Mazda claim new braking system will improve fuel economy by 10 per cent

For those questioning the green credentials of hybrids, Mazda offers an interesting new fuel-saving approach called i-ELOOP (’Intelligent Energy Loop’).

The way this works – now pay attention at the back, there will be questions afterwards – is by using an alternator to convert the vehicle’s kinetic energy into electricity as it decelerates, then using that electricity to power the climate control, audio system and other electrical components. 

The i-ELOOP uses capacitor technology, which Mazda claims is unique. Unlike batteries, capacitors can store and discharge large amounts of electricity very rapidly – they’re what power electronic photo flashguns – and Mazda’s capacitor, specially developed for vehicle use, can be fully charged in seconds. And here’s the thing: while ‘regenerative’ braking systems are quite common, unlike those found in hybrid vehicles i-ELOOP avoids the need for a dedicated electric motor and battery.

Mazda claims that in stop-start driving conditions i-ELOOP improves fuel economy by about 10 per cent - partly because, combined with the marque’s ‘i-stop’ idling stop technology, i-ELOOP can extend the period that the engine can be shut off. Fiendish.

Mazda does seem to be thinking creatively about alternative ways to save non-alternative fuels. Alongside i-ELOOP and i-stop, Mazda’a SKYACTIV technology aims to increase the efficiency of the internal combustion engine itself. The TAKERI concept car, a mid-sized saloon featuring both i-ELOOP and SKYACTIV, was introduced at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show. We’re told that the first vehicle for the UK and European market to have the full range of SKYACTIV technologies will be the CX-5 compact SUV, set for launch in Spring 2012.

[Photography: istockphotos.com]