Japan leads charge in greener engine technology

In a recent article, Union Rayo highlights that Japan is pushing the boundaries of automotive innovation with a clear focus on creating greener engines for the future. As the industry shifts away from traditional internal combustion engines, many automakers are racing to develop new, eco-friendly powertrains. Among them, Mazda is charting its own path by unveiling a new car powered by a cleaner, more efficient four-cylinder gasoline engine.

While electric and hydrogen vehicles gain popularity worldwide as the future of clean transportation, Mazda believes there is still value in improving traditional gasoline engines. The company’s latest innovation, called Skyactiv-Z, promises reduced emissions and better fuel efficiency without sacrificing daily driving performance. It also offers the benefit of lower maintenance costs—an attractive feature for many drivers.

Globally, concern over climate change has driven automakers like Toyota, Honda, Nissan, and Tesla to invest heavily in electric vehicles (EVs) and hydrogen engines. EVs run on electricity and produce no tailpipe emissions, while hydrogen engines emit only water vapor, making both far cleaner than conventional engines. However, the high costs of EVs and limited charging infrastructure remain barriers, especially in some regions.

Mazda’s stance is grounded in these practical challenges. The company argues that many markets worldwide still lack the infrastructure needed for widespread electric vehicle adoption, and that improving gasoline engines to be cleaner is a realistic and necessary step toward sustainability.

Opinions on Mazda’s strategy are divided. Some advocate for a full shift to EVs, while others appreciate the company’s focus on incremental improvements that keep cleaner gasoline engines viable. Ultimately, as the automotive world evolves, the balance between innovation, cost, and accessibility will shape the future of driving—and Mazda’s new Skyactiv-Z engine is a notable player in that ongoing conversation.

By Naila Huseynova