The future vision of all-electric cars is expanding further over the time horizon, with Japanese automakers already preparing for the long-term survival of hybrids. Proof of this is that three local manufacturers have started developing new construction, which is usually not planned for 5 to 10 years. Toyota signed a cooperation agreement with Subaru and Mazda to develop innovative internal combustion engines.
Partners have three basic requirements against them. On the one hand, due to their small size, they allow the best possible use of space and give designers the freedom to create aerodynamically improved – and no less attractive – structures.
On the other hand, so that they can be used in electrified driving systems with better efficiency than they currently are, whether it is a full hybrid configuration, mild hybrid modules, or equipment that can be charged from the mains (plug-in hybrids or range-extension systems). Finally, these engines will be optimized to use e-fuel and hydrogen, thus reducing the carbon footprint of mobility.
Electronic fuel
E-fuel, also known as synthetic fuel, consists of carbon dioxide in the air and hydrogen that can be produced from water. It is currently expensive to produce, but its big advantage is that its efficiency is almost the same as that of conventional gasoline and diesel, it can be refueled in the same way, and it can also be used in cars currently in operation. Therefore, no major infrastructure changes are required to use it.
The three car manufacturers stressed that cooperation for R&D purposes does not mean that they will use the same engines in the future: all three partners will retain their typical configurations, that is, Subaru will use boxer engines, Mazda will use planetary piston engines, and Toyota will use in-line cylinder engines.
