Mazda is going to roll out its latest innovation in braking across its model range as of next year. The new i-ELOOP system, a regenerative braking system that aims to improve fuel economy by up to 10%, and the first model in the UK to benefit from the technology will be the next Mazda CX-5 compact SUV. This is expected to launch next spring and Mazda is promising that the new model will have better fuel economy and lower CO2 emissions than ever before.

So how does this newfangled technology work? The i-ELOOP converts the car’s kinetic energy into electricity as the car decelerates and then this newly generated electricity is used to power functions such as the climate control, audio system and other electrical components. The system can also store generated electricity and, unlike batteries, it can be charged and discharged rapidly and is less likely to deteriorate through excessive use.

It works in conjunction with the car’s stop-start function, extending the period of time that the engine can be shut off. The i-ELOOP will be unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show in the TAKERI concept car, a mid-sized saloon.

www.mazda.co.uk

By Georgia Lewis 

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