Mazda: Alternative technologies under test
LABOR ON WHEELS With the Mazda 2 Bio Concept, the Japanese automaker is testing alternative energy sources for fast laps around the circuit. Developments are always geared toward the goal of CO2 neutrality by 2050.
The smell of cooking oil in the air at the Fuji 24 Hours this June was not coming from the track's kitchen, but from pit 27, where mechanics from the Mazda racing team were pouring a somewhat special fuel into their race car. The race-ready Mazda 2 competed in the ST-Q class, which was created for non-homologated vehicles that would serve development purposes. The Zekken 55 Mazda 2 Bio Concept was powered by 100 percent biodiesel made from used cooking oil and microalgae grease.
Drive solutions according to region
Although the turn to battery-electric passenger cars is now progressing rapidly, especially in Europe, Mazda believes that many questions remain on the subject. Where does the electrical energy for these cars come from? What about the sustainability of the raw material supply? What is happening in countries where electrification has not yet taken hold?
Akira Marumoto: President and CEO of Mazda Motor Corporation: "We are taking a multi-pronged approach with different drive solutions - depending on the region and local regulations.
Mazda 3 with biodiesel or e-fuels
For example, although the Japanese already offer fully electric models, they also want to further develop cars powered by pure e-fuels or e-fuel mixtures. At the moment, the Mazda 2 Bio Concept is still a laboratory on wheels. For the 2023 season, however, Mazda is developing a new racing car based on the Mazda 3 - also powered by biodiesel.
