Mazda has successfully demonstrated the full operation of its onboard carbon dioxide (CO2) capture system during the Super Taikyu Fuji 24-hour race, capturing and storing 804 grams of CO2 over the course of the event.
The result represents a 9.6-fold improvement compared to the company’s previous test in November 2025 and marks the first time Mazda has completed the entire process from CO2 capture through to onboard storage.
The technology was installed on the Mazda Spirit Racing 3 Future Concept race car and uses zeolite, a porous mineral that adsorbs CO2 from exhaust gases. Exhaust heat is then used to release the captured CO2, which is compressed by an electric compressor and stored in an onboard tank.
While Mazda’s earlier test successfully demonstrated the adsorption stage, the latest trial is the first to validate the complete capture, desorption and storage process under racing conditions.
The vehicle was powered by hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO), a carbon-neutral fuel already used commercially in Europe.
By combining renewable fuel with onboard carbon capture, Mazda reported that the system temporarily exceeded its CO2 recovery target for typical production vehicle applications, demonstrating the potential for carbon-negative operation under certain conditions.
Relevant: Mazda Launches First Mobile Carbon Capture Trials In Super Taikyu Series
Roadmap Towards Carbon-Negative Mobility
The latest achievement forms part of Mazda’s broader effort to develop carbon-negative mobility solutions. Following the successful race trial, the company is targeting short-term carbon-negative performance during Round 7 of the Super Taikyu Series in November 2026, where it plans to further optimize the technology and improve capture rates.
Looking further ahead, Mazda aims to adapt the system for wider automotive applications, with the goal of delivering carbon-negative mobility solutions for production vehicles by 2035.
The latest test highlights the company’s progress in exploring onboard carbon capture as a complementary pathway alongside low-carbon fuels and vehicle efficiency improvements to reduce transportation emissions.
Read more: Honda Invests $2.6M In Ohio Lab To Advance Hydrogen, Carbon Capture R&D
