Mazda Motor Corporation has begun demonstration experiments of an onboard CO₂ capture system, aiming to develop vehicles that reduce atmospheric carbon dioxide as they are driven.
The Japanese automaker announced the trials of its “Mazda Mobile Carbon Capture” system on 20 November, supporting the theme “The Joy of Driving Fuels a Sustainable Tomorrow” from the Japan Mobility Show 2025.
Mazda says it aims to realise mobility where “driving more leads to CO₂ reduction” by 2035. The company believes that if vehicles run on carbon-neutral fuel and capture the CO₂ they emit, it will be possible to reduce atmospheric CO₂ levels in proportion to distance travelled.
Racing trial demonstrates technology
The system was installed for the first time in a race vehicle during Super Taikyu Series Round 7, held on 15-16 November. The “MAZDA SPIRIT RACING 3 Future Concept” race car ran on biodiesel fuel, specifically hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO), which is a carbon-neutral fuel already in practical use in Europe.
The device uses zeolite with a porous structure as a CO₂ adsorbent and demonstrated that it can adsorb CO₂ from exhaust gases during the racing trial.
Mazda plans to continue demonstration experiments in the Super Taikyu Series next season to increase CO₂ recovery rates. The company says it will advance the technology and equipment based on insights gained from the trials.
The development represents an unusual approach to automotive carbon reduction, focusing on active CO₂ capture rather than solely reducing emissions. For Australia’s automotive market, such technology could align with the country’s commitment to net zero emissions by 2050, though commercial availability would depend on further development and regulatory approval.
Mazda says the work contributes to realising a sustainable mobility society, building on the racing environment to test and refine the carbon capture system under demanding conditions.
Join the conversation