Mazda has developed a carbon-capture exhaust concept that could potentially eradicate emissions from vehicles.

      Joel Feder

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      Mazda has devised an innovative concept for algae-derived biofuel along with an exhaust system that could, in theory, make gasoline-powered vehicles carbon negative. This means not only operating with lowered emissions but actually capturing more carbon than the entire process generates. The unique exhaust functions similarly to a diaper, absorbing CO2 as it exits the engine, eliminating the CO2 released during biofuel production. At least, that's the idea.

      The chances of this concept entering mass production are, uh, quite slim. However, it's an intriguing thought experiment. First, one must envision a scenario where we can produce fuel for vehicles from microalgae. Now, imagine Mazda has a hybrid-electric vehicle operating on this fuel. This is where the CO2-collecting exhaust system becomes relevant.

      As explained more eloquently by Carbon Capture Journal than I could:

      “[The] process of generating biofuel requires energy, and CO2 may be released to produce this energy. The CO2 emitted for energy generation is estimated to be about 10% of what is emitted during fuel combustion. Consequently, biofuels lead to a 90% decrease in total CO2 emissions compared to fossil fuels.

      Furthermore, the CO2 released in biofuel production can be offset by capturing the CO2 produced when this fuel is burned … If more than 10% of the CO2 emitted when biofuels combust could be captured, it would neutralize the CO2 released during the production process and, theoretically, vehicles using biofuel could lead to further decreases in atmospheric CO2 with increased usage, effectively becoming carbon negative.”

      So essentially, if a car could operate on biofuel and capture the carbon emissions from burning that fuel (using this CO2 tank-diaper concept), it could offset the emissions generated in the fuel’s production.

      While it seems such an idea would require extensive infrastructure to be feasible, it's undeniably an innovative way of thinking.

      If biofuel production could truly be mastered, there would still be practical hurdles in incorporating these CO2-capturing exhausts into vehicles—specifically, the weight and space they would occupy.

      However, perhaps there's a variation of this concept that remains viable even without refining the fuel. Achieving carbon negativity would be challenging, but a carbon capture system might be applicable to standard gasoline vehicles to reduce their harmful emissions to nearly zero at the tailpipe.

      Mazda has not committed to developing this, but Masahiro Moro, Representative Director, President, and CEO of Mazda, shared some thoughts on sustainability in a press release during the Tokyo Auto Show:

      “The phrase, ‘The joy of driving fuels a sustainable tomorrow,’ reflects not just Mazda’s core philosophy but also the heart of its future challenges. With the shared global mission of achieving carbon neutrality, Mazda believes that the joy of driving can drive positive change for society and the environment. We remain dedicated to meeting the wishes of those who love cars and aspire to keep driving for as long as possible.”

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