Cars and Drivers

Mazda Combustion Technology News Sends Jolt Through Electric Car Industry

Thinkstock

Not so fast, electric cars. Japanese automaker Mazda said Tuesday that it had achieved a breakthrough in combustion-engine technology that could keep gasoline-powered vehicles on the road a while longer, remaining a competitor with the electric car.

Mazda said in a press release that the engine technology will be up to 30% more efficient than the carmaker’s conventional systems. It hopes to have the system ready for 2019 models.

Mazda said in a statement:

In light of the rapid changes taking place in the automotive industry, the new vision takes a longer-term perspective and sets out how Mazda will use driving pleasure, the fundamental appeal of the automobile, to help solve issues facing people, the earth and society. … Mazda hopes to help create a future in which people, the earth and society can coexist with cars, to enrich people’s lives through a car ownership experience that celebrates driving, and to become a brand with which customers feel a strong emotional connection.

Mazda is a small player in the U.S. auto market, taking on 1.7% of market share, according to vehicle data provider AutoData. The announcement on Tuesday in Hiroshima comes days after Mazda announced a partnership with deep-pocketed rival Toyota to develop electric vehicles and build a $1.6 billion assembly plant in the United States.

Mazda’s announcement also comes about a month after Swedish automaker Volvo said it planned to switch to electric cars or hybrids.

Mazda calls its new compression-ignition technology Skyactiv-X. The new technology twins a turbocharger with a piston-compressed fuel-air mixture in a process that would allow combustion from compression alone, similar to a diesel engine. It would eliminate the need for spark plugs under certain conditions and make the engine more fuel efficient.

The carmaker said its goal is to cut emissions emanating from its vehicles to 50% of 2010 levels by 2030 and 90% by 2050.

Take Charge of Your Retirement In Just A Few Minutes (Sponsor)

Retirement planning doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. The key is finding expert guidance—and SmartAsset’s simple quiz makes it easier than ever for you to connect with a vetted financial advisor.

Here’s how it works:

  1. Answer a Few Simple Questions. Tell us a bit about your goals and preferences—it only takes a few minutes!
  2. Get Matched with Vetted Advisors Our smart tool matches you with up to three pre-screened, vetted advisors who serve your area and are held to a fiduciary standard to act in your best interests. Click here to begin
  3. Choose Your  Fit Review their profiles, schedule an introductory call (or meet in person), and select the advisor who feel is right for you.

Why wait? Start building the retirement you’ve always dreamed of. Click here to get started today!

 

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us?
Contact the 24/7 Wall St. editorial team.

AI Portfolio

Discover Our Top AI Stocks

Our expert who first called NVIDIA in 2009 is predicting 2025 will see a historic AI breakthrough.

You can follow him investing $500,000 of his own money on our top AI stocks for free.