Toyota, Subaru, And Mazda Will Develop Powerful And Efficient Carbon-Neutral Engines Together
Key Takeaways
- Toyota, Mazda, and Subaru are developing carbon-neutral combustion engines to combat CO2 emissions.
- The new engines will be compact, powerful, and designed for compatibility with alternative fuels.
- The trio aims to expand electrification options beyond conventional electric vehicles.
Toyota, Subaru, and Mazda have joined forces to develop new combustion engines for the electric and carbon-neutral era. The trio says these new powerplants will integrate electric drive units, batteries, and motors in an optimized manner, suggesting these ICE units will be plug-in hybrids of some kind. But that still doesn’t remove the pesky issue of carbon emissions. The Japanese automakers plan to “decarbonize ICEs by making them compatible with various carbon-neutral fuels.” This could likely be a combination of liquid hydrogen, synthetic fuels, and other alternatives.
2024 Toyota bZ4X
- Base MSRP
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$43,070
- Engine
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Electric
- Horsepower
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201 hp
- Torque
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196 lb-ft
- Drivetrain
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FWD
Toyota, Mazda, and Subaru are all taking the same approach to electrification. All three want to cater to different customer needs worldwide, something that an EV-only lineup cannot do. Whereas many see the combustion engine as the enemy, carbon emissions are the problem, and that’s what the group endeavors to tackle. Toyota has already extolled the virtues of hydrogen-fueled combustion engines in the crucible of motorsport. Mazda also uses motorsport to experiment with alternative fuels, such as a biodiesel-powered Mazda 3 Gr.4.
“In order to provide our customers with diverse options to achieve carbon neutrality, it is necessary to take on the challenge of evolving engines that are in tune with the energy environment of the future. The three companies, which share the same aspirations, will refine engine technologies through friendly competition.”
– Koji Sato, Toyota CEO.
Compact, Efficient, And Powerful Engines
The Hiroshima-based brand also plans to reintroduce rotary engines as it seeks carbon-neutral solutions. These engines will likely produce little to no CO2 emissions with electrification and alternative fuels. Details remain scant, but the new engines will reportedly “revolutionize vehicle packaging” as they will be more compact than the current crop of combustion engines despite being “highly efficient and powerful.”
The more compact engine design will allow engineers and designers to think outside the box and explore new aerodynamic and styling possibilities, further improving aerodynamics and fuel efficiency. The group has implied that these engines will be compatible with various alternatives, including biofuels, which suggests they can run on different types of fuels. Toyota has intentionally chosen a multi-faceted approach to electrification despite attracting negative attention for this. With demand for EVs waning of late, it’s clear that the Japanese brand had the correct approach.
“We will continue to offer customers exciting cars by honing internal combustion engines for the electrification era and expanding the multi-pathway possibilities for achieving carbon neutrality. Given the rotary engine’s compatibility with electrification and carbon-neutral fuels, Mazda will continue to develop the technology through co-creation and competition to ensure it can contribute broadly to society.”
– Masahiro Moro, Mazda CEO.
Multi-Faceted Approach To Electrification
Several automakers that were determined to go electric-only have now switched strategies and intend to launch more plug-in hybrids to meet the needs of consumers. That’s not to say Mazda, Subaru, and Toyota aren’t interested in EVs. While all three have been slow to join the party (Mazda and Toyota have done so intentionally), all three offer versions of electric vehicles – such as the bZ4X and Solterra – and plan on launching more in the future. Mazda recently launched an attractive battery-electric sedan for the Chinese market, for example. At the same time, Toyota has plans to introduce several new EVs in the USA in the coming years, including an electric Highlander.
Toyota invests in hydrogen fuel cell technology in addition to hydrogen-powered combustion engines. The automaker currently offers the hydrogen-powered Mirai luxury sedan, but also has plans to use hydrogen power in the Land Cruiser and Hilux pickup trucks.
“Achieving a carbon-neutral society is a challenge that must be undertaken by all of Japan’s industries and society as a whole. As we continue to refine electrification technology, we will also enhance our horizontally-opposed engines with an aim to use carbon-neutral fuels in the future. Moving forward, the three companies sharing the same aspiration will continue to advance the pursuit of sustainable excellence in Japanese car manufacturing.”
– Atsushi Osaki, Subaru CEO.
