Mazda to showcase 'i-ELOOP' system at Tokyo Motor Show

Mazda Motor Corporation has developed the world's first passenger vehicle regenerative braking system that uses a capacitor. The ground breaking system, which Mazda calls 'i-ELOOP', will begin to appear in Mazda cars in 2012. In real-world driving conditions with frequent acceleration and braking, 'i-ELOOP' improves fuel economy ay around 10 per cent.

The system is unique because it uses a capacitor, which is an electrical component that temporarily stores large volumes of electricity. Compared to batteries, capacitors can be charged and discharged rapidly and are resistant to deterioration through prolonged use.

'i-ELOOP' efficiently converts the vehicle's kinetic energy into electricity as it decelerates, and uses the electricity to power the climate control, audio system and many other electrical components.

Mazda will debut the system at next week's Tokyo Motor Show in the Takeri concept car, a next generation mid-sized saloon that features SKYACTIV Technology and KODO -Soul of Motion design theme.