain regions EVs may in fact generate more emissions on an LCA basis than other engine counterparts.
In other words, there is no one solution that fits all. This is what Mazda’s multi-solution approach is all about – finding innovative solutions for its customers’ needs across the full range of vehicles and powertrains.
The e-Skyactiv X engine is a revolutionary engine from Mazda, achieving fuel efficiency and environmental performance by predicting energy input and output during driving.
It’s the first of its kind, using advanced combustion technology to achieve levels of performance and efficiency that were previously impossible.
Essentially, this engine combines the best of both petrol and diesel engines: it starts with a spark plug like a petrol engine and then uses forced-induction to ignite fuel within each piston like a diesel engine.
Mazda calls this Spark Controlled Compression Ignition (SPCCI), and it’s designed to generate more power while using less fuel and generating fewer emissions – up to 30 per cent less, in fact – than a regular petrol engine. From relaxed city drives to far-flung adventures, the e-Skyactiv X engine is ready and raring for any journey. The SPCCI engine combines the fuel-efficiency of a diesel engine with the power and drivability of a petrol engine, making it an ideal all-rounder.
The Skyactiv-G and Skyactiv-G Turbo approach the challenge of building fuel-efficient engines through high compression ratios: by compressing the air-fuel mixtures in the cylinders to much higher ratios than conventional engines, Mazda is able squeeze more energy from every drop of fuel.
At the other end of the compression spectrum is the Skyactiv-D, Mazda’s clean, highly efficient diesel engine that has one of the world’s lowest diesel-engine compression ratios. This enables a better mixture of air and fuel for a diesel engine that complies with strict exhaust gas regulations around the world.
On the racetrack, Mazda is taking experimentation one step further, with its Zekken 55 Mazda2 Bio Concept car, which is fuelled by 100 per cent biodiesel made from used cooking oil and microalgae fats.
Mazda’s hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) powertrains combine traditional engineering with innovative solutions.
The M Hybrid system, for example, uses a small generator to capture energy normally wasted during braking. This energy is stored in a 24-volt battery and used to power other interior accessories such as air conditioning, audio and system technology, saving fuel in the process.
The HEV system takes things a step further by allowing the car to switch between full electric and petrol modes without needing to plug in at the mains. Currently available on the Mazda2 in Europe, and North America in the future, the hybrid-electric vehicle is at the forefront of Mazda’s greener future.
However, if you prefer to plug things in, then the all-new Mazda CX-60 has PHEV technology. It has a petrol engine combined with an electric motor that allows for over 62km of pure electric driving, ideal for shorter journeys. The PHEV powertrain embodies Mazda’s multi-solution approach of utilising the right solution at the right time, by allowing long-distance driving through conventional fuel use, or switching to 100 per cent electric driving if you are covering shorter distances.
By 2030, Mazda aims to have all electrified combustion engines, PHEVs and HEVs benefitting from reduced emissions and higher efficiency, thanks to hybrid electric systems. Now that’s smart tech.
The MX-30 is just one part of Mazda’s commitment to pursuing the path to climate neutrality.
By 2030, Mazda plans to have all vehicles electrified: 25 per cent of Mazda vehicles will be EVs, with the remaining 75 per cent made up of electrified ICE vehicles.
Today’s electric model, the MX-30, is powered by a lightweight 35kWh battery. This can be charged from 20 per cent to 80 per cent in under 40 minutes on rapid charge, then go on to cover over 200km (NEDC).
This battery is reasonably sized, too. Having inspected the carbon footprint of its batteries during LCAs, Mazda found that, while a larger battery can often provide more range, it also often results in larger CO2 emissions during production. By using a smaller battery to power the MX-30’s motor, it helps to offset the emissions created during production for a true, emission-free Jinba Ittai experience.
Some images may depict overseas models or include optional features and accessories not available locally.
