Mazda Motor Corporation has made significant progress in its efforts to develop an onboard carbon dioxide capture system, known as 'Mazda Mobile Carbon Capture.' The company recently conducted a successful demonstration test during the Super Taikyu Series 2026, showcasing the system's ability to store CO2 while driving.
During the test, held from June 5 to 7, 2026, Mazda's race car, the 'MAZDA SPIRIT RACING 3 Future concept,' was equipped with a CO2 desorption function and storage tank. The vehicle utilized carbon-neutral hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) as fuel. The test demonstrated the integrated process of capturing, desorbing, and storing CO2, achieving a total capture of 804 grams, a significant improvement from previous tests.
The demonstration marks a step forward for Mazda's goal of carbon-negative mobility by 2035. The company aims to achieve short-term carbon negativity in racing conditions, with plans to test this at Round 7 of the Super Taikyu Series in November.
Mazda's approach involves using zeolite as an adsorbent, which releases CO2 when heated. The captured CO2 is compressed and stored using the exhaust heat generated during driving. This process was successfully demonstrated as a complete system for the first time during the 24-hour race.
In addition to the storage experiment, the combined effect of CO2 reduction through HVO and the capture system temporarily exceeded Mazda's target recovery level for production vehicles, indicating potential for carbon-negative operation in everyday use.
Looking ahead, Mazda plans to collaborate with partners to refine the technology and equipment, contributing to a sustainable mobility society. The company is focused on further improving the system for use in both racing and production vehicles.