In efforts to realize carbon neutrality, Mazda believes that electric vehicles are not the only answer. They believe that customers must have a variety of options including not just electric, but hybrids and even conventionally-fueled vehicles.

To prove this concept, they are entering a Mazda2 racecar powered by the 1.5-liter Skyactiv-D running on 100 percent renewable bio-based fuel. The fuel is made from used cooking oil and microalgae fats.

This next-generation bio-diesel is made from sustainable raw materials such as microalgae fats and used cooking oil that do not compete with human food supply, which has been an issue with existing biodiesel fuel.

Even better, the fuel can be used on existing vehicles and equipment without any modification, and no additional fuel supply infrastructure is needed.

In August last year, Mazda confirmed that the performance of this bio-diesel, developed by Tokyo-based Euglena to be at par with petroleum-based diesel fuel. Mazda has since been using it in company cars equipped with diesel engines.

Now, Mazda will demonstrate the performance of Euglena’s Susteo-branded bio-diesel to the race track where it will be used in a Mazda2. The car, run by the NOPRO3 racing team, competes in the ST-Q class dedicated to companies experimenting with carbon neutral technologies such as Toyota’s hydrogen-combustion engine Corolla.

Mazda has revealed that plans are in place to use the bio-diesel fuel for the next season as well.

Under its corporate vision, Mazda aims to be a brand that continues to share a special bond with customers by providing cars that enrich their lives with the sheer pleasure of driving while at the same time continuing to pursue the challenge to attain carbon neutrality in 2050.