Mazda, in collaboration with Japan’s National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) and Saudi Aramco, the state-owned oil giant of Saudi Arabia, is embarking on an initiative aimed at curbing carbon emissions linked to internal-combustion engines. This partnership emerges at a time when many automotive manufacturers are reallocating their efforts toward electric vehicles to reduce overall emissions.
Despite the industry’s shift, Mazda is not planning to abandon internal combustion engines anytime soon, forecasting that by 2035, 84 percent of vehicles globally will still be equipped with them. However, Mazda asserts that it can no longer rely solely on enhancing fuel efficiency. A statement from the automaker highlighted that the joint effort will examine the “well-to-wheels” carbon emissions associated with vehicles, encompassing emissions from fuel production as well.
According to Mazda, under this partnership, Saudi Aramco will create a fuel characterized by a refining process that produces fewer carbon-dioxide emissions. Meanwhile, Mazda and AIST will work together to develop an engine specifically designed to utilize this innovative fuel.
The concept of well-to-wheels carbon emissions is often cited as a critique of electric vehicles, suggesting that emissions from electricity production offset the absence of “tailpipe” emissions in those cars. While studies have disproven this notion, investigating emissions linked to fossil fuel production could lead to potential reductions. While gasoline and diesel vehicles may never achieve the cleanliness of electric vehicles, such efforts could prolong their lifespan in the market.
Mazda’s decision to participate in a project aimed at prolonging the life of internal-combustion engines aligns closely with the interests of oil companies. Instead of developing hybrid or fully electric powertrains, Mazda’s strategy for enhancing fuel efficiency has revolved around downsizing and optimizing traditional internal-combustion engines under its Skyactiv branding. This approach has yielded a range of vehicles that offer a pleasurable driving experience while being less costly to manufacture compared to hybrids or electric models.
Recently, Mazda has reaffirmed its dedication to internal combustion by announcing plans to introduce a homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI) engine, named Skyactiv-X. This advanced technology allows gasoline to ignite solely through compression—similar to diesel engines—eliminating the need for spark plugs. While it adds complexity, it underscores Mazda’s commitment to sustaining internal combustion technology.
This commitment is likely influenced by Mazda’s limited resources for independently developing hybrid or electric powertrains. The company is currently collaborating with Toyota on electric vehicle development, as well as with China’s Changan Auto for the creation of an electric SUV targeted at the Chinese market. Regardless of the outcomes from this new research initiative, Mazda will require electric vehicles to comply with increasingly stringent global emissions regulations.
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